Banishree Scholarship (Odisha)
About the Program
The Banishree Scholarship provides monthly financial assistance ranging from ₹400 to ₹700 per month (₹4,800 to ₹8,400 annually) to students with disabilities in Odisha pursuing education from primary to postgraduate level in recognized institutions with family income below ₹60,000 per year including additional reader allowance for visually impaired students and transport allowance for orthopedically handicapped students to reduce dropout rates and promote inclusive education.
Benefits & Financial Support
Direct financial assistance for tuition and living expenses.
Inclusions
Monthly financial assistance ranging from ₹400 to ₹700 based on education level, Primary School (Class 1-5): ₹400 per month (₹4,800 annually), Middle and High School (Class 6-11): ₹500 per month (₹6,000 annually), College/University (+2 and above): ₹700 per month (₹8,400 annually),
Students studying outside
Odisha: ₹250 per month (if course unavailable in Odisha and not covered by Government of India scholarships),
Additional
Reader
Allowance for
Visually
Impaired: ₹400 per month (requires institution certification of continuous reader employment),
Additional
Transport
Allowance for
Orthopedically
Handicapped: ₹160 per month, Payment in two installments per academic year through Direct Benefit Transfer, Scholarship continues even if student fails a year as long as enrolled and attending regularly, Medical absence up to 3 months does not stop payment, Covers special schools registered under PWD Act 1995 not receiving government grant-in-aid, Supports distance education from recognized universities and government institutes, Includes technical vocational and professional training institutes, Over 23,600 students benefited in 2024-25, Scheme operational since April 1 2008, Recent increase in amounts announced December 21 2024
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
School (1-5), School (6-12), Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC
Must be enrolled in All regular courses - Primary, Middle, High School, Higher Secondary, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Technical, Vocational, Professional, Distance Education from recognized universities.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
For students with disabilities (40% or more disability certified by Medical Board) who are bonafide residents of Odisha
Student must be enrolled as regular student in recognized educational institution within Odisha (or outside if course unavailable in state)
Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹60,000 (BPL families exempt from income certificate)
Student must NOT be receiving any other financial assistance stipend or scholarship from State Government or Central Government under any other scheme - this is exclusive scholarship that cannot be combined with others
All categories eligible - General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC
Both boys and girls eligible
Covers students from Class 1 through Postgraduate level including distance education technical vocational and professional courses
Students studying outside Odisha eligible only if course not available in Odisha and not covered by Government of India scholarship schemes
Payment made in two installments per academic year only after verifying regular attendance
Scholarship paid from month of admission through final exam month
Students continue receiving scholarship even if they fail and repeat a year provided they remain enrolled and attend classes regularly
Special schools registered under PWD Act 1995 included even if not receiving government grant-in-aid.
Renewal Policy
Yes - for duration of course subject to attendance
Application Process
1. Visit official SSEPD Portal at https://ssepd.odisha.gov.in/ or State Scholarship Portal at https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/, 2. On homepage click on Banishree Scholarship option, 3. Click on New Application and then Proceed button, 4. Complete Aadhaar-based verification by entering Aadhaar number, 5. Fill application form with complete details: Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Type of Disability, Age, Police Station, District, Subdivision, Block, Village/Town, Citizenship status, Caste category, 6. Enter educational details: Institution name, Course, Class/Year, 7. Upload all required documents: Disability certificate, Income certificate, Last marksheet, Bank details, Photograph, 8. Enter bank account details: Account number, Account holder name, IFSC code, MICR code, 9. Review all entered information carefully, 10. Click Submit button to complete application, 11. Download and print acknowledgment receipt with application number, 12. For offline application: Visit Sub-Collector, Block Development Officer, or Head of Institution to obtain form, 13. Fill offline form and attach documents, submit at same office, 14. Track application status using application number on portal
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
31 December 2025
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.What types of disabilities are covered under this scholarship?
All types of disabilities certified by Medical Board showing 40% or more disability are covered - including physical disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities, and multiple disabilities.
Q.Can I receive this scholarship along with Post-Matric SC/ST scholarship?
No, Banishree Scholarship cannot be combined with any other State or Central Government scholarship. Students must choose one scheme only. This is different from most Odisha scholarships which allow stacking.
Q.What if I fail my exams and repeat the year?
You will continue receiving the scholarship as long as you remain enrolled and maintain regular attendance in classes, even if you do not pass the examination in a particular year.
Q.I am studying MBA outside Odisha. Am I eligible?
Only if MBA course is not available in Odisha AND not covered by any Government of India scholarship scheme. You would receive ₹250 per month for courses outside the state.
Q.Do I need to reapply every year?
The scheme continues for the duration of your course as long as you meet attendance requirements. Check with your institution about renewal process - some may require annual verification.
Help & Contact Support
Official Support
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. However, scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Government of Odisha website before final submission.
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Submit your application through the official portal. Ensure all documents are scanned and ready for upload.
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