Banishree Scholarship (Odisha)
Government of Odisha · Odisha
| Scheme Name | Banishree Scholarship (Odisha) |
| Provided By | Government of Odisha |
| Eligibility Summary | School (1-5), School (6-12), Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC · Odisha residents · Family income up to ₹0.6 Lakh/year |
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
₹8k+
The Banishree Scholarship provides monthly financial assistance, disbursed in two installments per academic year, directly into Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Students aged 18 and above must have individual bank accounts, while minors require a joint account with a parent/guardian. Monthly scholarship rates for students studying *inside the state* are: * Primary (Standard I to V): ₹400 * Middle and High School (Standard VI to X/XI): ₹500 * College (+2 & +3): ₹600 * College (P.G.): ₹700 * Technical and Vocational Training: ₹700 Students prosecuting normal courses of study or technical/vocational/professional education/training *outside the state*, for courses not available in Odisha and not covered by Government of India scholarships, receive ₹250 per month. Additional allowances: * **Reader's Allowance:** For visually challenged candidates, ₹200 per month for primary classes, ₹300 for middle and high school classes, and ₹400 per month for other higher studies, provided continuous employment of a reader is certified by the head of the institution and no similar assistance is received from the Government of India. * **Transport Allowance:** For orthopedically handicapped students with 75% or above disabilities requiring special transport arrangements, an additional monthly allowance of ₹200 per month may be sanctioned, if not covered by the integrated education scheme.
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 & Income Limit
| Education Level | School (1-5), School (6-12), Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | Up to ₹0.6 Lakh/year |
| Category / Caste | All |
| Domicile State | Odisha |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Aadhaar card
- ✓Disability Certificate issued by Medical Board (must show 40% or more disability)
- ✓Last examination marksheet attested by Head of Institution or gazetted officer
- ✓Income Certificate issued by Tahasildar or competent authority (Not required for BPL families)
- ✓Residence certificate or proof of Odisha residency
- ✓Bank passbook with account number and IFSC code (students above 18 must have individual account, minors need joint account with parent/guardian)
- ✓Recent passport size photograph
Selection Process
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Candidates for the Banishree Scholarship are selected based on fulfilling specific eligibility criteria
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Applicants must be bona fide residents of Odisha and possess a valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card
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They must be regularly enrolled students in a recognized educational institution, from primary school up to postgraduate, technical, vocational, or professional courses
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The parental/family annual income of the applicant must not exceed ₹60,000 per annum, and neither parent should be an income taxpayer
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Students receiving financial assistance/stipend/scholarship from State or Central Government under any other scheme are not eligible
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Applications are first submitted to the head of the institution for verification and then forwarded to the sanctioning authority for approval.
Renewal Policy
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The scholarship is automatically renewed and continues as long as the student remains enrolled and regularly attends any recognized institution
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Notably, failure to pass an examination in a particular year will not disqualify the student from receiving the scholarship, provided they maintain regular attendance
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Some sources indicate a requirement to maintain at least 75% attendance for continued eligibility.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Form-only. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in) or the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department website (ssepd.odisha.gov.in).
- 2New Application
Look for the 'Banishree Scholarship' section and click on 'New Application' or 'Apply Now'.
- 3Aadhaar Verification
It is mandatory to verify your Aadhaar details first. Enter your Aadhaar number and other required details to proceed.
- 4Fill Application Form
Complete the online application form with accurate details, including: * Student Details (Name, Gender, DOB, Social Category, Nature of Disability, UDID Certificate Number, Mobile Number) * Institute Details (Studying Inside/Outside Odisha, Institute Name, District) * Other Details (Whether you've received other scholarships, if visually challenged and engaged a reader, if orthopedically handicapped and require special transport) * Bank Account Details (Account Holder Name, Account Number, IFSC Code)
- 5Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of the following mandatory documents: * Disability Certificate issued by a Medical Board (UDID card is essential) * Income Certificate issued by a Revenue Officer (not below the rank of Tahasildar), or equivalent status (not required for BPL families) * Mark sheets of the last examination passed, duly attested by a Gazetted Officer or Head of the Institution * Passport-sized photograph * Aadhaar Card copy * Bank Passbook copy (clearly showing Account Number and IFSC Code)
- 6Review and Submit
Carefully review all the information provided before submission. Click on the 'Submit' button.
- 7Print Application
Take a printout of the system-generated application for your records and submit it to the Head of your Institution for verification and forwarding. B. Status Tracking Guide:
- 8Visit the Official Website
Go to the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in) or the SSEPD department's status checking page (https://ssepd.gov.in:8443/swp/applyBanishreeScholarshipScheme.htm).
- 9Navigate to Status Check
Look for options like 'Banishree Scholarship Application Status' or 'Know your Status' at the bottom of the page.
- 10Enter Details
Provide your Aadhaar card number or Application ID.
- 11Validate OTP
Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number for validation.
- 12View Status
Your student dashboard will appear, displaying your application status. Click on 'View Status' for detailed progress (e.g., Institute Recommended, Provisional Approved, Sanctioned, Payment Success).
Common Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for the Banishree Scholarship for the academic year 2026-27?
To be eligible, an applicant must be a bona fide resident of Odisha and possess a valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card. The student should be regularly enrolled in any recognized educational institution, ranging from primary to postgraduate levels, including technical, vocational, or professional courses. The annual family income must not exceed ₹60,000, and neither parent should be an income taxpayer. Additionally, the applicant must not be receiving any other financial assistance or scholarship from either the State or Central Government under any other scheme.
How is the scholarship amount disbursed to the beneficiaries?
The scholarship amount is disbursed directly into the student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Payments are made in two installments per academic year. Students who are 18 years or older must have an individual bank account, while minor students are required to open a joint account with a parent or guardian. Beneficiaries are typically informed of fund transfers via SMS or email.
What are the renewal conditions for the Banishree Scholarship, and will failing an exam affect eligibility?
The Banishree Scholarship is designed to continue as long as the student remains enrolled and regularly attends a recognized educational institution. A significant feature of this scholarship is that a student's failure to pass an examination in a particular academic year will not disqualify them from receiving the scholarship, provided they continue to attend classes regularly. Some guidelines also specify maintaining a minimum of 75% attendance for continued eligibility.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. 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.