Odisha Scholarship 2024

Odisha, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, has taken significant strides in the field of education over the past few decades. The state government, in collaboration with various central agencies and institutions, has introduced a range of scholarships to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to deserving students, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial constraints. In 2024, the Odisha government continues this tradition by offering a variety of scholarships catering to different educational levels and social categories.

Overview of Odisha Scholarship 2024

The Odisha Scholarship 2024 initiative is designed to support students from economically weaker sections, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other marginalized communities. These scholarships are available for students from primary education to higher studies, including technical and professional courses. The main objective is to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder the educational aspirations of talented students.

Types of Scholarships Available

Odisha offers a wide range of scholarships, each targeting specific categories of students. Below are the main types of scholarships available in 2024:

2.1. Pre-Matric Scholarship

Target Group: SC/ST students from Class 9 and 10.
Eligibility Criteria: Students must belong to SC or ST categories and have a family income of less than ₹2.5 lakhs per annum.
Benefits: Financial assistance for books, uniforms, and other educational expenses.

2.2. Post-Matric Scholarship

Target Group: SC/ST/OBC/SEBC/EBC students pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate courses.
Eligibility Criteria: Students should have passed the previous qualifying examination and belong to the respective categories with a family income not exceeding ₹2.5 lakhs per annum (SC/ST) or ₹1 lakh per annum (OBC/SEBC/EBC).
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other academic expenses.

2.3. Merit-cum-Means Scholarship

Target Group: Meritorious students from economically weaker sections pursuing professional and technical courses.
Eligibility Criteria: Students must secure a minimum of 50% marks in the previous examination, with a family income not exceeding ₹2.5 lakhs per annum.
Benefits: Financial support for tuition fees and maintenance allowance.

2.4. Junior Merit Scholarship

Target Group: Students from rural areas who have excelled in the Class 10 board examinations.
Eligibility Criteria: Students should have secured a minimum of 60% marks in Class 10 and should be enrolled in a higher secondary school.
Benefits: Provides a monthly stipend for academic expenses.

2.5. Senior Merit Scholarship

Target Group: Students pursuing undergraduate courses with outstanding academic records.
Eligibility Criteria: Students should have scored at least 60% in their last qualifying examination.
Benefits: Monthly financial aid to cover academic costs.

2.6. National Scholarship

Target Group: Students from all categories who have shown academic excellence at the national level.
Eligibility Criteria: Based on national-level competitive exams and merit.
Benefits: A substantial financial grant for higher education.

Eligibility Criteria for Odisha Scholarships 2024

While each scholarship has its specific eligibility criteria, the general requirements are as follows:

Residency: Applicants must be residents of Odisha.
Academic Performance: Varies by scholarship but generally requires a minimum percentage of marks in the last qualifying examination.
Family Income: Proof of income is required, and the threshold varies depending on the scholarship type.
Category: Most scholarships are reserved for SC/ST/OBC/SEBC/EBC students, with a few open to general category students based on merit.

Application Process

The application process for Odisha Scholarships 2024 is streamlined and conducted primarily online through the official Odisha State Scholarship Portal. Here’s how to apply:

Registration: Visit the Odisha State Scholarship Portal and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Filling the Application Form: After registration, log in and fill out the application form with all necessary details, including academic records, family income, and personal information.
Uploading Documents: Upload the required documents such as income certificate, caste certificate, academic certificates, and bank details.
Submission: Review the application and submit it online. Ensure all information is accurate to avoid rejection.
Tracking Application: After submission, applicants can track the status of their application through the portal.

Required Documents

To apply for any Odisha Scholarship 2024, the following documents are typically required:

Passport-sized photograph
Income certificate
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Domicile certificate
Previous academic marksheets
Bank passbook (for bank details)
Aadhaar card

Selection Process

The selection process for the Odisha Scholarship 2024 is merit-based, with priority given to students from economically weaker sections and marginalized communities. Applications are reviewed based on academic performance, financial need, and compliance with eligibility criteria. Selected candidates will be notified through the official portal, and the scholarship amount will be directly credited to their bank accounts.

Benefits of Odisha Scholarships

The Odisha Scholarships 2024 provide numerous benefits:

Financial Assistance: Reduces the financial burden on families, allowing students to focus on their studies.
Encouragement for Higher Education: Promotes higher education among underprivileged communities.
Bridging Educational Gaps: Helps bridge the gap between different socio-economic groups by providing equal educational opportunities.
Empowerment of Marginalized Communities: Encourages students from SC/ST/OBC/SEBC communities to pursue professional and technical courses.

Key Dates for Odisha Scholarships 2024

While specific dates may vary, the general timeline for Odisha Scholarships 2024 is as follows:

Application Start Date: Typically in July
Application End Date: Around October
Verification by Institutes: November to December
Final Merit List Release: January
Disbursement of Scholarship: February onwards

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can students apply for more than one scholarship?
A1: No, students are generally allowed to apply for only one scholarship at a time to avoid duplication of benefits.

Q2: What happens if incorrect information is provided during application?
A2: Providing incorrect information can lead to the rejection of the application and may disqualify the applicant from future scholarships.

Q3: Is there a renewal process for these scholarships?
A3: Yes, most scholarships require students to renew their application annually, subject to maintaining academic performance and income criteria.

Q4: Are private school students eligible for these scholarships?
A4: Yes, students from both government and private institutions are eligible, provided they meet the respective scholarship criteria.

Q5: How will I know if my application is accepted?
A5: Applicants can check the status of their application on the Odisha State Scholarship Portal. Successful candidates will also receive a notification.

Q6: What should I do if I face issues during the application process?
A6: For any issues, applicants can contact the helpline number provided on the scholarship portal or visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) for assistance.