Odisha offers Rs 25 lakh scholarship to SC ST students to study abroad: Details here

The Odisha government has launched a new scholarship scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who want to pursue postgraduate or PhD courses at top-ranked foreign universities.Named ‘Bidesh Sikhyabruti’, the scheme has been introduced under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY). It will provide financial assistance to eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education abroad.Students from SC and ST communities with an annual family income of up to Rs 12 lakh can apply for the scholarship.Applications for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 academic years can be submitted through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal from August 18 to August 31. WHO CAN GET THE BENEFIT?The scheme will support 50 students every year across different streams and disciplines. However, students can use the scholarship only once, either for a postgraduate course or a PhD.To qualify, applicants must secure admission to a foreign university or institution ranked among the top 200. They must also declare that they are not regular employees of any government organisation when applying.UP TO RS 25 LAKH A YEAR The financial support covers tuition fees, living expenses and other incidental costs associated with studying abroad. The maximum assistance is Rs 25 lakh per student per course per year.For postgraduate courses, the scholarship will be provided for one or two years, depending on the duration of the programme. PhD students can receive assistance for two years.The guidelines clarify that no extension will be granted beyond two years.The scheme is aimed at helping eligible students access international higher education without having to bear the full financial burden themselves.Read more for information on Bidesh Sikhyabruti SC ST scholarship for studying abroadFor students planning to study abroad, the scholarship could provide support for some of the biggest expenses, including university fees and living costs.(With PTI inputs)- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Aug 19, 2026 10:33 IST