A Guide to Applying for Scholarships in Odisha in 2025

Odisha has made significant strides in ensuring financial barriers do not hinder students’ aspirations. The Odisha State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in) offers a streamlined platform for students to access various scholarships, supporting pre-matric, post-matric, and higher education pursuits. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to apply for scholarships in Odisha, addressing key questions such as eligibility, application processes, and available schemes in 2025.

How to Apply for a Scholarship in Odisha?

Applying for scholarships in Odisha begins with understanding the available schemes and their requirements. The Odisha State Scholarship Portal, managed by the state government, hosts over 20 scholarship programs catering to students from diverse backgrounds, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and general categories. Key scholarships include the Pre-Matric Scholarship for school students, Post-Matric Scholarship for higher education, e-Medhabruti for meritorious students, and KALIA Scholarship for children of farmers.

To apply, students must be permanent residents of Odisha, enrolled in recognized institutions, and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as academic performance and family income limits. For instance, the Post-Matric Scholarship requires SC/ST students to have a family income below ₹2.5 lakh, while e-Medhabruti mandates 60% marks and a family income under ₹6 lakh. The application process is entirely online, requiring Aadhaar-based registration and document submission. Deadlines vary, with the Post-Matric Scholarship application window typically closing on July 31, 2025, for the 2025-26 academic year.

How Can I Register for a Scholarship in Odisha Online?

The Odisha State Scholarship Portal simplifies the application process through a user-friendly interface. Follow these steps to register and apply:

• Visit the Portal: Access scholarship.odisha.gov.in and click on the “Registration” tab.
• Register with Aadhaar: Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and personal details (name, date of birth, email). An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile for verification.
• Create an Account: Upon verification, receive a User ID and password via SMS or email.
• Log In and Select Scholarship: Use your credentials to log in, then choose the appropriate scholarship based on your eligibility (e.g., Post-Matric, e-Medhabruti).
• Complete the Application Form: Provide academic details, bank account information, and category (SC/ST/OBC/General).
• Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of required documents, including Aadhaar card, income certificate, caste certificate, marksheets, bank passbook, passport-size photograph, and an institute declaration. Ensure files are in PDF format and under 1MB.
• Review and Submit: Check all entries for accuracy, submit the application, and note the application ID for tracking.

Which Scholarship Is Available Now in Odisha in 2025?

As of May 2025, several scholarships are open for applications for the 2025-26 academic year, with the application window having started on July 1, 2024. Key schemes include:

• Pre-Matric Scholarship: For Class 9–10 students from SC/ST/OBC categories, covering school expenses.
• Post-Matric Scholarship: For diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate students, with a deadline of July 31, 2025.
• e-Medhabruti Scholarship: For meritorious students in UG/PG courses, offering up to ₹20,000 annually.
• KALIA Scholarship: For children of KALIA Yojna beneficiaries pursuing professional courses like engineering or nursing.
• Godabarisha Vidyarthi Protsahana Yojana: Provides ₹30,000 via Direct Benefit Transfer for 12th-pass students to purchase laptops.

The portal’s “Check Eligibility” tool allows students to filter suitable scholarships by entering their category, course, and income details.

What Is the Amount of Scholarship in Odisha?

The financial benefits of Odisha scholarships vary by scheme and academic level. Below is an overview of key programs:

• Pre-Matric Scholarship: Covers tuition and maintenance allowances, typically ₹3,500–₹7,000 annually for day scholars and hostellers.
• Post-Matric Scholarship: Provides up to ₹1,200 monthly for hostellers and ₹550 for day scholars, plus tuition and library fee reimbursements.
• e-Medhabruti Scholarship: Offers ₹10,000–₹20,000 per year for UG/PG students, disbursed in installments.
• KALIA Scholarship: Covers full course fees for professional courses, ensuring no financial burden for eligible students.
• Godabarisha Scheme: Awards a one-time ₹30,000 grant for laptop purchases.

Since 2020, Odisha has implemented Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), benefiting over 11 lakh students with transparent and timely disbursements.

How to Check +3 Selection in Odisha?

The +3 selection process in Odisha refers to admission to undergraduate courses (e.g., BA, BSc, BCom) through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal (samsodisha.gov.in). To check your +3 selection status:

• Step 1: Visit samsodisha.gov.in and navigate to the “Higher Education” section.
• Step 2: Click on “Degree (+3) Admission” and select “Know Your Status.”
• Step 3: Enter your application barcode number or registered mobile number.
• Step 4: View your selection status, including the allotted college and course.
• Step 5: Download the intimation letter for further admission steps.

The first selection list for 2025-26 is expected in June 2025, with subsequent lists released thereafter.

By leveraging the Odisha State Scholarship Portal, students can access schemes tailored to their needs, from school-level support to professional courses. The online application process, bolstered by tools like the eligibility checker, ensures accessibility and efficiency. With deadlines approaching, such as July 31, 2025, for Post-Matric scholarships, students are encouraged to prepare documents and apply promptly. For additional support, the helpline (155335 or 1800-345-6770) is available.