The Odisha government has unveiled a new scholarship program aimed at helping Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursue advanced degrees abroad. Named 'Bidesh Sikhyabruti,' this initiative offers financial support for postgraduate and doctoral studies at leading foreign universities. The announcement was made by the state's Higher Education Department on Tuesday.
Understanding the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship
The Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship is part of the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY), a scheme designed to encourage meritorious students from disadvantaged communities. This new addition specifically targets SC and ST students who aspire to study overseas but face financial barriers. By providing substantial monetary assistance, the program aims to open doors to global educational opportunities that were previously out of reach for many.
Eligible candidates must come from families with an annual income not exceeding Rs 12 lakh. The scholarship covers students admitted to universities ranked within the top 200 worldwide, ensuring recipients gain access to high-quality education. The program supports studies in various academic disciplines, reflecting a broad commitment to fostering talent across fields.
Key Details of the Scholarship Program
- Applications open from August 18 to August 31 for the academic years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
- Each year, 50 students will be awarded the scholarship.
- Financial aid includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs, capped at Rs 25 lakh per student annually.
- Postgraduate students can receive support for one or two years, depending on their course duration.
- PhD candidates are eligible for funding for up to two years, with no extensions allowed beyond this period.
- Applicants must not be regular employees of any government organization at the time of application.
- The scholarship can be availed only once, either for a postgraduate or a doctoral program.
Why the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship Matters
This scholarship represents a significant step toward educational equity in Odisha. By focusing on SC and ST students, the government is addressing long-standing disparities in access to higher education, especially at the international level. The financial support of up to Rs 25 lakh per year is substantial, covering not only tuition but also living and incidental expenses, which are often major hurdles for students studying abroad.
Furthermore, by limiting eligibility to top-ranked universities, the scheme encourages academic excellence and global competitiveness. It also signals the state’s commitment to nurturing talent that can contribute to Odisha’s development upon their return. The program may inspire other states to adopt similar initiatives, broadening opportunities for marginalized communities nationwide.
The application window is brief, emphasizing the need for interested students to prepare their documents and secure admissions promptly. This initiative could transform the educational trajectories of many deserving students, enabling them to gain world-class knowledge and skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can apply for the Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship?
A: The scholarship is open to SC and ST students from Odisha with a family income of up to Rs 12 lakh annually, who have secured admission to a top 200 ranked foreign university for postgraduate or PhD studies.
Q: What expenses does the scholarship cover?
A: It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other incidental costs related to studying abroad, with a maximum limit of Rs 25 lakh per student per year.
Q: How long is the scholarship valid for?
A: For postgraduate courses, the scholarship supports one or two years depending on the course length. PhD students can receive funding for up to two years, with no extensions beyond that.
