Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme 2025: SC/ST Scholarship for PG & PhD Studies Abroad | Up to ₹25 Lakh Support

Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme 2025: SC/ST Scholarship for PG & PhD Studies Abroad | Up to ₹25 Lakh Support

The Odisha government has introduced a new scholarship programme named Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme for SC and ST students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. Scheduled to begin from the 2025 academic year, the scheme will offer annual financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh to selected students enrolled in postgraduate and PhD programmes at leading international universities.

Announced by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, the initiative aims to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged SC and ST families who face financial challenges in pursuing overseas education. The scholarship will help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic-related costs, ensuring students can focus on their studies without financial stress.

Applications will be accepted twice a year, during July–August and December–January. Each year, 50 students will be selected under the Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme 2025, making it one of the most significant state-supported scholarships for international higher education.

In addition to launching the scheme, the government also distributed appointment letters to 34 newly recruited Group C and D staff in colleges and announced that Odisha has become the first state to receive approval for conducting comprehensive Academic Performance Audits across all higher education institutions.

Eligibility for Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme

• he student must belong to SC or ST category.

• The applicant’s annual family income (from all sources) must be ₹12 lakh or below.

• The student must have secured admission into a Postgraduate (PG) or PhD programme, in a foreign university / institution that ranks among the Top 200 in the QS World University Rankings.

• The scheme applies to residents of Odisha — i.e. students from Odisha state.

Financial Support Under Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme

Here’s a breakdown of the financial support provided under the Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme by the Government of Odisha:

✅ What the support covers

• The scheme offers up to ₹25 lakh per year to each selected student.

• This yearly amount is meant to cover:

  • Tuition fees at the foreign university.

  • Living expenses (accommodation, maintenance abroad).

  • Research and academic-related costs (books, materials, possibly travel or other study-related expenditures).

🎓 Who gets this support — and when

• Each year, 50 students are selected under the scheme.

• The 50 scholarships are distributed across fields roughly as follows:

  • ~10 for engineering & technical courses (4 PG + 6 PhD)

  • ~10 for medical, agriculture, architecture & allied/technical fields (4 PG + 6 PhD)

  • ~30 for general higher-education programmes (10 PG + 20 PhD)

Student Selection Distribution

Under the Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme, 50 meritorious students will be selected every year. The selection is divided according to the course category as follows:

• Engineering & Technical Courses – 10 students (4 PG and 6 PhD)
• Medical, Agriculture, Architecture & Other Professional Courses – 10 students (4 PG and 6 PhD)
• General Higher Education Streams – 30 students (10 PG and 20 PhD)

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Important Dates

Students planning to apply should note the following key dates:

• Scheme Announcement: 26 November 2025
• Applicable From: Academic Year 2025–26
• Application Windows: July–August and December–January

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Documents Required

Applicants must keep the following documents ready before filling out the online application form:

• Aadhaar card
• Proof of residence
• Caste certificate
• Bank account details
• Income certificate
• Academic qualification records
• Recent passport-size photograph and active mobile number

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Application Process

Eligible students can apply online through the official portal once the application window opens. The steps are as follows:

1. Visit the official website: https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/website/ when applications are live.
2. On the homepage, click on the Apply Now option to access the application form.
3. Fill in personal details, course information, admission proof, and family income details.
4. Upload required documents such as the caste certificate, admission letter, income certificate, and other necessary files.
5. Review the application carefully and submit the form to complete the process.

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Other Key Announcements at the Launch

During the launch of the scheme, the Odisha Higher Education Department also made two important announcements:

• Appointment letters were issued to 34 newly recruited Group C and D staff under rehabilitation assistance.
• The Odisha State Higher Education Council was authorized to conduct Academic Performance Audits for colleges, making Odisha the first state in India to implement a comprehensive academic audit system across higher education institutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who introduced the Odisha Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme?
The scheme was launched by the Government of Odisha to support SC and ST students pursuing higher education abroad.

Can students with a family income below ₹12 lakh apply?
Yes, applicants with an annual family income of up to ₹12 lakh are eligible.

Is admission to a top 200 QS-ranked university mandatory?
Yes, admission to a foreign university ranked within the top 200 of the QS World Rankings is required.

How many students are selected each year?
A total of 50 students are selected annually under the scheme.

What is the key benefit of this scholarship?
Selected candidates receive financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per year for their PG or PhD studies abroad.

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