Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship Odisha 2026: Eligibility, ₹25 Lakh Benefits & How to Apply
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Planning to pursue a master’s degree or PhD at a leading foreign university but worried about the cost? The Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship 2026 is an Odisha government initiative designed to help eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students access higher education abroad.
Under this scheme, eligible students can receive financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per year, subject to the prescribed conditions. The scholarship covers eligible tuition fees, living expenses and specified additional costs, with a maximum overall limit of ₹50 lakh per student for the course.
The scheme operates under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY) and targets students admitted to foreign universities or institutions ranked among the top 200 in the applicable QS World University Rankings.
The 2026 application window was extended to 30 September 2026. As of 23 October 2026, a further extension or a new application date has not been confirmed in the sources checked. Students should check the official portals before making plans.
Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship 2026: Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship |
| State | Odisha |
| Implementing department | Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha |
| Parent scheme | Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY) |
| Nodal agency | Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) |
| Eligible categories | Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) |
| Study level | Master’s degree and PhD |
| University requirement | Foreign institution ranked in the top 200 of the applicable QS World University Rankings |
| Maximum annual assistance | Up to ₹25 lakh |
| Overall financial limit | Up to ₹50 lakh per course |
| Annual target | 50 students |
| Family income limit | ₹12 lakh per year |
| Minimum qualifying marks | 65% |
| Application mode | Online |
| Official application portal | scholarship.odisha.gov.in |
| Latest reported deadline for the 2026 round | 30 September 2026 |
Important: The amounts shown are maximum limits, not guaranteed payments to every applicant. Eligibility, selection, approved expenses and the scheme guidelines determine the actual assistance.
What Is the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship?
Bidesh Sikhyabruti is an Odisha government scholarship scheme intended to help meritorious students from SC and ST communities pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies at leading foreign institutions.
The scheme was introduced under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana. Its purpose is to reduce financial barriers for eligible students who have secured admission to a qualifying university abroad.
The scheme’s guidelines were issued by the Higher Education Department in December 2025, while applications for the 2026 round opened in August 2026.
Students who meet the eligibility requirements may receive assistance towards tuition fees, living expenses and specified miscellaneous costs. The programme has an annual target of 50 students across different academic streams.
For the original rules, read the official Bidesh Sikhyabruti scheme guidelines (dhe.odisha.gov.in/en/node/202470).
Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship 2026: Application Dates
The 2026 application schedule was revised more than once. Students should use the latest reported deadline rather than relying on older articles.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 18 August 2026 |
| Initial reported deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| First extension | 18 September 2026 |
| Further extension | 30 September 2026 |
| Current status as of 23 October 2026 | No further extension confirmed in the sources checked |
The application window covered eligible students seeking support for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 academic years.
According to reports published on 23 September 2026, the Higher Education Department extended the deadline to 30 September.
Can you apply now?
The reported deadline has passed. Do not assume that the application portal is accepting fresh applications simply because the website is accessible. Check the latest notices on the Odisha State Scholarship Portal and the Higher Education Department website.
The scheme guidelines indicate that applications are intended to be invited in two cycles during the year. However, students should wait for an official notification before treating any expected month as a confirmed deadline.
Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship Amount: How Much Financial Assistance Is Available?
Eligible students may receive assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per year, with an overall ceiling of ₹50 lakh per course.
The maximum annual amount is divided into three broad expense categories.
| Expense category | Maximum assistance |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Up to ₹15 lakh per year |
| Living expenses | Up to ₹7 lakh per year |
| Miscellaneous expenses | Up to ₹3 lakh |
| Maximum annual assistance | Up to ₹25 lakh |
| Overall course limit | Up to ₹50 lakh |
The miscellaneous category includes specified expenses such as airfare, insurance and visa fees, subject to the applicable guidelines.
1. Tuition fees
The scheme provides tuition assistance of up to ₹15 lakh per year, based on eligible actual fees and the scheme’s rules.
If the university grants a fee waiver, the scholarship calculation takes that waiver into account. Students should therefore keep the university’s official fee statement and any scholarship or fee-waiver documents ready.
2. Living expenses
Eligible students can receive up to ₹7 lakh per year towards living costs. The guidelines describe payment in quarterly instalments.
The amount approved may depend on the applicable conditions. Students should not assume that every beneficiary will automatically receive the full maximum amount.
3. Miscellaneous expenses
The scheme provides a maximum of ₹3 lakh for specified additional costs, including travel, insurance and visa-related expenses.
The published guidelines describe this support as ₹2 lakh at the beginning of the first year and ₹1 lakh at the beginning of the second year.
4. How long can the scholarship be received?
The maximum duration depends on the programme:
- Master’s degree: One or two years, depending on the course duration.
- PhD: Up to two years of scholarship support.
The scheme guidelines do not provide an extension beyond the prescribed two-year limit.
Students should read the complete guidelines carefully before accepting an admission offer or making financial commitments.
Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the scheme’s prescribed eligibility conditions. Meeting the academic requirements alone does not guarantee selection.
1. Odisha residence
The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha and provide the required residence certificate.
Students from other states are not eligible merely because they belong to an SC or ST community.
2. Caste category
The scheme is intended for eligible students belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe communities of Odisha.
A valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority is required.
3. Foreign university admission
Applicants must have the prescribed admission offer from a foreign university or institution ranked among the top 200 in the applicable QS World University Rankings.
The relevant ranking is the latest available ranking at the time of application, as specified in the scheme rules.
Check the institution’s exact name and ranking before applying. Do not rely only on its reputation, an older ranking list or a third-party promotional page.
4. Family income limit
The annual family income must not exceed ₹12 lakh from all sources, including pensions, under the scheme’s eligibility rules.
Applicants must provide the prescribed income certificate and ensure that the financial information matches their supporting documents.
5. Minimum academic marks
The minimum qualifying marks are as follows:
| Course | Required previous qualification | Minimum marks | Maximum age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s degree | Bachelor’s degree | 65% | 35 years |
| PhD | Master’s degree | 65% | 40 years |
Applicants should confirm the applicable calculation of marks and other academic conditions in the official guidelines.
6. Government employment restrictions
Applicants must meet the scheme’s restrictions concerning regular employment with the Central or State Government, public sector undertakings and autonomous bodies. The prescribed declaration is required.
7. No duplicate financial assistance
The scheme restricts receiving another scholarship or financial aid for the same course. Students should disclose any existing or proposed financial assistance and seek clarification from the department if they are selected under more than one programme.
8. One-time benefit
The scholarship can be used only once in a student’s lifetime, either for a master’s degree or for a PhD. Students should consider this restriction before choosing the programme for which they seek assistance.
Who Cannot Apply for the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship?
You may be ineligible if any of the following conditions apply:
- You are not a permanent resident of Odisha.
- You do not belong to the eligible SC or ST category.
- Your family income exceeds the prescribed annual limit.
- Your foreign university does not meet the applicable QS ranking requirement.
- You do not meet the minimum academic marks or age criteria.
- You are already living or studying abroad in circumstances excluded by the scheme guidelines.
- You have already completed the same level of study for which you are applying.
- You have already used the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship.
- You are receiving prohibited financial assistance for the same course.
- You fail to satisfy the admission, documentation or declaration requirements.
The exact circumstances of previous overseas study and other exclusions should be checked against the official guidelines. If your situation is unusual, seek written clarification from the Higher Education Department before relying on your eligibility.
Documents Required for Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship
Preparing the documents in advance can help applicants avoid errors when the next application window opens.
Documents to prepare for the application
- Aadhaar card.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Class 10 certificate or board document.
- Valid Odisha residence certificate.
- Current financial-year family income certificate.
- Valid SC or ST caste certificate.
- Mark sheets for the qualifying examination.
- Degree certificate or provisional degree certificate.
- Foreign university admission documents, including the required offer letter.
- Passport and relevant visa or application documents, as applicable.
Additional documents after selection
Selected candidates may be required to provide:
- Attestation form.
- Self-declaration of total annual family income.
- Declaration regarding pending cases or convictions.
- Passport and visa copies.
- University fee-waiver documents, if applicable.
- Original certificates for verification.
The department may ask selected candidates to attend an in-person verification appointment with original documents.
Document tip: The certificate issuer, validity period, spelling of names, dates and academic details should match the requirements in the current notification. Do not assume that an old income certificate will be accepted for a new application cycle.
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How to Apply Online for Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship
The reported 2026 application window has closed. The following steps explain the process applicants should prepare for when the department opens a new round.
Step 1: Secure a qualifying admission offer
Obtain the admission documents required under the scheme from an eligible foreign university or institution.
Verify the institution’s position in the applicable QS World University Rankings and check that your course meets the programme requirements.
Step 2: Open the official scholarship portal
Visit the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in).
Check whether Bidesh Sikhyabruti applications are open and read the latest notification before proceeding.
Step 3: Register or sign in
Use the registration or login process provided on the official portal. Enter your details accurately and retain your login information.
Step 4: Select the correct scholarship
Locate the Bidesh Sikhyabruti scheme, review its eligibility conditions and confirm that your course and personal details meet the requirements.
Step 5: Complete the application form
Enter your personal information, Odisha residence details, caste category, family income, academic qualifications and foreign university information.
Make sure all details match your certificates and admission documents.
Step 6: Upload the required documents
Upload clear scans of the requested documents in the file formats and sizes specified by the portal.
Check each file before submitting the application.
Step 7: Review and submit
Review the completed form, declarations and attachments. Submit the application within the officially announced deadline.
Save the application reference number and any acknowledgement or confirmation generated by the portal.
Step 8: Track the application
Check the portal for application status, verification requests, merit-list announcements and further instructions.
Respond promptly if the department asks for clarification or additional documents.
For portal-related assistance, use the contact or helpdesk details published on the official scholarship website.
Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship Selection Process
The selection process involves checking eligibility, verifying documents and assessing applicants according to the scheme’s prescribed merit criteria.
The published scheme framework identifies the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) as the nodal agency.
The main stages include:
- Application scrutiny: Submitted forms and documents are checked against the eligibility conditions.
- Admission verification: The foreign university, course and admission offer are assessed.
- Merit assessment: Candidates are ranked according to the prescribed selection criteria, including university ranking.
- Tie-breaking: The scheme guidelines prescribe qualifying-examination marks and family income as further criteria where applicable.
- Recommendation and approval: The selection recommendations are forwarded to the Higher Education Department for the required approval.
- Publication of results: Applicants should check the official portal for selection-related updates and further instructions.
The annual target is 50 students across different academic streams, including technical education, medicine, agriculture, architecture and other eligible disciplines.
Meeting all eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship because selection depends on the applicable merit criteria, available places and official approval.
What Happens After You Are Selected?
Selection is not the end of the process. Beneficiaries must comply with the conditions attached to the award.
Important requirements include:
- Follow the instructions in the provisional award letter.
- Join within the permitted period. The scheme framework allows a maximum deferral of one year from the award letter’s date, subject to its conditions.
- Do not change the approved course or university unless the rules specifically permit it.
- Submit academic progress reports and other documents when required.
- Follow the department’s verification and monitoring procedures.
- Disclose relevant fee waivers and other financial support.
- Comply with the scheme’s conduct and disciplinary requirements.
Failure to comply with the conditions may lead to cancellation, recovery of assistance with interest or other action under the applicable rules.
Read the award letter carefully and obtain written approval before making any change to your study plans.
Bidesh Sikhyabruti vs National Overseas Scholarship
Students planning to study abroad may also explore the Central Government’s National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) and other eligible funding options.
However, the schemes have different eligibility conditions and are not interchangeable.
| Feature | Bidesh Sikhyabruti | National Overseas Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Government | Odisha Government | Central Government |
| Target applicants | Eligible SC and ST students who are permanent residents of Odisha | Eligible categories specified under the Central Government scheme |
| Study destination | Qualifying foreign institutions | Eligible foreign institutions under the central scheme |
| Financial assistance | Up to ₹25 lakh per year, subject to the scheme rules | Benefits and limits under the current central guidelines |
| Application portal | scholarship.odisha.gov.in | National Overseas Scholarship portal (nosmsje.gov.in) |
| Main eligibility reference | Odisha scheme guidelines | Current Central Government guidelines |
The central National Overseas Scholarship administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has its own eligibility rules. Students from ST communities should also investigate the separate overseas scholarship provisions administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, where applicable.
Do not assume that you can combine two scholarships for the same course. The Odisha scheme restricts other financial assistance for the same course, so check the rules of both programmes and obtain clarification before accepting overlapping awards.
Common Mistakes That Can Affect Your Application
Avoid these mistakes when applying in a future cycle:
1. Using an ineligible university
Check the applicable QS ranking rather than relying on an old list or an institution’s general reputation.
2. Submitting an offer that does not meet the requirements
Read the admission-offer conditions carefully. If the scheme requires an unconditional offer, do not assume that a conditional offer will be accepted.
3. Uploading an outdated income certificate
Confirm the required financial year and issuing authority before uploading your certificate.
4. Providing inconsistent personal information
Your name, date of birth and academic details should match the supporting records.
5. Missing required documents
Check the complete document list and upload every item requested by the portal.
6. Overlooking the age and marks criteria
Check the prescribed age limit and qualifying marks for your intended course before preparing an application.
7. Assuming the full scholarship amount is guaranteed
The advertised amounts are maximum limits. Actual assistance is subject to eligible expenses, approval and the scheme conditions.
8. Missing the deadline
Follow the latest official notification rather than dates published in older articles.
9. Failing to disclose other financial support
Report relevant scholarships and fee waivers accurately. Do not assume that two awards can be used together.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship 2026?
It is an Odisha government scholarship scheme under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana. It supports eligible SC and ST students from Odisha who wish to pursue master’s or PhD studies at qualifying foreign universities.
2. How much money is available under the scheme?
Eligible students may receive up to ₹25 lakh per year, subject to the scheme’s conditions. The overall ceiling is ₹50 lakh per course.
3. Who can apply for Bidesh Sikhyabruti?
Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Odisha belonging to the SC or ST category. They must meet the prescribed family income, academic, age and foreign university admission requirements.
4. What is the family income limit?
The prescribed annual family income limit is ₹12 lakh, including income from the sources specified in the scheme guidelines.
5. What is the minimum percentage required?
The published criteria specify at least 65% in the qualifying bachelor’s degree for a master’s programme and at least 65% in the qualifying master’s degree for a PhD.
6. What is the maximum age limit?
The prescribed maximum age is 35 years for a master’s degree and 40 years for a PhD. Check the official guidelines for the applicable age calculation.
7. Is the Bidesh Sikhyabruti application still open?
The reported deadline for the 2026 round was 30 September 2026. As of 23 October 2026, no further extension or new application date has been confirmed in the sources checked. Visit the official scholarship portal for updates.
8. Can students from other states apply?
No. The scheme is intended for eligible SC and ST students who are permanent residents of Odisha.
9. Can I use this scholarship for both a master’s degree and a PhD?
No. The scheme is available only once in a student’s lifetime, either for a master’s degree or a PhD.
10. Can I apply if I am already studying abroad?
The guidelines contain exclusions relating to students already staying or studying abroad and certain previous overseas study circumstances. Check the exact provisions before assuming you qualify.
11. Can I receive another scholarship with Bidesh Sikhyabruti?
The scheme restricts other scholarships or financial aid for the same course. Check the applicable conditions before accepting another award.
12. How many students are selected each year?
The scheme has an annual target of 50 students across eligible academic streams.
13. Where can I download the official guidelines?
Visit the Odisha Higher Education Department’s official Bidesh Sikhyabruti guidelines page (dhe.odisha.gov.in/en/node/202470).
14. Is Bidesh Sikhyabruti the same as Videsh Shiksha Bruti?
Different news reports use spellings such as Bidesh Sikhyabruti and Bidesh Sikhya Bruti. These names generally refer to the same Odisha overseas scholarship scheme. Use the official scheme notification when checking the exact name and conditions.
More Odisha Scheme and Scholarship Guides
Students looking for financial assistance can also explore our Education and Scholarships section for information on Odisha scholarships, eligibility requirements, application procedures and official updates.
You may also find our guides to Odisha government schemes useful, including Subhadra Yojana and other state welfare programmes.
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Disclaimer
This article is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with the Government of Odisha. Scholarship amounts, eligibility requirements, application dates and procedures may change. Always read the latest official notification before applying or making financial commitments.
