BHUBANESWAR – The Odisha government launched the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scholarship scheme. This initiative supports Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing postgraduate (PG) and PhD programs abroad. The scholarship will begin from the 2025-2026 academic year , announced Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
The program aims to expand higher education access for SC and ST students. It provides financial assistance for studies at leading international institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme, applicants must meet specific requirements:
- Candidates must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
- The annual family income must be Rs. 12 lakh or below .
- Applicants must have secured admission to a Postgraduate or PhD program.
- The chosen institution must rank within the top 200 of the QS World University Ranking .
Financial Assistance
Selected students will receive substantial financial support. The scholarship provides Rs. 25 lakh per year . This amount covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic costs associated with studying abroad.
Application Process and Selection
Applications for the scholarship program will open twice annually. Students can apply in July and August , and again in December and January .
Each year, 50 students will be selected for the scholarship. These selections are distributed across three main academic categories. The breakdown ensures representation across various fields of study.
Scholarship Categories and Seats
| Category | Total Students | PG Seats | PhD Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technical Education | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Medical, Agriculture, Architecture, and Other Technical Streams | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Other Streams | 30 | 10 | 20 |