Odisha launched the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme, offering up to Rs 25 lakh annually for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students to study abroad. The scholarship program will begin in the 2025-26 academic year .
Scheme Overview
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj formally inaugurated the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme. This initiative provides financial support to meritorious SC and ST students. It enables them to pursue postgraduate and PhD programs at international universities.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible students must belong to Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe categories. Their family’s annual income must not exceed Rs 12 lakh . Applicants require confirmed admission to a postgraduate (PG) or PhD program.
The chosen foreign university or institution must rank within the Top 200 globally. This ranking follows the QS World University Rankings, Minister Suraj stated.
Application Process
Applications for the scholarship will be invited twice per year. Students can apply during July-August and again in December-January . Specific application deadlines will be announced by the state government.
Scholarship Benefits
Each selected student will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 25 lakh per year . This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs abroad.
Student Selection Breakdown
Fifty students will be selected annually under the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme. Selections are distributed across various academic disciplines and degree levels. This ensures representation across fields.
The distribution of scholarships is as follows:
| Category | Postgraduate (PG) | PhD | Total Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering and Technical Education | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Medical, Agriculture, Architecture, other Technical Streams | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Higher Education | 10 | 20 | 30 |
| Total Annually | 18 | 32 | 50 |
A total of 50 scholarships will be awarded each academic year. Thirty-two scholarships are for PhD students, and eighteen are for postgraduate students.
Implementation Timeline
The ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme will officially commence from the 2025-26 academic year . It aims to remove financial barriers for eligible SC and ST students. This initiative provides access to global educational opportunities.
Other State Initiatives
During the scholarship launch event, the Higher Education Department also announced other measures. Thirty-four candidates received appointment letters for Group C and D posts in aided colleges. These appointments fall under rehabilitation assistance.
The Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) secured copyright to conduct Academic Performance Audits (APA). This allows OSHEC to assess and improve academic standards across state higher education institutions. Odisha is the first state in India to implement such an auditing system.
Next Steps for Applicants
Students interested in the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme should prepare for upcoming application cycles. They must secure admission to eligible universities. Official guidelines and application forms will be available closer to the application periods. Prospective applicants should monitor the Odisha Higher Education Department’s website for updates.