Odisha Introduces ₹2,659 Crore Scholarship for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

The Odisha government is gearing up to launch a ₹2,659 crore scholarship initiative aimed at economically disadvantaged students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in all government and government-aided colleges and universities throughout the state.

According to officials from the state’s higher education department, the primary objective of this scheme is to offer financial assistance to economically weaker students to help cover their expenses for higher education. This initiative targets students who may not qualify for other existing scholarship programs.

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“Each year, approximately 2.55 lakh students enroll in various government and government-aided colleges in the state, paying tuition fees ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹26,000 annually. Additionally, hostel residents incur expenses ranging from ₹4,100 to ₹14,500 per year. Existing schemes such as Kalia, Nirman Shramik, and Post-Matric Scholarship primarily cater to specific courses and demographics, leaving a gap in support for general undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This scheme aims to address financial obstacles, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized communities,” stated the official.

Officials estimate that the scholarship will benefit approximately 3.55 lakh undergraduate students and nearly 23,000 postgraduate students annually, with an expected expenditure of ₹2,659 crore over the next five years.