Bhubaneswar, Aug. 18 (UDN): The Odisha Government has opened the application window for Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year, inviting eligible students from ST, SC, OBC, SEBC and EBC communities to apply for fresh registration or renewal.
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The scholarship application process began on July 29, 2026, and eligible students can submit their applications through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal until September 29, 2026.
The ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department has advised students and institutions to follow the prescribed timeline to ensure timely verification, approval and release of scholarship benefits.
Who Can Apply?
Students belonging to the ST, SC, OBC, SEBC and EBC categories are eligible to apply, subject to the prescribed conditions.
The applicant’s annual family income from all sources must not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh.
Applicants are also required to submit a valid caste certificate issued by a Revenue Officer of Odisha not below the rank of Tahasildar or Additional Tahasildar.
For students applying under the EBC category, a self-declaration of caste is required to be uploaded on the scholarship portal.
50% Marks Required for Certain Post-Matric Applicants
There is an additional academic requirement for OBC, SEBC and EBC students seeking Post-Matric scholarships.
Applicants must have secured more than 50 per cent marks in the qualifying examination. Students continuing their courses must also secure more than 50 per cent marks in the previous academic year, as prescribed under the scholarship guidelines.
Key Deadlines for Scholarship Applications
The department has set separate deadlines for students, educational institutions and authorities involved in the verification and approval process.
July 29, 2026: Online application process opened
September 29, 2026: Last date for students to submit applications
October 9, 2026: Deadline for institutional verification
November 9, 2026: Deadline for district, block or ULB-level approval
The department has advised eligible students not to wait until the last date to submit their applications. It has also indicated that requests for extension of the prescribed schedule may not be entertained.
Students Urged to Complete Applications on Time
With scholarship assistance playing an important role in supporting students from economically disadvantaged and socially backward communities, applicants have been urged to carefully check their documents and complete the online process within the stipulated deadline.
Eligible students can apply and track their scholarship applications through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal at scholarship.odisha.gov.in.