📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Athulvis
Education
Odisha launches scholarship scheme for SC/ST students to study abroad
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 01:36 PM
👁 4
The Odisha government announced a new scholarship programme aimed at supporting Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students who wish to pursue higher education overseas.
The state of Odisha unveiled a scholarship initiative designed specifically for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students seeking to study abroad. The programme will cover tuition fees, living expenses and other related costs, aiming to broaden access to international education for economically disadvantaged groups.
According to the announcement, eligibility criteria include a minimum academic performance and proof of financial need. Applications will be accepted through an online portal managed by the state's Department of Higher Education, with the first batch of scholarships expected to be awarded later this year.
The scheme aligns with Odisha's broader efforts to promote inclusive education and improve social mobility among historically marginalized communities. Officials anticipate that the scholarships will enable a new generation of SC/ST graduates to acquire global exposure and bring back expertise to the state.
Stakeholders, including educational NGOs and community leaders, have welcomed the move, noting that it addresses a long‑standing gap in opportunities for disadvantaged students. The government plans to monitor the programme's impact and consider expanding it based on demand.
The scholarship will be funded from the state’s education budget, with additional support from central government schemes aimed at uplifting SC/ST populations.
According to the announcement, eligibility criteria include a minimum academic performance and proof of financial need. Applications will be accepted through an online portal managed by the state's Department of Higher Education, with the first batch of scholarships expected to be awarded later this year.
The scheme aligns with Odisha's broader efforts to promote inclusive education and improve social mobility among historically marginalized communities. Officials anticipate that the scholarships will enable a new generation of SC/ST graduates to acquire global exposure and bring back expertise to the state.
Stakeholders, including educational NGOs and community leaders, have welcomed the move, noting that it addresses a long‑standing gap in opportunities for disadvantaged students. The government plans to monitor the programme's impact and consider expanding it based on demand.
The scholarship will be funded from the state’s education budget, with additional support from central government schemes aimed at uplifting SC/ST populations.