Banishree Scholarship Scheme Odisha: Education should be accessible to every child, regardless of physical challenges or financial background. The Banishree Scholarship Scheme Odisha is a welfare initiative introduced by the Odisha Government to support students with disabilities in continuing their education and skill-based training.
This scheme focuses on reducing financial pressure on families while encouraging children with special needs to remain enrolled in schools, colleges, and training institutes. By providing monthly financial assistance, the scheme helps students concentrate on learning, confidence-building, and long-term self-reliance rather than worrying about basic educational expenses.
What is the Banishree Scholarship Scheme?
The Banishree Scholarship Scheme is implemented by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha. Its core purpose is to ensure inclusive education for students with disabilities by offering regular financial support. The scheme is not limited to school education but also covers higher education, technical courses, vocational training, and special schools. Unlike many merit-based scholarships, Banishree focuses on continuity of education, ensuring that disability or economic hardship does not force students to drop out midway.
Objective of the Banishree Scholarship
The main objective of the Banishree Scheme is to encourage children and students with special needs to pursue education without interruption. The Odisha Government aims to minimize dropout rates among disabled students and promote equal opportunities in education and skill development. By offering monthly assistance, the scheme supports daily academic needs such as books, transport, and study materials. In the long run, this initiative contributes to social inclusion, independence, and better employment prospects for students with disabilities across the state.
Benefits of Banishree Scholarship Scheme Odisha
Under the Banishree Scholarship, eligible students receive monthly financial assistance depending on their education level and place of study. This support helps families manage recurring academic expenses more effectively.
A. Students Studying Inside Odisha
- Education Level Monthly Scholarship Amount
- Primary (Class I–V): Rs. 400
- Middle & High School (Class VI–X / XI)* Rs. 500
- College (+2 & +3)* Rs. 600
- Post Graduate (PG)* Rs. 700
- Technical / Vocational Training* Rs. 700
*Courses not covered under Government of India scholarships.
B. Students Studying Outside Odisha
Students pursuing courses that are not available within Odisha and are not covered under any Government of India scholarship receive Rs. 250 per month.
Additional Allowances
Reader’s Allowance (Visually Impaired Students):
- Primary Level: Rs. 200 per month
- Middle & High School: Rs. 300 per month
- Higher Education: Rs. 400 per month
Transport Allowance:
Orthopaedically handicapped students with 75% or more disability receive Rs. 200 per month if they are not covered under any other integrated education scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for Banishree Scholarship
To apply for the Banishree Scholarship Scheme Odisha, students must meet the following conditions. Applicants should carefully check eligibility before applying to avoid rejection during verification.
- The student must be a permanent resident of Odisha
- Must be a regular student of a recognized institution
- Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 60,000
- The student should not be receiving any other State or Central Government scholarship
Courses Covered Under the Scheme
The scholarship is applicable for:
- Primary education (Class I–V)
- Middle & High School (Class VI–X)
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses
- Special schools registered under the PWD Act, 1995
- Distance education from recognized institutions
- Technical, vocational, and professional courses
Important Note:
Students will continue receiving the scholarship even if they fail in a particular year, provided they remain enrolled and maintain regular attendance.
Who is Not Eligible for the Banishree Scheme?
Students who are already receiving any other State or Central Government scholarship, stipend, or financial assistance are not eligible under the Banishree Scholarship Scheme. Applicants must ensure they are not availing multiple benefits simultaneously, as this can lead to cancellation of the application.
How to Apply Online for Banishree Scholarship
Applying for the Banishree Scholarship is a simple online process. Students should keep all documents ready before starting the application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official website: ssepd.odisha.gov.in
- Go to “Beneficiary Services”
- Click on “Banishree Scholarship”
- Choose:
New Application
- OR Recommended Application by Principal / Head of Institution
- Complete Aadhaar verification
- Fill in personal, educational, and disability-related details
- Enter UDID Certificate Number
- Upload required documents and signatures
- Submit the application
- Download and print the system-generated application for future reference
- Documents Required for Banishree Scholarship
- Applicants must upload clear and valid documents to avoid delays or rejection.
- Disability Certificate issued by the Medical Board
- Income Certificate issued by Tahasildar or competent authority
(Not required for students from BPL families) - Last examination mark sheet attested by a gazetted officer or Head of Institution
Banishree Scholarship Last Date 2025–26
The expected last date to apply for the Banishree Scholarship Scheme Odisha 2025–26 is 31 December 2025. Students are advised to submit their applications well before the deadline and regularly check the official SSEPD website for updates or changes in dates.
Official Website and Contact Details
Official Website: ssepd.odisha.gov.in
Email: ssepdsec[dot]od[at]nic[dot]in
Applicants can also download the official SSEPD guidelines from the website for detailed instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What financial support is provided under the Banishree Scholarship? Students receive monthly assistance ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 700, along with reader and transport allowances for eligible candidates.
Q2. Who can apply for the Banishree Scholarship Scheme? Students with disabilities who are residents of Odisha, have family income below Rs. 60,000, and are not receiving other government scholarships can apply.
Q3. Is the scholarship available for higher education and technical courses? Yes, the scheme covers UG, PG, technical, vocational, and professional courses.
Q4. Is income certificate mandatory for all applicants? Income certificate is mandatory except for students belonging to BPL families.
Q5. How is the scholarship amount paid? The scholarship amount is generally transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Conclusion
The Banishree Scholarship Scheme Odisha is a strong step toward inclusive education and social empowerment of students with disabilities. By offering consistent financial assistance, the scheme ensures that education and skill development continue without interruption. Students who meet the eligibility criteria should apply carefully, submit correct documents, and track their application status regularly. With the right awareness and guidance, this scholarship can become a meaningful support system for building a secure and independent future.
Read More: Swami Vivekananda Scholarship 2025
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