Odisha Banishree Scholarship Scheme

Banishree Scholarship is an educational assistance scheme of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha, providing monthly scholarships ranging from Rs. 400 to Rs. 700 to eligible students with disabilities pursuing education from Class I to postgraduate, technical, and vocational levels. Eligible students can submit their applications through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.

Introduction of Odisha Banishree Scholarship Scheme: A Brief Insight

For a student living with a disability, pursuing education often involves challenges that go beyond tuition fees and books. Some students need a reader to assist with studies, while others require special transportation or additional support to attend classes regularly. For many families, managing these extra expenses alongside everyday household costs can become difficult. To reduce this burden and ensure that disability does not become a barrier to education, the Government of Odisha launched the Banishree Scholarship Scheme on 1 April 2008.

The scheme is implemented by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha. Its primary objective is to support students with disabilities at different stages of education and encourage them to continue their studies without financial stress. Through this assistance, the Government aims to promote educational inclusion, skill development, and greater self-reliance among students with special needs.

Under the Banishree Scholarship Scheme of the Odisha Government, the eligible students receive a monthly scholarship ranging from Rs. 400 for primary education to Rs. 700 for technical, vocational, and eligible outside-state studies, providing annual assistance of up to Rs. 8,400. The scholarship covers students studying in schools, colleges, universities, technical institutions, vocational training centres, and certain recognised special schools.

In addition to the regular scholarship amount, the scheme also offers extra support for students facing specific challenges. Visually challenged students can receive a Reader’s Allowance to help with their studies, while orthopaedically disabled students with 75% or more disability may be eligible for a Transport Allowance to meet mobility-related expenses.

One of the most student-friendly features of the scheme is that a beneficiary does not automatically lose the scholarship after failing an examination. As long as the student continues studying in the institution and maintains regular attendance, the scholarship can continue under the prescribed rules.

Bona fide residents of Odisha who possess a valid UDID Card, study in a recognised educational institution, and whose parents are not income-tax payees can apply for the scholarship through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal. Applications may be submitted directly by students or through their school, college, university, or institution. For assistance, applicants can call the toll-free helpline 1800-345-7150 or email ssepdsec.od@nic.in. The last date to apply for the Banishree Scholarship Scheme is 30th of November 2026.

Students who successfully complete their education can also explore the PM Internship Scheme, which provides 12-month internships with a monthly stipend at leading companies across India. Students seeking additional educational support in Odisha may also benefit from the Gyanodaya Shiksha Samruddhi Scheme, while those planning higher studies abroad can check the Bidesh Sikhyabhruti Scheme, which supports postgraduate and doctoral studies at reputed foreign universities.

Students with disabilities, parents, and anyone looking for more scholarships, education, and welfare programmes offered by the Odisha Government can explore all available schemes on our Odisha Government Welfare Schemes page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha, provides financial assistance under the Banishree Scholarship Scheme to support the educational journey of students with disabilities. The scholarship amount varies according to the student’s level of study and is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT.

Monthly Scholarship Rates (Latest Guideline)

Note: The scholarship is paid on a monthly basis. The amount depends on the student’s current course or education level and not on the category or percentage of disability.

Additional Educational Support

• Reader’s Allowance for visually impaired students who require the assistance of a reader, subject to certification by the Head of the Institution
• Transport/Mobility Allowance for orthopaedically disabled students with 75% or more disability who need special transportation arrangements for attending classes

Revision of Scholarship Rates

The scholarship amount has been revised significantly compared to the rates prescribed under the earlier 2008 guideline, providing better financial support to students pursuing education at different levels.

Mode of Scholarship Payment

• Scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Payment is released only after successful institution verification and departmental approval
• The bank account must remain active and correctly linked with Aadhaar and scholarship records
• Regular attendance and continued enrolment in the institution are necessary for scholarship continuation

Note: Online submission alone does not guarantee payment. Incorrect bank details, failed verification, attendance issues, or mismatched records may delay or stop the scholarship. Since many websites still display the older 2008 scholarship amounts, applicants should always rely on the latest guidelines available on the official SSEPD Odisha portal.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

Students seeking assistance under the Banishree Scholarship Scheme must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha. Applicants should carefully verify their eligibility before submitting an application through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.

• Must be a permanent resident of Odisha
• Must be studying as a regular student in a recognised educational institution
• Must possess a valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card
• Neither parent should be an income-tax payer
• Must not be receiving any other State Government or Central Government scholarship for the same purpose
• Must maintain regular attendance in the educational institution

Students Who Can Apply Under Banishree Scholarship

The scholarship is available to eligible students with disabilities pursuing education at different academic levels across Odisha. Eligible categories include:

• Students studying from Class I to Class V
• Students studying from Class VI to Class X
• Students pursuing Higher Secondary (+2) education
• Students enrolled in Undergraduate (+3) courses
• Students pursuing Postgraduate programmes
• Students undergoing technical, vocational, or skill-based training
• Students studying in recognised special schools registered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Students pursuing professional or higher education courses not available in Odisha and not covered under a Government of India scholarship scheme

Important Update Regarding Income Eligibility

The latest Banishree Scholarship Scheme guideline has simplified the financial eligibility criteria. Instead of an annual family income ceiling, the current rule requires that neither parent should be an income-tax payer. Applicants should follow this latest condition while applying and keep supporting income-related documents ready if demanded during verification.

The earlier provision mentioning an annual family income limit of Rs. 60,000 belonged to older guidelines and should not be treated as the primary eligibility condition for current applications.

Scholarship Continuation in Case of Examination Failure

The scheme provides additional support to students facing academic difficulties. A beneficiary may continue receiving the scholarship even after failing an examination in a particular academic year, provided the student remains enrolled in the institution and continues attending classes regularly.

However, students who discontinue their studies or remain absent from classes regularly may lose eligibility for further scholarship benefits.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Students who do not possess a valid UDID Card
• Students studying in unrecognised institutions
• Students with irregular attendance records
• Applicants whose parent is an income-tax payer
• Students already receiving another government scholarship for the same educational purpose
• Students providing incorrect, incomplete, or unverifiable information during application
• Applicants from special schools claiming benefits under a category for which the institution is not eligible

Note: Meeting the basic eligibility conditions does not automatically guarantee scholarship approval. Applications are subject to document verification, institutional authentication, and compliance with the latest SSEPD Department guidelines issued for the relevant academic year.

Documents Required to be Attached

Students applying for the Banishree Scholarship Scheme through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal must keep all required documents ready before starting the online application. Since the scholarship is meant specifically for students with disabilities pursuing education in Odisha, document verification plays an important role in the approval process.

• Valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card (mandatory)
• Aadhaar Card of the student
• Odisha residence/domicile certificate
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Admission letter or bona fide certificate from the institution
• School/college identity card
• Previous examination marksheet, where applicable
• Declaration confirming that neither parent is an income-tax payer
• Student’s bank passbook or bank account details
• Active mobile number
• Institution verification certificate
• Disability-related supporting documents, if requested during verification
• For students studying in special schools, proof that the institution is registered under the RPwD Act, 2016 and is not receiving Government Grant-in-Aid, wherever applicable

Important: The UDID Card is the most important document for this scholarship. Applications may face verification issues if the student’s name, date of birth, gender, or other details do not match across the UDID Card, Aadhaar Card, educational records, and bank account. Applicants should carefully verify all records before submitting the application.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

Students can apply for the Banishree Scholarship in two ways, either by submitting the application themselves through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal or with the help of their school, college, or institution. Follow the step-by-step process below to avoid mistakes during registration.

Method 1: Applying Directly Online

Step 1: Visit the Odisha State Scholarship Portal using your mobile phone, laptop, or computer.

Step 2: If you are applying for the first time, create a new account by completing the registration process. Existing users can simply log in using their credentials.

Step 3: After logging in, browse the list of available scholarships and select the Banishree Scholarship Scheme.

Step 4: Carefully enter all required details, including your name, address, disability information, educational details, and bank account information. Ensure every detail matches your official documents.

Step 5: Enter your UDID Card number and verify the information. A valid UDID Card is mandatory under the current guidelines, so keep it ready before starting the application.

Step 6: Upload clear scanned copies of the required documents such as your UDID Card, Aadhaar Card, residence proof, photograph, admission certificate, marksheet, and bank passbook.

Step 7: Before clicking the submit button, check all information once again. Even a small mistake in your name, date of birth, bank account number, or UDID details can delay approval.

Step 8: Submit the application and save your application/reference number. This number will help you track the status of your scholarship later.

Step 9: Inform your school, college, or institution that you have submitted the application. The institution must verify and forward your application before it reaches the department for approval.

Step 10: Regularly log in to the portal and monitor your application status to check whether verification, approval, or payment has been completed.

Method 2: Applying Through Your Institution

Step 1: If you are unable to complete the online application on your own, contact the Head of Institution. This may be your school Principal, college Principal, university scholarship nodal officer, special school authority, or technical institute head.

Step 2: Submit all required documents to the institution, including your UDID Card, Aadhaar Card, bank account details, photograph, and educational records.

Step 3: The institution will verify your admission status, disability details, attendance record, bank information, and other eligibility conditions before proceeding further.

Step 4: Once verification is complete, the institution will submit the scholarship application on your behalf through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.

Step 5: After submission, collect the application number or acknowledgement receipt from the institution and keep it safely for future reference.

Step 6: Stay in touch with your institution and regularly check the portal to know whether your application has been approved or if any correction is required.

Important: Before submitting the application, make sure you disclose any other government scholarship, stipend, or financial assistance you may already be receiving. Since duplicate benefits for the same purpose are generally not permitted, hiding such information can result in rejection. Also remember that scholarship application dates change from year to year, so always check the latest schedule on the SSEPD official portal before applying.

Eligible Classes and Courses – Complete List by Category

The Banishree Scholarship Scheme is available to eligible students across all social categories, including General, SC, ST, OBC/SEBC, and EBC. The scheme covers a wide range of educational levels, from primary schooling to postgraduate, technical, professional, and vocational studies.

Primary School (Class I to V)

Students studying in Class I, II, III, IV, and V are eligible to receive scholarship support under the primary education category.

Middle and High School (Class VI to X)

Students enrolled in Class VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X can apply under the middle and high school category.

Higher Secondary and Graduation

The scholarship also covers students pursuing Plus 2 (+2) and Plus 3 (+3) courses in recognised institutions.

Postgraduate (General Streams)

Students enrolled in postgraduate programmes such as M.A., M.Com., M.Ed., M.Phil., and M.Sc. are eligible under the postgraduate category.

Technical, Professional, and Vocational Courses

Apart from regular academic courses, the scholarship supports students pursuing a wide variety of technical, professional, skill-development, and vocational programmes, including the following:

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Odisha State Scholarship Portal – Apply Online for Banishree Scholarship
• Banishree Scholarship Scheme Official Scheme Page, SSEPD Department
• Banishree Scholarship Scheme Latest Official Guideline (PDF)
• SSEPD Department Official Guidelines Directory
• Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department Official Portal

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Department: Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha
• Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-345-7150
• Email: ssepdsec.od@nic.in
• Local Level: Contact the Head of your School, College, or Institution for application assistance and verification queries
• District Level: Contact the Sub-Collector or Block Development Officer (BDO) of your district for offline application support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Banishree Scholarship Scheme?

Ans. The Banishree Scholarship Scheme is a financial assistance scheme run by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, Government of Odisha. Started on 1 April 2008, the scheme helps students with disabilities continue their education by providing monthly scholarship support from Class I up to postgraduate, technical, vocational, and professional courses.

Q. Who can apply for the Banishree Scholarship?

Ans. Students who are permanent residents of Odisha, studying regularly in a recognised institution, possess a valid UDID Card, and whose parents are not income-tax payees can apply. The student should also not be receiving another government scholarship for the same purpose.

Q. How much scholarship amount is provided under the scheme?

Ans. The scholarship amount depends on the student’s level of education. Eligible students receive Rs. 400, Rs. 500, Rs. 600, or Rs. 700 per month, with annual assistance ranging up to Rs. 8,400 under the latest guidelines.

Q. Is there any family income limit for eligibility?

Ans. Under the current rules, there is no fixed annual income ceiling. Instead, the scholarship is available only if neither parent is an income-tax payee. This condition has replaced the older income-limit rule used in previous guidelines.

Q. Is a UDID Card compulsory for applying?

Ans. Yes. A valid Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card is mandatory. Students without a valid UDID Card cannot apply under the current scholarship guidelines.

Q. Can I continue receiving the scholarship if I fail an examination?

Ans. Yes. A student may continue receiving the scholarship even after failing an examination, provided they remain enrolled in the institution and maintain regular attendance throughout the academic session.

Q. How can I apply for the Banishree Scholarship Scheme?

Ans. Applications are submitted through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal. Students can apply themselves online or seek assistance from their school, college, university, or institution.

Q. Are any additional allowances available under the scheme?

Ans. Yes. Eligible students may receive a Reader’s Allowance if they are visually challenged and require reading assistance. A Transport/Mobility Allowance may also be available for orthopaedically disabled students with 75% or more disability, subject to the prescribed conditions.

Q. Can students studying in special schools apply?

Ans. Yes. Students studying in special schools registered under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 can apply, provided the institution does not receive government grant-in-aid under the category for which the scholarship is claimed.

Q. Can I receive the Banishree Scholarship along with another government scholarship?

Ans. Generally, no. Students receiving another State or Central Government scholarship or financial assistance for the same purpose are not eligible. Applicants should disclose all scholarship benefits while applying to avoid rejection during verification.

Q. What documents are usually required during application?

Ans. Applicants generally need a valid UDID Card, Aadhaar Card, Odisha residence proof, photograph, admission certificate, bank account details, educational records, and a declaration confirming that neither parent is an income-tax payee.

Q. Why do different websites mention different scholarship amounts?

Ans. Many websites still display scholarship rates from the older 2008 guidelines. The SSEPD Department has revised the scholarship amounts over time, and the latest rates are significantly higher. Applicants should always rely on the latest information available on the official SSEPD portal.

Q. How is the scholarship amount paid?

Ans. The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system after successful verification and approval of the application.

Q. Where can I get help regarding the Banishree Scholarship?

Ans. For assistance, applicants can call the toll-free helpline 1800-345-7150, email ssepdsec.od@nic.in, or visit the official SSEPD website at ssepd.odisha.gov.in.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.