Odisha Extends Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship Deadline to September 18

Odisha’s Higher Education Department has pushed the Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship deadline to September 18, 2026, giving Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students more time to apply for its state-funded PG and PhD study-abroad scheme. Applications on the Odisha State Scholarship (OSS) Portal were previously due September 1.

This is the second push to the Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship deadline. Applications originally opened August 18 and were due to close August 31, before an earlier extension moved that date to September 1.

The Scheme, in Brief

• Who it’s for: Permanent residents of Odisha in the SC or ST category, holding an admission offer for a PG or PhD program at a university ranked in the QS World University Rankings Top 200.
• Income cap: Annual family income up to Rs 12 lakh.
• Academic years covered: 2025-26 and 2026-27.
• Financial support: Up to Rs 25 lakh per year, for up to two years.
• Slots: 50 scholarships a year.
• One-time use: A student can claim the scholarship only once, for either a PG or a PhD, not both.

Why It Matters for Indian Students

For an SC/ST student from Odisha who already holds an admit from a QS Top 200 university, this scheme can fund the degree almost entirely through the state, with no education loan needed, provided family income stays under Rs 12 lakh. Selection runs on the university’s QS rank and family income, not a separate entrance test, which sets it apart from most national scholarship schemes.

What to Do Now

With the Bidesh Sikhyabruti scholarship deadline now on September 18, students who already hold an offer letter should apply on the Odisha State Scholarship Portal without waiting, and should check the official guidelines notification on the Higher Education Department’s website for the exact document checklist before submitting.

For the complete scheme background, see our earlier coverage: Odisha’s Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scholarship for SC/ST Students. Students weighing this against other funding routes can also check our guide to Indian government scholarships for studying abroad.

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