With the establishment of a number of educational institutes and universities in the state, education in Odisha is witnessing a rapid transformation. Being state’s capital, Bhubaneswar is day by day becoming a knowledge hub in the country with the inflow of students from other parts of the country.

In terms of literacy rate, the state has reasonably fared over the period of time. According to Census 2011, the overall literacy rate in the state was 73.5% which was marginally behind of the national average of 74.04%.

The state government has taken a number of initiatives to improve literacy rate in the state and has announced a number of scholarships for the students of the state to pursue their dream education. Here, we have prepared a list of such scholarships which the students of Odisha can apply for and avail the opportunity to take up higher education.

Merit Cum Means Scholarship, Odisha

This Merit-Cum-Means Minority Scheme is launched for the students belonging to the minority communities of Odisha such as Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsi) and Jain. To availa this scholarship, total family income of the applicant should not exceed INR 2.5 lakh. The applicant must secure above 50% in previous exams. The income or the minority community certificates must be issued by Magistrate (S.D.M, Tehsildar or self-declare by students/parents).

Post Matric Scholarships Scheme for Minorities, Odisha

This scholarship is launched by the Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department of Govt. of Odisha. This scholarship is for meritorious students of Odisha belonging to the notified Minority Communities such as Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Zoroastrian (Parsi) and Jain) studying in recognized Institutions inside Odisha and other States within India from Class XI up to Ph.D Courses.

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, students must be permanent resident of Odisha and the income ceiling of parents shall not exceed INR 2.00 lakh per annum. Minimum eligibility mark is 50% secured in the last final examination of the Board/ University and 30% scholarship is earmarked for girl students.

IDIA Odisha First National Essay Competition

This competition is being organized by the IDIA Odisha Chapter in collaboration with National Law University Odisha. This competition is open to all and carries total prize money worth INR 8,000. The competition is open to school students as well as undergraduates and postgraduates enrolled in any discipline in a recognized University/College/Institute in India.