Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Empowering Minority Students in West Bengal

The Aikyashree Scholarship is a prominent initiative of the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC), designed to provide financial support to students from the minority communities in West Bengal. The function of the WBMDFC is to generally undertake the task of economic welfare of the minorities. Since inception, it has been taking up various schemes for economic welfare, scholarships, vocational training, mass awareness and career counselling. By helping students from the economically weaker sections continue their education, the scholarship aims to ensure that the minority communities of West Bengal, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains, can achieve higher academic goals. 

The Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25 continues this tradition by offering various scholarships to students pursuing studies at different educational levels. The scholarship scheme aims to assist deserving students from West Bengal pursuing their studies in schools and colleges.

The WBMDFC Aikyashree Scholarship portal is a comprehensive online platform designed for minority students in West Bengal. The portal allows students enrolled in Class 1 to PhD level to apply for various WB Government scholarship schemes through the WBMDFC Aikyashree Scholarship Portal.

This article with detailed guidelines on Aikyashree Scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, covers its various schemes, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, required documentation, renewal process, and other important details.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Objectives  

The Aikyashree Scholarship is a part of the broader initiative of the West Bengal government to uplift minority students by supporting them financially. This covers a wide range of academic levels, from pre-matric (school-level) to post-matric (college and university level), as well as merit-cum-means scholarships for professional and technical courses. It shares the following objectives:

• To provide financial assistance to students belonging to minority communities.
• To ensure equal educational opportunities for students from economically backward sections.
• To encourage minority students to pursue higher education and reduce the dropout rate.
• To improve the literacy rate of minority communities in West Bengal.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Key Features  

• Comprehensive coverage from pre-matric to postgraduate and doctoral levels.
• A dedicated online application portal to streamline the process.
• Financial assistance that includes maintenance allowances, tuition fees, and other educational expenses.
• Special provision for technical and professional courses through the merit-cum-means scheme.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Key Highlights  

Before applying for the Aikyashree Scholarship scheme, the applicants should be aware of the key details. It is as follows:

Particulars	Details
Name of the Scholarship	Aikyashree Scholarship (ঐক্যশ্রী স্কলারশিপ)
Provider	West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (WBMDFC), Government of West Bengal
Department	Minority Affairs and Madrasah Education Department  সংখ্যালঘু বিষয়ক ও মাদ্রাসা শিক্ষা বিভাগ
Beneficiaries	Students from the Minority Communities (Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Parsi & Christian)
Method of Application	Online
Official Website	www.wbmdfcscholarship.in www.wbmdfc.org
Session	2024-25
Eligible Courses	Class 1 to PhD Courses
Application Closing Date	31st October 2024
Helpline Number	1800-120-2130 6290875550 (Technical Helpdesk)
Helpline Email	scholarship.wbmdfc@gmail.com

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Types of Scholarships

Under the Aikyashree Scholarship programs, there are multiple schemes, each catering to different educational levels and needs. Let’s explore each of the schemes in detail.

1. West Bengal Pre-Matric Scholarship (Class 1 to 10)

The Pre-Matric Scholarship under Aikyashree is aimed at students from minority communities pursuing their studies in Class 1 to 10. This is intended to provide access to quality education at the school level.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicants must belong to a recognised minority community viz. Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, or Jain.
• They must be pursuing studies in a School/Institution recognized by an educational Board/ Council/ University of the State/ Central Government in West Bengal.
• The annual family income of the applicant should not exceed ₹2 lakh.
• They must have scored at least 50% in the previous final examination (exempted for Class 1 students).

Award Amount: The award money may go up to ₹11,000, depending on the actual expenses. 

2. West Bengal Post-Matric Scholarship (Class 11 to PhD)

The Post-Matric Scholarship is meant for students from Class 11 to doctoral programs. It covers a broad spectrum of academic pursuits, ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier for students wishing to continue their education beyond the school level.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The student must belong to a recognised minority community.
• They must be pursuing higher secondary, graduation, post-graduation, or doctoral programs in the State of West Bengal.
• The annual family income of the student’s family should not exceed ₹2 lakh.
• The student must have scored at least 50% in the previous final examination.

Award Amount: The scholarship benefit is up to ₹16,500, subject to actual expenses.

3. Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship (Technical and Professional Courses)

This scheme is targeted at students pursuing professional and technical courses such as engineering, medical, management, law, etc., at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at institutions situated in West Bengal and affiliated with any board or university recognised by the Government of West Bengal.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be a domiciled resident of the State of West Bengal.
• They must belong to a recognised minority community.
• The student must be pursuing professional or technical courses in West Bengal.
• The annual family income of the student should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
• They must have scored at least 50% in the previous final examination i.e., in their last Higher Secondary/Graduation level exam.
• The students hailing from the State of West Bengal who are pursuing their studies in institutions outside the state are ineligible, except for those attending specific institutions such as IIT, IIM, etc.

Award Amount: There is a scholarship benefits up to ₹33,000, subject to actual expenses.

4. Talent Support Program (TSP)

The Talent Support Program or Post-Matric Stipend Under Talent Support Program is granted to minority students who have completed their most recent final examination with less than 50% marks and are continuing their further studies in regular mode in government or non-government schools, colleges, or universities from Class 11 up to PhD level.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Talent Support Program (TSP) is only applicable to students from the minority communities.
• They must be a domiciled resident of West Bengal.
• The students must be pursuing higher secondary or higher-level courses.
• The annual family income of the student should not exceed ₹2 lakh.
• The applicants must have passed their last examination with less than 50% marks.

Award Amount: The scholarship benefit is up to ₹4,900.

5. Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM)

The SVMCM scholarship is awarded to deserving minority students. It is intended to support their studies from Class XI through postgraduate level in various regular courses, including Diploma (Polytechnic), Diploma in Pharmacy, B.Ed., D.L.Ed., M.Ed., and more.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be a resident of West Bengal and pursuing education in a recognised institution within the state.
• The student should have graduated in the current academic year from recognised institutions affiliated with/accredited by WBBSE, WBCHSE, WBBME, CBSE, ISC, or universities located in West Bengal.
• The annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh, with an income certificate issued by a State/Central Government Officer of a rank not lower than Jt. B.D.O.
• The minimum marks required in the last examination are as follows: 
• 60% for Higher Secondary to Graduation level
• 53% for postgraduation level and Honours subjects at Graduation level
• 55% for engineering students at the Graduation level

Award Amount: The scholarship benefit is up to ₹60,000.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: General Eligibility Criteria

While each scholarship scheme under Aikyashree has its own specific eligibility criteria, there are some common eligibility requirements that students must meet in order to be considered for any of the scholarships:

1. Domicile: The student must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
2. Minority Community: The student must belong to one of the recognised minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, or Jain).
3. Educational Performance: They must have scored at least 50% marks in their previous final examination. However, some of the schemes may have different academic performance requirements.
4. Family Income: The annual family income should not exceed ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh, depending on the scholarship scheme.

ঐক্যশ্রী স্কলারশিপ প্রোগ্রামের সুবিধা

ওয়েস্ট বেঙ্গল মাইনরিটি ডেভেলপমেন্ট অ্যান্ড ফিনান্স কর্পোরেশন (WBMDFC) বেশ কয়েকটি স্কলারশিপ প্রোগ্রাম পরিচালনা করে। এর মধ্যে, সংখ্যালঘু সম্প্রদায়ের শিক্ষার্থীদের সহায়তা করার লক্ষ্যে আইক্যশ্রী স্কলারশিপ বিশেষভাবে চালু করা হয়েছে। এই স্কলারশিপের মাধ্যমে খ্রিস্টান, মুসলিম, শিখ, বৌদ্ধ, পার্সি, এবং জৈন ধর্মের ছাত্রছাত্রীরা রাজ্য সরকারের কাছ থেকে আর্থিক সুবিধা পেতে পারে।

আইক্যশ্রী স্কলারশিপ প্রোগ্রামের আরও কিছু উদ্দেশ্য রয়েছে, যেমন:

• গরিব ও মেধাবী শিক্ষার্থীদের পড়াশোনা চালিয়ে যেতে শিক্ষা ঋণ প্রদান
• সংখ্যালঘু সম্প্রদায়ের নারীদের ক্ষমতায়নে সহায়তা
• শিক্ষার মাধ্যমে শিক্ষার্থীদের আর্থিকভাবে স্বাবলম্বী করে তোলা
• পশ্চিমবঙ্গে সাক্ষরতার হার উন্নত করা
• বিভিন্ন প্রতিযোগিতামূলক পরীক্ষার জন্য শিক্ষার্থীদের প্রস্তুত করা
• শিক্ষার্থীদের দক্ষতা উন্নয়নে এবং দক্ষতা বৃদ্ধির জন্য প্রশিক্ষণ কর্মসূচির আয়োজন
• গরিব কিন্তু প্রতিশ্রুতিশীল শিক্ষার্থীদের জন্য বিভিন্ন বৃত্তি প্রদান

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Award Amount Details 

The Aikyashree scholarship is given only to students who have scored more than 50% in their previous exams. The scholarship is funded by the State Government and is offered to students in two groups – Day Scholars and Hostellers.

The detailed scholarship benefits for both categories are as under: 

S.N.	Types of Scholarship	Classes	Day Scholars			Hosteller
			Admission & Tuition Fee	Maintenance Allowance	Total	Admission & tuition Fee	Maintenance Allowance	Total
1	Pre-Matric	Class 1 to 5	0	₹1,100	₹1,100	0	0	0
		Class 6 to 10	₹4,400	₹1,100	₹5,500	₹4,400	₹6,600	₹11,000
2	Post-Matric	Class 11 & 12	₹7,700	₹2,500	₹10,200	₹7,700	₹4,200	₹11,900
		Class 11 and 12 (Technical & Vocational Courses)	₹11,000	₹2,500	₹13,500	₹11,000	₹4,200	₹15,200
		UG and PG	₹3,300	₹3,300	₹6,600	₹3,300	₹6,300	₹9,600
		M.Phil. & PhD	₹3,300	₹6,000	₹9,300	₹3,300	₹13,200	₹16,500
3.	Merit-cum-Means	Medical Engineering ManagementLaw, CA etc.	₹22,000	₹5,500	₹27,500	₹22,000	₹11,000	₹33,000

Important Information 

• Admission and tuition fees will be covered on the basis of actual costs.
• When considering hostellers, those students are also included in consideration who are not living in the institute’s hostel but are staying as paying guests or renting accommodations.
• Maintenance allowance can be given for up to 10 months in one academic year.
• The full course fee may be refunded to the approved institutions.)

SVMCM + TSP

S.N.	Course Category	Annual Scholarship Amount
1	Class 11, 12 and Fazil	₹12,000
2	UG Arts	₹12,000
3	UG Commerce	₹12,000
4	UG Science	₹18,000
5	UG (Other Professional Courses, UGC Approved)	₹18,000
6	PG Arts	₹24,000
7	PG Commerce	₹24,000
8	PG Science	₹30,000
9	PG (Other Professional Courses, UGC Approved)	₹30,000
10	UG (Engg), PG (Engg) and Other Professional Courses, UGC Approved	₹60,000
11	UG (Polytechnic) and Diploma Courses	₹18,000
12	Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Medical Degree)	₹60,000
13	Diploma Courses under Medical Degree	₹18,000

TSP

Class	Hosteller	Day Scholar
Class 11 and 12	₹2,550	₹2,550
Graduation	₹4,800	₹4,800
Postgraduation	₹4,900	₹4,900

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Key Instructions

1. Eligible students must apply online on www.wbmdfcscholarship.in following the key instructions.
2. The applicant must be a resident of West Bengal.
3. Preference will be given to students with AADHAAR-linked bank accounts for direct transfer of the scholarship amount.
4. Only one registration is permitted per active bank account number.
5. The students should have achieved the required marks in their most recent final examination.
6. The applicants who received the scholarship last year and have an Application ID must apply under the renewal category.
7. First-time applicants must submit their application as a FRESH candidate. Only one registration is allowed per mobile number.
8. A student is eligible for a scholarship from only one source.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Step-by-Step Application Process

To complete the Aikyashree application, the applicants must adhere to the following steps:

Step 1 – Student Registration

• Go to the official WBMDFC website or connect with the Aikyashree Scholarship portal directly.
• Click on “Student Panel”.
• Click on “Fresh Registration”.

• Choose the district where your institution is located.
• Click on “OK” when the message displays “Are you sure, the district of your institution?”

Fill in the required student details such as:

• Name (ছাত্র/ ছাত্রীর নাম)
• District (স্থায়ী ঠিকানা অনুসারে জেলা)
• Block/Municipality (ব্লক/মিউনিসিপালিটি)
• Father’s name (পিতার নাম)
• Mother’s name (মাতার নাম)
• Date of birth (জন্ম তারিখ)
• Gender (লিঙ্গ)
• Religion (ধর্ম)
• Savings bank account number (সেভিংস ব্যাংক অ্যাকাউন্ট নং)
• Mobile number (মোবাইল নং)
• Bank IFS Code (ব্যাংক আইএফএস কোড)

• Fill in the Captcha code.
• Click “Submit and Proceed”.

Step 2 – Scheme Eligibility

• Enter the necessary information such as current institution, its location, class/course name, last exam passed, board name, year of passing, percentage obtained, annual family income, and email ID.

• Review the information carefully and click “Submit & Proceed”.

Step 3 – Registration Completion

• After completing the previous steps, your application ID will be generated.

• Check your email or inbox for the password.

Step 4 – Student Login

• Log in using your User ID and Password in the STUDENT’S LOGIN Window.

• Provide the following details:
• • Basic Information
  • Academic Information
  • Bank Account Information
• Change your password for added security (this step is mandatory) and click “Submit.”
• Complete the OTP validation

Step 5 – Final Submission

1. Enter your details under the “Basic Information” section.
2. Click “Submit and Proceed”.
3. Fill in the details under the “Academic Information” section.
4. Click “Submit and Proceed”.
5. Complete and verify the “Bank Account Information”.
6. Review all the details by clicking the “Pre-View” tab.
7. Click the “Final Submit” tab.

Step 6 – Verification and Printout

1. Double-check the information entered in the previous steps.
2. Once the details are confirmed, print a copy of the application form.
3. Submit the printed application form to your institution along with a photocopy of your bank passbook, showing the account number and IFSC code.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Required Documents 

• First page of bank passbook
• For yearly examination, marksheet of last examination 
• For semester examination, current semester marksheet
• Verification form of school/college 
• Income certificate (issued by any gazetted officer only)

The documents should be in .JPG/ .JPEG image format. The file size must be within 100 KB to 300 KB.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Submission of Application Form

Pre-Matric Scholarship

• The Aikyashree application form needs to be submitted online on the www.wbmdfcscholarship.in following the instructions.
• After submitting the application online, the applicant needs to print the form, sign it, and submit it to their school/college along with a copy of their Bank Passbook.
• To get the scholarship quickly, the bank account should be linked with the Aadhaar Card.
• Renewal applicants do not need to apply online again if they are pursuing studies in the same institution.
• If the student changes institutions, they must submit a new online application.

Post-Matric Scholarship

• The Aikyashree application form needs to be submitted on the www.wbmdfcscholarship.in online as per the guidelines. 
• The applicant must print the application, sign it, and submit it to their institution along with a copy of their bank passbook.
• To ensure the scholarship is released quickly, the bank account should be linked to the Aadhaar Card. It should be active and updated with KYC norms.

Merit-Cum-Means

• The Aikyashree application form needs to be submitted on the www.wbmdfcscholarship.in online as per the guidelines.
• The applicant must print out the application, sign it, and submit it to their institution along with a copy of their Bank Passbook.
• To receive the scholarship without delays, the student’s bank account should be linked to their Aadhaar Card.
• The student must apply online and upload the required document – a ‘Bonafide Certificate’ signed by the Head of the institution.

Post-Matric Stipend under Talent Support Program (TSP)

• The application form must be printed by the applicants.
• They should submit the printed form to their institution.
• A copy of the ‘Bank Passbook’ must also be attached along with the form.

Swami Vivekananda Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship Scheme for Minorities

• The Aikyashree application form needs to be submitted on the www.wbmdfcscholarship.in online as per the guidelines.
• The following documents must be uploaded during the process of application:
  • Marksheet from the previous board or university
  • Institute Verification Certificate (proof from your school/college)
  • Annual Income Certificate (for showing family income)
  • Bank Account Passbook (for showing bank account details)

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Selection Procedure

There are two types of students who can apply for the Aikyashree scholarship:

1. New applicants
2. Applicants for Renewal

For new applicants, the scholarship is provided on the basis of the student’s merit and funds available from the State Government.

For renewing the scholarship, the students must have scored at least 50% in their last exam in order to be considered.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: Renewal Steps 

If a student wants to renew their WBMDFC scholarship, they should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website for all scholarships (Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, MCM, TSP, SVMCM).
2. Click on “Renewal Application” to open a new window.
3. Select your district and click on “OK” when the pop-up appears.
4. Log in using your application ID, date of birth, district, and captcha code.
5. Click “Login”.
6. Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and submit.
7. Choose “Renew Application” (You can also withdraw your application if needed).
8. Fill in the details, such as name, date of birth, email, parent’s name, gender, and religion.
9. Click “Submit and Next”.
10. Enter your academic details (previous and current).
11. Click “Submit and Next”.
12. Check your bank details (IFSC, bank name, branch, account number, and account holder’s name).
13. Tick the confirmation box confirming your bank details are correct.
14. Click “Submit and Next”.
15. Upload required documents, such as the institute verification certificate.
16. Submit the application form by clicking “Submit and Next”.
17. Review all details before submitting.
18. Click “Submit and Lock Renewal Application”.
19. A pop-up will ask for confirmation. Click “OK” if everything is correct.
20. Print your renewal application by clicking “Print Renewal Application”.

How to Retrieve Aikyashree Application ID or Password?

If a student is unable to recall Aikyashree Scholarship Application ID or password used last year, they can easily get it back from the official website using their registered mobile number, date of birth, and bank account number.

The steps to retrieve the Aikyashree application ID or password are as follows:

1. Visit the official Aikyashree Scholarship website.
2. Click “Student’s Login”.
3. Click “Forgot User ID/Password”.
4. Enter details like scholarship year, district, registered mobile number, date of birth, and bank account number or application ID.
5. You will receive an SMS with your Application ID and Password.

How to Track Aikyashree Application Status?

1. Go to the WBMDFC official website.
2. Click on “Track Application”.
3. Enter your district, application ID, date of birth, and the captcha code.
4. Click “Submit” to view your application status.

Aikyashree Scholarship 2024-25: FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the Aikyashree Scholarship?

The students belonging to minority communities such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains, who are a domiciled resident of West Bengal and meet the academic and income criteria set for the scholarship schemes, can apply.

How can I apply for the Aikyashree Scholarship?

You can apply for the Aikyashree Scholarship online on the official WBMDFC portal. You will need to create an account, fill in the application form, and upload the required documents.

Is there an application fee for the Aikyashree Scholarship?

No, there is no application fee for applying to the Aikyashree Scholarship. It is free of cost.

How will I know if my application is approved?

After having submitted your application, you can check the status by logging into your account on the WBMDFC portal. You will also receive SMS and email notifications approving your application status.

Can I renew my scholarship? If yes, how?

Yes, you can renew your scholarship. To do this, you need to submit a renewal application through the WBMDFC portal, maintain the required academic performance, and provide updated documents, including your latest marksheet and income certificate.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

If you miss the application deadline, you will not be able to apply for the scholarship for that academic year. It’s important to keep track of the deadlines and apply on time.

What are the benefits available under the Aikyashree scholarship?

The Aikyashree Scholarship covers various educational expenses, including tuition fees, maintenance allowances, examination fees, and hostel expenses for eligible students.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships; however, if you are awarded more than one scholarship, you may need to choose one, as most of the programs do not allow availing double benefits for the same or similar set of educational expenses.

How long does it take for the scholarship amount to be disbursed?

The scholarship amount is typically disbursed within a few months after the application deadline, following after the completion of the verification process. The applicants will be notified via SMS and email once the funds are transferred.

Do I need to submit my application every year?

Yes, the students must submit a new application for the scholarship each academic year, even if they are renewing their scholarship. This ensures that all information is current and accurate.

What should I do if my application is rejected?

If your application is rejected, you can check the reason for rejection on the WBMDFC portal. Try and connect with the appropriate point of contact. You may have the option to appeal or correct any issues and reapply in the next cycle.

Are there any specific academic performance requirements for maintaining the scholarship?

Yes, students must maintain a minimum score of 50% in their examinations to be eligible for renewal of the scholarship.