The Government of Odisha has introduced the Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha scholarship scheme for students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the state. The government is committed to expansion of access to quality and inclusive higher education throughout the State of Odisha. It has implemented various scholarship programmes and initiatives on extending financial aid. The main objective of the Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha scheme is to provide youth with opportunities for skill development, reskilling as well as upskilling.
The initiative specifically focuses on students enrolled in regular undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the state universities, government and non-government aided colleges, including Sanskrit colleges run by the Higher Education Department. Additionally, it covers private colleges (unaided) where students have been admitted through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) under the Higher Education Department. The students whose parents pay income taxes or hold permanent government positions would be ineligible under the scholarship scheme.
Extending financial aid for higher education through scholarships across all categories of colleges aims to propel Odisha to the forefront of higher education by achieving universal access. This strategic initiative goes beyond uplifting the current generation. It empowers youth and fosters overall progress of the State of Odisha.
Aligned with the vision of ‘Nabin Odisha,’ the programme seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape. It ensures that every student, regardless of their background, gets an equal opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the development agenda of the State.
The scholarship is being offered by the Government of Odisha, specifically under the Higher Education Department, as part of the broader initiative called Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha. The following article will shed light on important details such as eligibility criteria, awards, application process etc. of the NUA-O scholarship scheme.
NUA-O Scholarship 2024: Overview
| Name of the Scholarship Scheme | NUA-O Scholarship 2024, Odisha |
| Implementation by | Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha |
| Beneficiaries | Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of Odisha |
| Award | Up to ₹11,000 annually |
| Last Date to Apply | February 22, 2024 |
| Official Website | https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/website/ |
NUA-O Scholarship 2024: Eligibility Criteria
The students who are domiciled in the State of Odisha are required to fulfill the following eligibility criteria in order to avail the benefits under this scholarship programme:
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Candidates must belong to the following categories:
- General
- Scheduled Caste (SC)
- Scheduled Tribe (ST)
- Other Backward Class (OBC)
- Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC)
- Economically Backward Classes (EBC)
- Students must be enrolled in a regular full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course in a state university/government and non-government aided colleges/aided Sanskrit colleges/unaided private colleges.
- Applicants must have been admitted through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) under the jurisdiction of the Higher Education Department.
Important Note:- For the 2023-24 financial year only, an exception will be made for the process of admission due to closure of the current academic session. This exception applies to all colleges except unaided private colleges utilising the SAMS admissions system.
The following students are ineligible to apply under the NUA-O Scholarship 2024:
- Students whose parent(s) are employed by the Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Government-aided Institutions, or Autonomous Bodies.
- Recipients of the KALIA scholarship scheme for professional and technical courses.
- Students without receiving validation from their principal or educational institution.
- Students enrolled in open universities, distance learning, or correspondence courses.
- Students pursuing self-financed courses under PPP mode.
- Any additional categories excluded by the government.
- Students whose parent(s) are current income taxpayers.
NUA-O Scholarship 2024: Scholarship Award
The candidates selected under this scholarship programme will receive the following benefits on an annual basis through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT):
| Courses | Categories | Award for Males (₹) | Award for Females (₹) |
| All courses | General/EBC/OBC/SEBC | ₹9,000 | ₹10,000 |
| All courses | SC/ST | ₹10,000 | ₹11,000 |
Important Note:- The scholarship award is available for a period of up to three years for undergraduate courses and up to a period of two years for postgraduate studies. Each student can receive the scholarship award only once both during their undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Also Read: Odisha State Scholarship Portal 2024 – Check Updates Here
NUA-O Scholarship 2024: How to Apply
The application process for the NUA-O scholarship scheme is easy and simple through the State Scholarship Portal, Government of Odisha. Students can follow the steps outlined below in order to apply under the scholarship scheme:
Step 1: Visit the official website and click on the second notification link in the announcement section.
Step 2: Download Annexure A and B, whichever is applicable by clicking on the hyperlink ‘Download 1’.
Step 3: Fill in the required details in the self-declaration form and submit it to the institute. The institute will process the verification of the submitted documents and validate the information provided by the students.
NUA-O Scholarship 2024: Documents Required
Eligible and interested students are required to submit a self-declaration with the following information along with a passport-size photograph to their institutes in order to apply under the NUA-O scholarship scheme:
- Confirmation of permanent residency in the State of Odisha.
- Residence details, including district, block, address, and college name.
- Aadhaar number and mobile contact number.
- Bank account information, including account number and IFSC code.
(Note:- Students enrolled via CAF must ensure that their bank details are accurate on the SAMS portal. If details are incorrect or outdated, use the self-declaration form on the college scholarship portal for getting this updated.)
- Affirmation of meeting the eligibility criteria and not falling under the auto-exclusion conditions.
- Declaration confirming that neither of their parents is an income taxpayer or subject to tax liability.
- Commitment to pursue ongoing studies ensuring regular class attendance.
- Declaration stating neither of the parents is employed in Central/State Government, PSUs, Government-aided Institutions, Autonomous Bodies, or receive grants from the educational institutions.
Students aged above 18 years old must submit their self-declaration using Form A. For students below 18, a declaration from their parent(s)/guardian(s) using Form B is required.
Note:- If any of the clauses of the forms mentioned above is not applicable in the case of any category of students, then students may write in the aforementioned declaration that the relevant clause is not applicable to them.
Also Read: PRERANA Scholarship 2024 – Eligibility, Benefits and Dates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply under the NUA-O Scholarship 2024, Odisha?
The last date to apply under the scholarship scheme is 22nd February 2024.
What is the NUA-O Scholarship?
The NUA-O Scholarship scheme has been launched by the Government of Odisha to provide financial assistance to undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing their studies in the state.
Who is eligible under the NUA-O Scholarship 2024?
NUA-O Scholarship scheme is applicable for undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in the State Universities, Government and Non-Government aided colleges, including Sanskrit colleges run by the Higher Education Department.
What is the amount of the scholarship being offered under the NUA-O Scholarship 2024?
The students will receive the scholarship benefits as follows:
- Male students will receive ₹9,000 annually.
- Female students will receive ₹10,000 annually.
- Male students from SC/ST and Nirman Shramik (Construction Worker) families will receive ₹10,000, while female students of the same categories will receive ₹11,000 per year.
Is there a scholarship amount limit criteria applicable per family?
No, there is no limit on the number of scholarship awards applicants from the same family can receive. Eligible candidates can apply conveniently through the State Scholarship Portal, Odisha.