The Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana is a Financial Assistance Scheme launched by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha. This scheme aims to increase access to higher education for students from underprivileged backgrounds and improve the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in the state.
The objective of this scheme is to provide annual financial assistance to eligible students pursuing Graduation and Post-Graduation courses in Odisha.
Benefits
- Annual Financial Assistance: ₹20,000 per student
- Applicable for: Graduate and Postgraduate courses (both technical and non-technical)
- Duration: Assistance is provided for the entire duration of the course
- Multiple Scholarships: A student can avail financial aid under this scheme even if they are receiving assistance from another scheme
Eligibility Criteria
Student Categories Eligible for Assistance:
The student should belong to one of the following categories:
- HIV/AIDS-affected families (father/mother/both)
- Households without shelter
- Destitute / Living on Alms
- Manual Scavengers
- Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
- Legally released Bonded Labourers
- Single Mother Family (widowed, divorced, or unmarried mothers with dependent children)
Other Eligibility Criteria:
- Permanent Resident of Odisha
- Enrolled in a Graduate/Postgraduate Course in a recognized College/University in Odisha
- Household income should be less than ₹10,000 per month
Application Process
Online Registration:
- Visit the Official Website: State Scholarship Portal, Odisha
- Click on “Registration”
- Read Instructions & Declaration, select the checkbox, and click “I Agree”
- Fill in the required details:
- Aadhaar Number
- Mobile Number
- Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Email ID
- Click “Register”
- Receive Login Credentials via registered mobile number & email
Application Process:
- Log in at State Scholarship Portal, Odisha
- Click “Student Login” and enter your credentials
- Click on “Schemes And Scholarship”
- Select “Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana” from the dropdown menu
- Fill in all mandatory fields and upload the required documents
- Click “Submit”
- Take two printed copies of the submitted form
- Submit the hard copies along with relevant documents to the Principal/Head of Institution for further processing
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Aadhaar Card
- College ID Card
- Resident Certificate
- Income Certificate of Parent/Guardian
- Medical Certificate for HIV/AIDS-affected families
- Certificate for Households without Shelter (from Competent Revenue Authority)
- Single Mother Certificate (issued by District Social Welfare Officer)
- Certificate of being Destitute / Living on Alms (from local Sarpanch/Urban Local Body authority)
- Manual Scavenger Certificate (from Competent Authority)
- Certificate for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (from District Welfare Officer)
- Legally Released Bonded Labourer Certificate (from District Welfare Officer/District Labour Officer)
- Bank Passbook Copy (clearly showing Name, Account No., IFSC Code)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Which Department Manages the “Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana”?
The Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha manages this scheme.
Q. What is the aim of the financial assistance under this scheme?
The scheme aims to financially support students from underprivileged backgrounds so that they can pursue higher education in Odisha.
Q. Can students from Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) apply?
No, the scheme is only applicable to students who fall under specific categories (HIV-affected families, bonded laborers, single mother families, etc.).
Q. What is the maximum financial assistance that a student can receive?
A student can receive ₹20,000 per year under this scheme.
Q. Can a student avail benefits of this scheme along with another scholarship?
Yes, students can avail benefits from multiple scholarship schemes simultaneously.
Q. What is the duration for which the financial assistance is provided?
The assistance is provided annually for the full duration of the course.
Q. Are there any restrictions on the type of course?
The student should be enrolled in any graduate/postgraduate course (technical/non-technical) in a recognized institute in Odisha.
Q. How to check eligibility for this scheme?
Visit the State Scholarship Portal and check the “Eligibility Criteria” section.
Q. Can students from other states apply for this scheme?
No, only permanent residents of Odisha are eligible.
Q. Can I apply offline for this scheme?
No, the application process is completely online through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.
Q. How many copies of the online application should be submitted?
Students must submit two printed copies of the application along with documents to their college/institution.