Introduction The Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scheme is a flagship overseas scholarship initiative of the Government of Odisha under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY). It aims to help meritorious SC and ST students pursue Postgraduate and PhD programmes at globally recognised universities by reducing the financial burden of higher education abroad. Under the scheme, eligible students admitted to universities ranked among the Top 200 in the latest QS World University Rankings can receive financial assistance towards tuition fees, living expenses, travel, visa, insurance, and other approved academic costs. The Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) oversees the selection and verification process, while applications are accepted online through the official scholarship portal. The scheme provides a valuable opportunity for deserving students from Odisha to access quality international education and build global academic and professional careers. Interested candidates can check the eligibility criteria and submit their applications through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal within the notified application period. Benefits Financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per student per year. Maximum scholarship support of ₹50 lakh per student for the entire course. Up to ₹15 lakh per year towards tuition fees. Up to ₹7 lakh per year for living expenses. Up to ₹3 lakh for airfare, visa, insurance, and other incidental expenses. Scholarship amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account. Support is available for eligible PG and Ph.D. programmes abroad. Around 50 students are selected annually across different academic streams. Students may also avail education loan benefits under the Kalinga Sikhya Sathi Yojana. Eligibility Applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha. Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Must have an unconditional admission offer from a Top 200 QS-ranked foreign university. Annual family income should not exceed ₹12 lakh. Should not be a regular employee of any Government Department, PSU, or Autonomous Body. Should not be receiving any other scholarship or financial assistance for the same course. Must not have previously studied abroad through any scholarship or self-financed arrangement. For Master's programmes, minimum 65% marks in the qualifying Bachelor's degree and age below 35 years. For Ph.D. programmes, minimum 65% marks in the qualifying Master's degree and age below 40 years. The scholarship can be availed only once in a lifetime for either PG or Ph.D. studies. Documents 10th Board Certificate Residence Certificate Caste Certificate Income Certificate Aadhaar Card Passport-size Photograph Scanned Signature Qualifying Degree/Provisional Certificate Mark Sheets of Qualifying Examination Foreign University Admission Offer Letter Bank Account Details Additional Documents After Selection Attestation Form Family Income Self-Declaration Non-Conviction Declaration Passport and Visa Copy Fee Waiver Documents (if applicable) Process to Apply Obtain an unconditional admission offer from a Top 200 QS-ranked foreign university. Visit the Odisha State Scholarship Portal. Complete registration on the portal. Fill out the online application form with personal, academic, and income details. Upload all required documents. Review the application and submit it before the deadline. Track the application status through the portal. Selected candidates must submit additional documents and complete document verification. Selection Process Applications are scrutinized by the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC). Admission offers and university rankings are verified. Merit is prepared based on QS World University Rankings. In case of a tie, qualifying examination marks are considered. If the tie continues, preference is given to candidates with lower family income. Personal interviews may be conducted if required. Final recommendations are submitted to the Higher Education Department for approval. Selected candidates receive a Provisional Scholarship Award Letter. Important Links and Contact Apply Online Registration Guidelines Odisha State Scholarship Portal Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) Higher Education Department, Odisha Scholarship Portal Contact Details Higher Education Department Contact Details FAQs Q. What is the Odisha Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scheme?The Odisha Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scheme is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to eligible SC and ST students of Odisha for pursuing Postgraduate and Ph.D. studies at recognized foreign universities. Q. Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?Permanent residents of Odisha belonging to the SC or ST category, with admission to a Top 200 QS-ranked foreign university and annual family income up to ₹12 lakh, can apply. Q. How much financial assistance is provided under the scheme?Selected students can receive financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per year, subject to a maximum limit of ₹50 lakh per course. Q. Which expenses are covered under the scholarship?The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, visa fees, insurance, and other approved academic expenses. Q. Can a student avail the scholarship more than once?No. A student can avail the benefit only once in their lifetime, either for a Postgraduate course or a Ph.D. program. Q. How can I apply for the Odisha Bidesh Sikhyabruti Scheme?Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal during the notified application period. Q. Is there any age limit for applicants?Yes. For Master's courses, the maximum age is 35 years, while for Ph.D. courses, the maximum age is 40 years. Q. Which organization manages the scheme?The Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) is responsible for application scrutiny, verification, and preparation of the merit list.