Education should never stop because of financial challenges or physical disabilities. Recognizing this, the Government of Odisha introduced the Banishree Scholarship, a powerful initiative designed to support students with disabilities so they can continue their education without financial stress.
If you or someone in your family is eligible for this scholarship and wondering how to apply online for the Banishree Scholarship, this guide is exactly what you need.
In this detailed article, you’ll learn:
- What the Banishree Scholarship is
- Who can apply
- Eligibility criteria explained simply
- Required documents
- Step-by-step online application process
- Renewal process
- Scholarship amount details
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Application status check
- Long FAQs with clear answers
Let’s get started.
What Is the Banishree Scholarship?
The Banishree Scholarship is a state government scholarship scheme by the Government of Odisha, aimed at providing financial assistance to students with disabilities. The scholarship helps eligible students pursue education from primary level to higher education, including professional and technical courses.
This scheme falls under the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Odisha.
The primary goal of the Banishree Scholarship is simple:
To ensure that students with disabilities do not drop out of school due to financial hardship.
Why the Banishree Scholarship Is Important
Students with disabilities often face:
- Higher education costs
- Medical expenses
- Transportation challenges
- Limited earning opportunities for families
The Banishree Scholarship directly addresses these challenges by:
- Covering educational expenses
- Encouraging inclusive education
- Supporting long-term academic growth
- Promoting independence and self-reliance
If you qualify, this scholarship can truly make a difference in your educational journey.
Who Can Apply for the Banishree Scholarship?
You can apply for the Banishree Scholarship if:
- You are a permanent resident of Odisha
- You are a student with a recognized disability
- You are studying in a recognized institution
- Your family income is within the prescribed limit
Let’s break the eligibility criteria in detail.
Banishree Scholarship Eligibility Criteria (Explained Simply)
1. Domicile Requirement
You must be a resident of Odisha. Proof of residence is mandatory during application.
2. Disability Requirement
- You must have a minimum of 40% disability
- The disability must be certified by a competent medical authority
- Disabilities may include:
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Locomotor disability
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
3. Educational Qualification
- Students from Class 1 to Post-Graduation can apply
- Includes:
- School education
- ITI
- Diploma
- Graduation
- Post-graduation
- Professional courses
4. Income Limit
- Annual family income should not exceed ₹60,000 (may vary based on category updates)
- Income certificate is mandatory
5. Institution Recognition
You must be studying in:
- A government institution, or
- A government-recognized private institution
Courses Covered Under Banishree Scholarship
The scholarship supports a wide range of courses, including:
- Primary & Upper Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Higher Secondary (+2)
- ITI & Diploma Courses
- Undergraduate Courses
- Postgraduate Courses
- Professional & Technical Courses
Banishree Scholarship Amount Details
The scholarship amount varies depending on:
- Course level
- Nature of disability
- Type of institution (hosteller or day scholar)
Expected Benefits Include:
- Maintenance allowance
- Reader allowance (for visually impaired students)
- Transportation allowance (where applicable)
- Study material support
The exact amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Documents Required for Banishree Scholarship Application
Before applying online, keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Disability Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Domicile / Residence Certificate
- Recent Passport-Size Photograph
- Bank Passbook (First Page)
- Educational Certificates
- Bonafide Certificate from Institution
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Make sure all documents are:
- Clear and readable
- Uploaded in the correct format (PDF/JPEG)
- Valid and updated
Banishree Scholarship: How To Apply Online (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now let’s move to the most important part, how to apply online for the Banishree Scholarship.
Step 1: Visit the Official Scholarship Portal
Go to the official Odisha Scholarship Portal:
https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in
This is the only official platform for applying.
Step 2: New Student Registration
If you’re applying for the first time:
- Click on “New Registration”
- Select “Banishree Scholarship”
- Enter:
- Aadhaar number
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Verify using OTP
Step 3: Login to Your Account
After registration:
- Login using:
- Registered Aadhaar number
- Password
- Enter captcha
- Click Login
Step 4: Fill the Application Form Carefully
Now you’ll see the application form. Fill it section by section:
Personal Details
- Name (as per Aadhaar)
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Disability type & percentage
Educational Details
- Current course
- Institution name
- Year of study
- Mode (regular)
Income Details
- Annual family income
- Income certificate details
Bank Details
- Account number
- IFSC code
- Bank name
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Disability certificate
- Income certificate
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
- Photograph
Make sure file size and format match portal guidelines.
Step 6: Review & Submit Application
Before submitting:
- Double-check all details
- Ensure documents are uploaded correctly
Click Submit.
Once submitted, no changes can be made, so be careful.
Step 7: Print Application Acknowledgment
After submission:
- Download the acknowledgment receipt
- Keep it safe for future reference
How To Check Banishree Scholarship Application Status
Follow these steps:
- Visit https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in
- Click “Track Application Status”
- Enter:
- Aadhaar number
- Application ID
- Click Search
You’ll see your current application status.
Banishree Scholarship Renewal Process
If you’re an existing beneficiary:
- Login to the portal
- Click Renewal Application
- Update academic progress
- Upload latest documents
- Submit renewal form
Renewal is mandatory every year to continue receiving benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
- Entering incorrect bank details
- Uploading unclear documents
- Missing deadlines
- Using expired certificates
- Not verifying Aadhaar details
Avoid these to ensure smooth approval.
Important Dates (Tentative)
- Application Start: July – August
- Last Date: October – November
- Verification: December
- Scholarship Disbursement: January onwards
Always check the official portal for updated dates.
Banishree Scholarship FAQs (Top Questions Answered)
1. What is the main objective of the Banishree Scholarship?
The primary objective of the Banishree Scholarship is to support students with disabilities in Odisha by providing them financial assistance so they can continue their education without interruption. The government aims to reduce dropout rates, promote inclusive education, and ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier for disabled students.
2. Is the Banishree Scholarship only for Odisha students?
Yes. The Banishree Scholarship is strictly meant for residents of Odisha. You must provide valid domicile or residence proof to confirm that you belong to Odisha. Students from other states are not eligible under this scheme.
3. What percentage of disability is required to apply for the Banishree Scholarship?
To be eligible, you must have at least 40% disability. This must be clearly mentioned in your disability certificate, which should be issued by a recognized government medical authority. Applications without a valid disability percentage are likely to be rejected.
4. Which types of disabilities are covered under the Banishree Scholarship?
The scholarship covers a wide range of disabilities, including:
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Locomotor disability
- Speech and language disability
- Intellectual disability
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Multiple disabilities
If your disability is officially recognized and certified, you are likely eligible.
5. Can school students apply for the Banishree Scholarship?
Yes, absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of this scheme is that it supports students from Class 1 onwards. School students, including primary, upper primary, secondary, and higher secondary students, can all apply as long as eligibility criteria are met.
6. Is the Banishree Scholarship available for college and university students?
Yes. The Banishree Scholarship is available for:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Diploma and ITI students
- Technical and professional course students
This makes it a long-term educational support scheme, not just a school-level scholarship.
7. Can students studying in private institutions apply for the scholarship?
Yes, you can apply even if you are studying in a private institution, provided that the institution is recognized by the Government. Unrecognized or unauthorized institutions are not eligible.
8. What is the income limit for the Banishree Scholarship?
The annual family income of the applicant should generally not exceed ₹60,000. You must submit a valid income certificate issued by a competent authority. If your income exceeds the limit, your application may be rejected during verification.
9. Is Aadhaar mandatory for the Banishree Scholarship application?
Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory. It is used for:
- Student identity verification
- Linking bank accounts
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Make sure your Aadhaar details match exactly with your application details to avoid rejection.
10. How can I apply online for the Banishree Scholarship?
You can apply online through the official Odisha Scholarship Portal:
https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in
The process includes registration, filling out the application form, uploading documents, and final submission.
11. Is offline application allowed for the Banishree Scholarship?
No. Currently, the Banishree Scholarship application process is completely online. Offline applications are not accepted under any circumstances.
12. Can I apply for the Banishree Scholarship every year?
Yes. Eligible students must apply every academic year. First-time applicants must register as new users, while existing beneficiaries must apply through the renewal process.
13. What is the Banishree Scholarship renewal process?
For renewal:
- You must log in to the scholarship portal
- Select the renewal option
- Update your academic details
- Upload the latest documents
- Submit the renewal application
Renewal ensures continued financial support.
14. What documents are mandatory for Banishree Scholarship application?
Some of the most important documents include:
- Aadhaar card
- Disability certificate
- Income certificate
- Residence certificate
- Bank passbook
- Bonafide certificate from institution
Missing or incorrect documents can lead to rejection.
15. How much scholarship amount will I receive?
The scholarship amount varies depending on:
- Course level
- Type of disability
- Whether you are a day scholar or hosteller
The amount is decided by the government and credited directly to your bank account.
16. How is the scholarship amount paid to students?
The scholarship is paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This means the amount is directly transferred to your bank account linked with Aadhaar, ensuring transparency and faster payment.
17. How can I check my Banishree Scholarship application status?
You can check your application status by:
- Visiting https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in
- Clicking on “Track Application Status”
- Entering your Aadhaar number or application ID
18. What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected:
- Check the rejection reason on the portal
- Correct errors if allowed
- Ensure documents are valid
- Apply again in the next cycle if corrections are not permitted
19. Can I edit my application after submission?
No. Once you submit the application, editing is not allowed. This is why it’s extremely important to review all details carefully before clicking the final submit button.
20. What are the most common reasons for rejection?
Common reasons include:
- Incorrect bank details
- Invalid or expired certificates
- Income exceeding the limit
- Mismatch in Aadhaar details
- Poor-quality document uploads
In conclusion
The Banishree Scholarship is more than just financial aid, it’s a step toward inclusive education and equal opportunity. If you’re eligible, don’t miss this chance to continue your education with confidence and dignity.
Apply carefully, follow each step, and keep track of your application status regularly.
If this guide helped you, feel free to share it with someone who may benefit from it.
About the Author
