Banishree Scholarship is a scheme by the Odisha Government to support education for children with special needs. This scholarship helps students with disabilities by giving them financial support to continue their studies.
In this article, you will find all the details about the Banishree Scholarship 2025 including its benefits, goals, features, eligibility, required documents, and how to apply. If you want full information about this scholarship, keep reading carefully.
About Banishree Scholarship Scheme 2025
To promote education among children with disabilities, Odisha’s government started the Banishree Scholarship. The scheme gives financial help to students so they can pay for their studies. This scholarship encourages students with special needs to reach their dreams by reducing their financial burden. It began on 1st April 2008. Students studying technical, professional, or vocational courses can apply if they live in Odisha.
The annual family income of the applicant must not be more than Rs 60,000. The scholarship amount ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 250 with extra allowances. The money is sent directly to the student’s bank account.
Goal of Banishree Scholarship 2025
This scholarship aims to encourage children with special needs to continue education by providing financial support and special allowances. By receiving Rs 100 to Rs 250 per month, these students get motivation and help to keep learning and become independent.
Main Highlights of Banishree Scholarship 2025
| Name of the Scheme | Banishree Scholarship |
| Launched By | Government of Odisha |
| Beneficiaries | Children with Special Needs |
| Objective | To encourage education for children with disabilities |
| Official Website | https://ssepd.gov.in/ |
| Year | 2025 |
| Financial Assistance | Rs 100 to Rs 250 per month |
| State | Odisha |
| Type | Government Scheme |
| Application Mode | Online/Offline |
Odisha State Scholarship Portal
Increase in Banishree Scholarship Amount
On 21st December 2024, Odisha’s Social Security Minister Ashok Chandra Panda announced a rise in scholarship amounts under the Banishree scheme. More than 23,600 students will benefit in 2024-25. Below is the updated monthly scholarship amount:
| Class | Earlier Amount (per month) | Now Amount (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 to 5 | Rs 200 | Rs 400 |
| Plus 2 and Plus 3 students | Rs 300 | Rs 600 |
| Post-Graduation | Rs 350 | Rs 700 |
| Technical/Vocational Training | Rs 350 | Rs 700 |
| Students studying outside Odisha | Rs 350 | Rs 700 |
| Reader Allowance (Primary Visually Impaired) | Rs 100 | Rs 200 |
| Reader Allowance (Middle School Visually Impaired) | Rs 150 | Rs 300 |
| Reader Allowance (Others) | Rs 200 | Rs 400 |
| Transport Allowance (Disability 75% and above) | Rs 100 | Rs 200 |
Benefits and Features of Banishree Scholarship
- Banishree Scholarship helps promote education for children with disabilities in Odisha.
- Financial help is given to students with special needs to support their studies.
- The scheme provides monthly financial support from Rs 100 to Rs 250 along with extra allowances.
- Students can use this support to cover regular or vocational courses.
- Only Odisha residents with a family income below Rs 60,000 per year can apply.
- The scholarship money is directly deposited into the student’s bank account.
Who Can Get Banishree Scholarship 2025?
- Students from class 1 to 5 in primary education
- Students from class 6 to 10 in middle and high school, not covered under central government scholarships
- College and university students not receiving central government scholarship
- Students studying in special schools registered under the PWD Act 1995
- Those pursuing distance education through recognized universities or government institutions
- Students pursuing technical, vocational, or professional courses through recognized institutes
Financial Assistance Details
| Education Level | Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Primary Classes (inside Odisha) | Rs 100 |
| Middle and High School (inside Odisha) | Rs 140 |
| Undergraduate College (inside Odisha) | Rs 160 |
| Postgraduate College (inside Odisha) | Rs 190 |
| Technical and Vocational Training (inside Odisha) | Rs 190 |
| Courses not available in Odisha (normal/technical/professional) | Rs 250 |
Reader and Transport Allowances
For visually impaired students, the government gives a reader allowance. Primary students get Rs 100 per month, middle and high school students get Rs 150, and those in higher studies get Rs 200. This allowance is given only if the head of the institution certifies the student’s need for a reader during their study.
Students with 75% or more disability also get a transport allowance of Rs 100 per month to help with travel costs.
Number of Beneficiaries District-Wise
| District | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Angul | 33 |
| Balasore | 0 |
| Bargarh | 1645 |
| Bhadrak | 779 |
| Bolangir | 834 |
| Baudh | 0 |
| Cuttack | 2561 |
| Deoghar | 0 |
| Dhenkanal | 0 |
| Gajapati | 212 |
| Ganjam | 557 |
| Jagat Singh Pur | 0 |
| Jajpur | 0 |
| Jharsuguda | 333 |
| Kalahandi | 43 |
| Kandhamal | 271 |
| Kendrapara | 73 |
| Keonjhar | 0 |
| Khurda | 0 |
| Koraput | 176 |
| Malkangiri | 3 |
| Mayurbhanj | 2039 |
| Navrangpur | 0 |
| Nayagarh | 1134 |
| Naupada | 608 |
| Puri | 1801 |
| Rayagada | 709 |
| Sambalpur | 388 |
| Subarnapur | 280 |
| Sundargarh | 326 |
Important Points About Banishree Scholarship
- If a student changes school or college, the scholarship will continue.
- Any disputes related to the scholarship must be filed with the collector, whose decision will be final.
- The government can change the guidelines anytime without prior notice.
- BPL students do not need to provide an income certificate.
- Scholarship money will be directly credited to the student’s bank account.
- If a student is already getting a similar scholarship from state or central government, they cannot get this scholarship.
How Banishree Scholarship is Managed
The district social welfare officer arranges for printing of scholarship forms. These forms are given to sub-collectors, block development officers (BDO), and heads of schools or colleges. Interested students collect and fill these forms, then submit them to their institution heads.
The institution heads check the application details and send them to BDO or sub-collector. The scholarship money is released in two parts to the students’ bank accounts by the BDO or sub-collector.
Who Sanctions the Scholarship?
- BDO approves scholarships for institutions in rural areas up to high school level.
- Sub-collector approves scholarships for institutions in urban areas.
- Institution heads check and recommend applications before sending them to BDO or sub-collector.
- BDO or sub-collector requests funds from collector or district social welfare officer by 31st August.
- For students over 18 without a zero-balance account, a joint account with parent or guardian is opened.
- The district social welfare officer forwards fund requests to the state government by 15th September.
- State government releases the first payment by end of September and second by end of January.
How is the Scholarship Payment Made?
- BDO or sub-collector deposits scholarship money directly to students7 bank accounts after receiving funds from the state government.
- Payments are made in parts after attendance is checked by institution heads.
- BDO or sub-collector issues a utilization certificate to the district social welfare officer, who sends it to the state.
- Scholarship is paid from admission month till end of academic year (including exam month).
- If a student is absent for three months due to medical reasons, full scholarship is still given.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for Banishree Scholarship 2025
- Must be a resident of Odisha.
- Annual family income should not be more than Rs 60,000.
- Should be a regular student at a recognized institution.
- Should not be getting any other government financial help or scholarship.
- Scholarship continues even if student does not pass a year but attends regularly.
Required Documents for Application
- Disability certificate from medical board
- Income certificate from revenue officer (tehsildar or equivalent)
- Attested mark sheet of last passed exam from gazetted officer or institution head
- BPL students do not need to submit income certificate
How to Apply Offline for Banishree Scholarship
- Visit the sub-collector, block development officer, or head of your school/college.
- Get the Banishree Scholarship application form.
- Fill the form carefully with all required details like name, contact information, etc.
- Attach all necessary documents.
- Submit the form at the same place where you got it.
How to Apply Online for Banishree Scholarship
New Application
- Go to the official website of Odisha7 Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability Department.
- On the homepage, click on the Banishree Scholarship link.
- Select ‘New Application’ and click ‘Proceed’.
- Fill out the application form with details like year, name, gender, type of disability, birth date, age, police station, citizenship status, Aadhaar number, caste, district, subdivision, address, bank details, mobile number, etc.
- Upload required documents such as bank passbook front page, mark sheet, disability certificate, and photo.
- Click submit and print the confirmation for your records.
Recommended Application from Principal or Head of Institution
- Go to the official website mentioned above.
- Click on the Banishree Scholarship link on the homepage.
- Select ‘Recommended Application from Principal/Head of Institution’ and proceed.
- Enter your application number and click search.
- Your form will appear; fill it and upload any required documents.
- Submit the form.
Banishree Scholarship 2025 Application Form PDF
You can also download and fill the offline application form from the link below.
For detailed scheme guidelines, visit: https://ssepd.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-04/Banishree_Scholarship_merged.pdf
How to Login for Department Users
- Visit the official website of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability Department.
- Click on ‘Department Login’ on the homepage.
- Enter your username and password, then click login.
How to Lodge a Grievance
- Go to the official website of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability Department.
- Click on ‘Lodge Grievance’ on the homepage.
- Click ‘Apply Grievance’.
- Fill in details like service, district, subdivision, address, name, gender, mobile, email, etc.
- Click submit to lodge your grievance.
How to Track Grievance Status
- Visit the official website of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disability Department.
- Click on ‘Lodge Grievance’ on the homepage.
- Select ‘Track Grievance Status’.
- Enter your application number.
- Submit to see your grievance status on the screen.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the Banishree Scholarship 2025, you can reach out through email or phone.
- Email: ssepdsec.od@nic.in
- Helpline Number: 18003457150