Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Up to ₹700 Monthly Support – Eligibility, Benefits & Application Guide

The Government of Odisha has announced the Banishree Scholarship 2026, a welfare scheme under the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, offering monthly financial assistance of up to ₹700 to students with disabilities across the state. The deadline to apply is 10 March 2026, and officials have urged eligible students to submit their applications at the earliest.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Overview

What Is the Banishree Scholarship 2026?

Launched by the Odisha government, the Banishree Scholarship is specifically aimed at students with certified disabilities who face financial barriers in pursuing their education. The scheme covers students from primary school all the way to postgraduate and vocational training levels, making it one of the most comprehensive state-level disability scholarship programs in India.

Officials confirmed that the scholarship amount will be transferred directly to students’ bank accounts in two installments, ensuring transparent and timely disbursement. Students who have already applied in previous years will need to renew their application for the 2025-26 academic year.

For a complete breakdown of eligibility conditions, required documents, and application steps, students can refer to the detailed guide on Banishree Scholarship 2026.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 Last Date

The last date to submit the Banishree Scholarship 2026 application is 10 March 2026. Students must ensure their forms are verified by their institution before this deadline. Applications submitted after the due date will not be considered for the current academic year. Officials have advised students not to wait until the last moment, as institutional verification takes additional time.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Banishree Scholarship, applicants must fulfill all of the following conditions:

• The student must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
• The applicant must be enrolled as a regular student in a recognized educational institution.
• Total annual family income must not exceed ₹60,000.
• The student must not be receiving any other scholarship or financial assistance from the State or Central Government.
• The scholarship will continue even if the student fails in a particular year, as long as regular attendance is maintained.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Eligible Courses

The scheme is open to students across the following education levels:

• Primary education (Class I to V)
• Middle and High School (Class VI to X)
• Higher Secondary (+2), Graduation (+3), and Post-Graduation
• Special schools registered under PWD Act 1995 that do not receive government grants
• Distance education through recognized universities or government institutes
• Technical, vocational, and professional training courses in recognized institutions

Banishree Scholarship 2026 Awards and Benefits

Inside the State – Monthly Allowance

Outside the State

Reader’s Allowance (For Visually Impaired Students)

Transport Allowance

Banishree Scholarship 2026 – Mode of Payment

All scholarship payments are made through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), ensuring funds reach students without any intermediary. Key details regarding payment:

• Students above 18 years must have an individual bank account.
• Minor students must open a joint account with a parent or guardian.
• Payments are released in two installments during the academic year.
• Funds are disbursed after verification of regular attendance records.
• The scholarship is paid from the month of admission until the final examination month.
• Medical absence of up to three months does not lead to cancellation of the scholarship.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Documents Required

Applicants must attach the following documents with their application form:

• Disability certificate issued by a recognized Medical Board
• Income certificate issued by a Revenue Officer (Tahasildar or above)
• Marksheet of the previous examination
• For BPL category students, an income certificate may not be required

Incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons for application rejection. Students are advised to cross-check all documents before submission.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 Apply Online

Students applying for the Banishree Scholarship 2026 must first confirm that they meet all eligibility conditions. While the scheme traditionally follows an institutional submission process, students should check with their school or college for the latest updates on online or offline submission procedures.

To apply successfully, students must:

• Fill in accurate personal and academic details
• Provide a valid disability certificate issued by a Medical Board
• Submit an income certificate (if applicable)
• Attach previous academic marksheets
• Provide active bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer

After submission, the institution verifies the form and forwards it to the sanctioning authority. Applying early improves the chances of timely verification and smooth disbursement. For a category-wise eligibility guide and full application walkthrough, visit the Odisha Banishree Scholarship 2026 official details page.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 Application Status

After submitting the application, students can track their progress through their institution or district-level authority. The application typically moves through the following stages:

• Application submitted
• Institutional verification completed
• Approval by sanctioning authority
• Scholarship amount processed
• Amount credited to bank account

Students can also check their status on the Odisha Scholarship Portal. In case of any delay or discrepancy, applicants should contact their institution head or the district office for clarification.

Banishree Scholarship 2026 : General Rules and Conditions

The following operational guidelines govern the scheme:

• Changing schools or institutions does not automatically cancel the scholarship.
• In case of disputes regarding approval, students may appeal to the District Collector.
• The Government of Odisha reserves the right to modify or relax scheme guidelines when necessary.
• Additional support is available for visually impaired and orthopedically handicapped students as detailed above.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the Banishree Scholarship?

Students who are permanent residents of Odisha, hold a valid disability certificate, are enrolled in a recognized institution, and meet the ₹60,000 annual income limit can apply — provided they are not receiving any other government scholarship.

Which categories of students are covered under the scheme?

The scheme covers students from primary level to postgraduate, including those in special schools, distance education programs, and technical or vocational training institutes.

What financial assistance is provided under the Banishree Scholarship?

Students receive monthly support ranging from ₹400 to ₹700 based on their education level. Visually impaired students get an additional Reader’s Allowance, while orthopedically handicapped students with 75%+ disability may receive a Transport Allowance of ₹200/month.

Is the scholarship available for students studying outside Odisha?

Yes. Students pursuing courses outside Odisha that are unavailable within the state and not covered by a GoI Scholarship may receive ₹250 per month as financial assistance.

Does a student lose the scholarship if they fail an exam?

No. The scholarship continues as long as the student remains enrolled and maintains regular attendance, regardless of exam results.

How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

The amount is directly credited to the student’s bank account in two installments each academic year, following verification of attendance records.

Conclusion

The Banishree Scholarship 2026 stands as one of Odisha’s most inclusive financial support programs for differently-abled students. By covering every stage of education — from Class I to postgraduate and vocational training — and providing additional allowances for visually impaired and orthopedically handicapped students, the scheme ensures that no student is left behind due to financial hardship.

With the last date set at 10 March 2026, eligible students are urged to complete their applications immediately and ensure institutional verification is done well before the deadline.

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