Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Up to ₹700 Monthly Support – Eligibility, Benefits & Application Guide
The Banishree Scholarship 2026 is a welfare initiative launched by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Government of Odisha. This scholarship is specifically designed to provide financial assistance to students with disabilities so they can continue their education without financial stress.
The main objective of the scheme is to support differently-abled students in pursuing academic, technical, and vocational education. By offering monthly financial assistance of up to ₹700, the government aims to encourage inclusive education and empower students to become independent and self-reliant members of society.
This scheme plays an important role in reducing financial barriers and ensuring that students with special needs receive equal opportunities in education and skill development.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Banishree Scholarship 2026 |
| Launched By | Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Government of Odisha |
| Beneficiaries | Students with Disabilities (Divyang Students) |
| State | Odisha |
| Academic Year | 2025-26 |
| Financial Assistance | ₹400 to ₹700 per month |
| Reader’s Allowance | ₹200 to ₹400 per month (for visually impaired students) |
| Transport Allowance | ₹200 per month (for eligible orthopedically handicapped students) |
| Income Limit | Annual family income up to ₹60,000 |
| Application Mode | Offline (through prescribed application form) |
| Payment Mode | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) |
| Official Authority | Government of Odisha |
Banishree Scholarship 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Banishree Scholarship 2026, applicants must satisfy the following eligibility conditions:
The student must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
The applicant should be enrolled as a regular student in a recognized educational institution.
The total annual family income must not exceed ₹60,000.
The applicant must not be receiving any other scholarship, stipend, or financial assistance from the State or Central Government under any other scheme.
The scholarship will continue as long as the student remains enrolled and maintains regular attendance, even if the student does not pass in a particular academic year.
Meeting these criteria is mandatory for approval of the scholarship application.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Eligible Courses
The scheme covers students across multiple levels of education. Eligible categories include:
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 the PWD Act that do not receive government grants
Distance education through recognized universities
Technical, vocational, and professional courses in recognized institutions
This broad coverage ensures that students with disabilities can receive financial assistance at every stage of their academic journey.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 Application Process
Students must follow the official application procedure carefully to ensure successful submission:
Obtain the prescribed Banishree Scholarship application form (Annexure I).
Fill in all required details, including personal information, type of disability, educational qualification, and income details.
Attach the necessary supporting documents.
Submit the completed form to the head of the institution.
The institution verifies the details and forwards the application to the concerned authority.
The sanctioning authority reviews and approves eligible applications.
A bank account is opened (if required).
The scholarship amount is released in two installments.
Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate to avoid delays or rejection.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 : General Rules and Conditions
The scholarship scheme operates under certain guidelines:
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 the scheme guidelines when necessary.
Additional support is available for visually impaired and orthopedically handicapped students.
These rules ensure transparency and fairness in the implementation of the scheme.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 Awards and Benefits
Inside the State – Monthly Allowance
| Category | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Primary School | ₹400 |
| Middle and High School | ₹500 |
| College (+2 & +3) | ₹600 |
| Postgraduate (P.G.) | ₹700 |
| Technical & Vocational Training | ₹700 |
Outside the State
| Category | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Courses not available in Odisha | ₹700 |
Reader’s Allowance (For Visually Impaired Students)
| Education Level | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Primary Classes | ₹200 |
| Middle & High School | ₹300 |
| Higher Studies | ₹400 |
Transport Allowance
| Category | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Orthopedically handicapped students with 75% or more disability requiring special transport | ₹200 |
These financial benefits help cover essential educational and support-related expenses.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 – Mode of Payment
The scholarship amount is directly credited to the student’s bank account through a secure transfer process.
Students above 18 years must have an individual bank account.
Minor students must open a joint account with a parent or guardian.
Payments are made in two installments during the academic year.
Funds are released after verification of regular attendance.
The scholarship is paid from the month of admission until the final examination month.
Medical absence up to three months does not lead to cancellation of payment.
This ensures timely and transparent fund distribution.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 : Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents along with the 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, income certificate may not be required
Incomplete documentation may result in rejection of the application.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 Apply Online
Students who wish to apply for the Banishree Scholarship 2026 Portal apply online process must first ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Government of Odisha. The scholarship is intended for students with certified disabilities who are enrolled in recognized educational institutions.
Although the scheme traditionally follows an institutional submission process, applicants should check with their school, college, or the concerned department for the latest online or offline submission updates.
To apply successfully, students must:
Fill in accurate personal and academic details
Provide valid disability certification issued by a Medical Board
Submit an income certificate (if applicable)
Attach previous academic marksheets
Provide bank account details for Direct Benefit Transfer
After submission, the institution verifies the application and forwards it to the sanctioning authority for approval. Applicants are advised to double-check all details before submitting the form to avoid rejection or delays.
Applying early increases the chances of smooth verification and timely disbursement.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 Application Status
Checking the Banishree Scholarship 2026 application status is important to track approval and payment updates. After submitting the application through the institution, students can follow up with their school or district-level authority for status confirmation.
The status generally moves through the following stages:
Application submitted
Institutional verification completed
Approval by sanctioning authority
Scholarship amount processed
Amount credited to bank account
Since the scholarship is disbursed through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), students should ensure their bank account details are correct and active.
If there is any delay or discrepancy, applicants may contact their institution head or the concerned district office for clarification.
Banishree Scholarship 2026 Last Date
The Banishree Scholarship 2026 last date to submit the application is 10 March 2026. Students must complete the application process and submit all required documents before this deadline.
Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute issues in verification or document submission. Late applications may not be considered for the current academic year, so timely submission is essential.
Make sure your form is properly verified by your institution before 10 March 2026 to ensure smooth approval and scholarship disbursement.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the Banishree Scholarship?
Students who are permanent residents of Odisha, possess a valid disability certificate, are enrolled in a recognized institution, and meet the income limit can apply. They must not be receiving any other government scholarship.
Which categories of students are covered under the scheme?
The scheme includes students from primary level to postgraduate level, including special schools, distance education programs, and technical or vocational training courses.
What financial assistance is provided under the Banishree Scholarship?
Students receive monthly financial support based on their education level. Additional allowances are provided for visually impaired and orthopedically handicapped students.
Is the scholarship available for students studying outside Odisha?
Yes. Students pursuing courses outside Odisha that are not available within the state may receive financial assistance as per scheme guidelines.
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.
How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
The amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account in two installments each academic year after verification.
Conclusion
The Banishree Scholarship 2026 is a significant initiative by the Government of Odisha to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities. By providing monthly financial support, reader allowances, and transport benefits, the scheme ensures that financial limitations do not hinder academic growth.
Eligible students should carefully review the criteria and apply through the proper channel to secure the benefits. This scholarship not only supports education but also promotes independence and empowerment among differently-abled students.