Junior Merit Scholarship, Odisha

Junior Merit Scholarship for ST/SC/OBC/SEBC/General/EBC Communities in Odisha, launched by the Government of Odisha under the School & Mass Education Department, aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from the state pursuing their higher secondary education. This scholarship is designed to support students from families with an annual income of less than INR 6.00 lakh, enabling them to meet part of their educational expenses. The scholarship is open to students from various communities, including ST, SC, OBC, SEBC, General, and EBC, who are enrolled in Class XI at recognised Higher Secondary Schools in Odisha. 

With a total of 10,000 scholarships available, split equally between boys and girls, the award offers INR 3,000 per year for two years, covering both Class XI and XII. Eligibility criteria include a minimum of 60% marks in the HSC examination and online validation from the school authorities. The scholarship is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account. 

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Keep these important dates in mind regarding Junior Merit Scholarship for ST/SC/OBC/SEBS/General/EBC Communities, Odisha.

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Here’s an overview of Junior Merit Scholarship for ST/SC/OBC/SEBC/General/EBC Communities, Odisha 2025.

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The Junior Merit Scholarship, Odisha 2025, plays a vital role in empowering students from diverse communities, including ST, SC, OBC, SEBC, General, and EBC, to pursue higher education. By providing financial support to deserving students with limited resources, it ensures equal access to education and encourages academic excellence.

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Applying for the Junior Merit Scholarship, Odisha, is a streamlined process designed to provide financial aid to deserving students. By leveraging the State Scholarship Portal, eligible candidates can submit their applications online, ensuring transparency and accessibility. From registration to document submission and validation, each step ensures a hassle-free experience, encouraging students to focus on their education.

• Visit the Scholarship Portal from the official website.
• Click on “Register” to create an account.
• Provide your Aadhaar details for authentication and set up your login credentials.
• Use your registered credentials to log in.
• Navigate to the “Junior Merit Scholarship” section.
• Complete the online application form by entering the required personal, academic, and bank account details.
• Ensure accurate data entry, as errors may lead to rejection.
• Prepare and upload the following documents. Review all details carefully before submission.
• Submit the application online through the portal.
• The application will be forwarded to the Principal/Head of your Higher Secondary School for validation.
• Ensure that your school completes the validation process within the specified timeline.
• Log in to the portal periodically to check the status of your application.
• The Directorate will release the merit list based on validated applications and Class X performance.
• If selected, the scholarship amount will be directly transferred to your bank account through the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) system.

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To apply for the Junior Merit Scholarship in Odisha, students must submit essential documents that validate their eligibility and identity. These include proof of domicile, academic performance, parental income, and bank account details. Each document plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and fairness in the scholarship process. Submitting accurate and valid documents is crucial to avoid application rejections and secure financial assistance for higher education.

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Schools play a crucial role in the Junior Merit Scholarship process by verifying student information and ensuring the accuracy of applications. They are responsible for validating eligibility criteria, rectifying errors, and submitting the applications within the given timeline, ensuring the smooth disbursement of scholarships to eligible students.

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Let’s have a look at the benefits of Junior Merit scholarship for students in Odisha 2025.

• Provides INR 3,000 annually to help cover educational expenses, easing the financial burden on students pursuing Class XI and XII in higher secondary schools across Odisha.
• Encourages academic excellence by recognising and rewarding meritorious students, inspiring them to strive for better results and pursue higher education with confidence.
• Offers inclusivity by extending scholarship benefits to students from diverse communities, including ST, SC, OBC, SEBC, General, and EBC, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
• Reduces financial barriers for economically disadvantaged students, empowering them to continue their education without being hindered by limited family income.
• Ensures transparency and efficiency by disbursing scholarship funds directly to students’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
• Supports students from families with annual incomes under INR 6 lakhs, prioritising those in need and fostering educational equity across the state.
• Recognises the top 10,000 meritorious students based on Class X performance, promoting healthy competition and rewarding consistent academic efforts.
• Extends scholarship eligibility to students from both SAMS and non-SAMS institutions, including CBSE and ICSE schools, ensuring accessibility to diverse educational boards.