THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
Meritorious students
from Odisha aspiring to pursue professional higher education have a fresh
opportunity to turn their ambitions into reality, with applications now open
for the 22nd edition of the Professor Ghanashyam Dash Scholarship for Higher
Education (PGDS) 2026-27.
The Bansidhar &
Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) has invited applications for the prestigious
scholarship, which supports deserving students pursuing professional degrees in
Engineering, Medicine, STEM and Liberal Arts. Selected scholars can receive
financial assistance covering up to 90% of academic fees and eligible expenses,
with support of up to ₹6
lakh per recipient for a four-year course.
Instituted in 2005 by
IMFA and named after renowned historian Late Prof. Ghanashyam Dash, father of
Late Mrs. Ila Panda, the scholarship was envisioned as a means of making
education a powerful catalyst for social change and ensuring that financial
constraints do not prevent talented young people from pursuing higher
education.
Since 2016, BIPF has
continued this legacy, helping ambitious students gain access to some of
India's premier educational institutions. Over the years, PGDS scholars have
secured admission to leading institutions including AIIMS, IITs, IIITs, NITs,
SCB Medical College and other reputed medical and engineering colleges.
The scholarship goes
beyond financial assistance. Through Utsaah, BIPF's structured mentorship
programme, scholars receive guidance aimed at supporting both their academic
and personal development.
The programme focuses
on areas such as academic excellence, career guidance, time management, mental
well-being, life skills, leadership and communication, helping students
navigate the challenges of higher education while preparing them for their
future careers.
Students domiciled in
Odisha who have qualified NEET, JEE, JEE Advanced or CUET in 2026 are eligible
to apply, subject to the detailed scholarship criteria.
Interested students
can visit www.bipf.org.in for detailed eligibility criteria and
application information. The last date to apply is October 30, 2026.
Established in 2011,
the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) works to engage, educate and
empower underserved communities across Odisha, with a particular focus on women
and youth. Its programmes operate across more than six districts and hundreds
of villages, reaching thousands of people through initiatives in education,
health and livelihoods.
Among its flagship initiatives is Kanya Express, a mobile health service that has reached thousands of adolescent girls with support for anaemia prevention and nutrition. E-Shikshya Express brings digital learning opportunities to children at their doorstep, while Project Unnati focuses on strengthening women's capacities to build sustainable livelihoods.
The Foundation's Shambhavi Puraskar has also emerged as a prominent platform for recognising individuals and organisations whose innovative efforts have created lasting social impact.
