THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 6, 2026

In a significant move to extend financial support to deserving students, the Higher Education Department of the Government of Odisha has reopened the online scholarship portal under the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana for the academic session 2025–26. The decision aims to allow fresh eligible students to apply against the remaining scholarship vacancies and ensure that no meritorious candidate is left out due to procedural constraints.

According to the official notification issued by the Department, the portal will remain open for submission of fresh online applications from 6 February to 26 February, 2026. The authorities have clearly stated that this extended window is final and no further extension will be granted. Following the submission process, the validation of applications by the respective Heads of Institutions and Principals will continue until 6 March, 2026.

The reopened portal encompasses multiple scholarship schemes designed to support students across various academic streams. These include e-Medhabruti for Undergraduate Merit, Postgraduate Merit, and Technical and Professional Merit categories, along with the Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti Scheme and the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana. The initiative reflects the State government’s continued emphasis on promoting academic excellence and providing equitable access to higher education.

To streamline verification and ensure transparency, the Department has made it mandatory for applicants to upload the required documents through DigiLocker, especially for students who are not enrolled under the SAMS platform. This measure is expected to expedite the scrutiny process and facilitate timely disbursal of benefits.

The Department has further clarified that a separate merit list will be prepared at the departmental level for applications received against the remaining vacancies, ensuring fair consideration of all eligible candidates.

Students facing any issues during the online application process have been advised to consult the FAQs available on the official scholarship portal. They may also seek assistance by contacting the Higher Education Department helpline numbers 0674-2396550, 0674-2391126, 0674-2391127 and 0674-2391128 on working days, or by writing to the Department at [email protected].