Odisha's Higher Education Department has announced an extension for scholarship applications. Students can now apply online for various state scholarships until November 4, 2025 . This update is for the academic year 2025-26 and includes both new applicants and those renewing existing scholarships. The decision gives more time for students across Odisha to complete their applications under schemes like the Mukhyamantri Medhabi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana.
Important New Dates to Remember
The Higher Education Department has set clear new deadlines for the scholarship process. Students, college officials, and district offices must follow these dates carefully.
| Action Required | New Deadline |
| Online Application by Students (New and Renewal) | November 4, 2025 |
| Validation of Applications by College Heads / Principals | November 14, 2025 |
| Validation by District Welfare Office for Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana | November 21, 2025 |
Students who wish to apply or renew their scholarships must complete their online forms on the official portal before November 4, 2025 . After students apply, college heads and principals will check and approve these applications. They have until November 14, 2025 , to finish this step. For the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana, a final check by the district welfare office will take place until November 21, 2025 . This extended timeline provides crucial extra days for everyone involved to ensure all applications are processed correctly.
Scholarship Programs with Extended Deadlines
The extension applies to several important scholarship programs offered by the Odisha government. These schemes aim to help students from different academic backgrounds continue their education.
- UG Merit Scholarship: For undergraduate students who perform well.
- PG Merit Scholarship: For postgraduate students showing good academic results.
- Technical and Professional Merit Scholarship (e-Medhabruti): Supports students in technical and professional courses.
- Vyasa Kabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti Scheme: A specific scholarship scheme for students.
- Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana: Provides educational support to eligible students.
Students applying for any of these scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year will benefit from the new application window. It is important for students to check the eligibility criteria for each specific scholarship before applying.
New Rule: Upload Documents Using DigiLocker
From this academic year, a new rule makes it compulsory for students to upload their required documents using DigiLocker . DigiLocker is a digital locker service provided by the Indian government. It allows citizens to store and access important documents like educational certificates in a digital format. This helps make the application process faster and more secure.
However, the department understands that some students might face difficulties using DigiLocker. For such cases, a "Skip DigiLocker Option" is available on the OSSP portal. Students who choose this option must upload their documents directly to the portal. This skip option is only available until November 1, 2025 . Students should use this option before its deadline if they cannot use DigiLocker.
Where to Get Help and Information
Students needing help or having questions about the scholarship application process can contact the Higher Education Department.
- For Common Questions: Visit the official website, www.dhe.odisha.gov.in , and check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section.
- For Direct Support by Phone: Call the helpline numbers during working hours. The numbers are 0674-2396550 , 0674-2391126 , 0674-2391127 , and 0674-2391128 . These phone lines are open from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM on working days.
- For Written Queries: Send an email with your questions to scholarshiped@gmail.com .
Using these contact options will help students resolve any issues they might face while applying for the scholarships. It is important to seek help well before the final deadlines to avoid last-minute problems.
