StudyDesk Scholarships
About the scholarship
The Banishree Scholarship 2026, run by Odisha's Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), supports students with disabilities from Class 1 to postgraduate and technical/vocational courses. The revamped scheme covers all 21 disability categories under the RPwD Act 2016 and runs on the State Common Scholarship Application portal — and unlike most schemes, it can be availed over and above other scholarships.
Eligibility
- Bonafide resident of Odisha.
- Benchmark disability of 40% or more with a valid UDID card.
- Regular student of a recognised institution (special schools and recognised distance education also eligible).
- At least one parent must not be an income-tax payee (neither parent an income taxpayer per the listing).
- Maintain 75% attendance to continue.
Benefits
| Level | Per month |
|---|---|
| Primary (Class 1–5) | Rs 400 |
| Middle & high school (Class 6–12) | Rs 500–600 |
| UG / PG / technical & vocational | Rs 600–700 |
- Reader's allowance (visually impaired): Rs 200–400/month by level.
- Transport allowance: Rs 200/month for 75%+ locomotor disability needing special transport.
- Stackable: can be taken with other state/central scholarships.
- Paid by DBT.
Documents required
- UDID card / disability certificate
- Domicile proof (Odisha)
- Income proof
- Previous class marksheet
- Bank details (joint account with parent if below 18)
- Aadhaar + mobile number
How to apply
- Go to the Odisha State Scholarship PortalSelect the Banishree scheme.
- Register with Aadhaar + mobile
- Fill details and upload documents
- Submit before 30 November 2026
FAQs
Benchmark disability of 40% or more with a valid UDID card.
Yes — Banishree can be availed over and above other scholarships you are eligible for.
Yes — a reader's allowance of Rs 200–400 per month by level.
On the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (Common Application portal).
Verified 16 Oct 2026 via Buddy4Study 2026 listing (30 Nov 2026; Rs 400–700/month by level; UDID; Odisha domicile; parents not income taxpayers; stackable) and Times of India (revamped scheme: 21 disability categories; 40%+ benchmark; 75% attendance; reader/transport allowances; common portal).
