Financial Barriers No Longer a Hindrance, Says Higher Education Minister
Bhubaneswar, 26th November 2025 – The Higher Education Department, Odisha, today launched the Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme, aimed at supporting meritorious SC/ST students aspiring to pursue higher studies abroad. The scheme was inaugurated by Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, who emphasized that financial constraints will no longer prevent talented students from realising their dreams.
Eligibility and Scholarship Details
The scholarship targets SC and ST students from families with an annual income of Rs 12 lakh or below. Eligible students must have secured admission to Postgraduate or Ph.D. programmes in top 200 QS-ranked foreign universities.
Applications will be invited twice a year—July–August and December–January. Each year, 50 students will be awarded scholarships, distributed as follows:
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Engineering & Technical Education: 10 students (4 PG, 6 Ph.D.)
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Medical, Agriculture, Architecture & Other Technical Courses: 10 students (4 PG, 6 Ph.D.)
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Other Higher Education Courses: 30 students (10 PG, 20 Ph.D.)
Each selected student will receive a scholarship of up to Rs 25 lakh per year to support their studies abroad.
Appointments of New Staff in Aided Colleges
Alongside the scholarship launch, the Department issued appointment letters to 34 candidates for Group C and Group D posts across aided colleges under Rehabilitation Assistance. The newly appointed staff expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity, receiving their letters directly from the Minister.
OSHEC Granted Copyright for Academic Performance Audits
The event also marked a milestone as the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) received copyright to conduct Academic Performance Audits (APA) of higher education institutions across the state. This initiative makes Odisha the first state in India to implement such a system, aimed at enhancing academic standards, quality, and accountability.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Higher Education
Speaking at the event, Higher Education Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening Odisha’s higher education ecosystem. He stated that the Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme will enable SC/ST students to pursue studies abroad without financial constraints, while the APA initiative by OSHEC will improve institutional performance and accountability.
Higher Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shri Aravind Agrawal encouraged newly appointed employees to perform their duties sincerely and highlighted initiatives to bolster the state’s higher education framework. Director of Higher Education Shri Kali Prasanna Mahapatra delivered the welcome address. Senior officials and departmental staff were present at the programme.