The Odisha Government has launched the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme, a transformative scholarship initiative aimed at enabling meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students to pursue postgraduate and PhD studies abroad. The scheme was officially inaugurated by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, and will be implemented from the academic year 2025–26, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to promote global academic opportunities for underprivileged communities.
The scheme offers financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per year for selected SC/ST students who secure admission to Top 200 QS-ranked foreign universities.
Eligibility Criteria for Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Belong to the SC or ST community.
- Family annual income must be ₹12 lakh or below.
- Must have secured admission into a postgraduate or PhD programme in a university ranked within the Top 200 of the QS World University Rankings.
This ensures that Odisha’s brightest students can access high-quality global education without financial barriers.
Scholarship Intake & Distribution
Under the scheme, 50 students will be selected every year, allocated across academic streams as follows:
- Engineering & Technical Education: 10 students
- 4 PG
- 6 PhD
- Medical, Agriculture, Architecture & Technical Streams: 10 students
- 4 PG
- 6 PhD
- Higher Education: 30 students
- 10 PG
- 20 PhD
This structured distribution ensures equal opportunity across diverse academic disciplines.
Application Cycles
Applications will be invited twice every year, in:
- July–August
- December–January
Students aspiring to study abroad should plan admissions and documentation according to these application windows.
Financial Assistance Provided
Each selected student will receive:
- Up to ₹25 lakh per year towards tuition fees, living expenses, research costs, and other academic necessities.
This substantial funding makes the Videsh Siksha Bruti one of the most generous overseas scholarships offered by any Indian state government.
Additional Announcements at the Event
Along with launching the scholarship scheme, the Higher Education Department issued appointment letters to 34 candidates selected under the rehabilitation assistance policy for Group C and D posts in aided colleges.
The ceremony also marked a significant milestone, with the Odisha State Higher Education Council (OSHEC) receiving copyright to conduct Academic Performance Audits (APA) across higher educational institutions in the state.
Odisha has become the first state in India to adopt such a structured academic audit system to enhance the quality of higher education.
Quick Reference Summary
| Category | Details |
| Scheme Name | Videsh Siksha Bruti |
| Launched By | Odisha Government |
| Academic Year | 2025–26 onwards |
| Eligible Students | SC & ST |
| Income Limit | ₹12 lakh per year |
| Universities Eligible | Top 200 QS-ranked |
| Annual Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹25 lakh |
| Total Students Selected per Year | 50 |
| Application Cycles | July–August, December–January |
Why the Scheme is Important
- Enhances global exposure for disadvantaged sections.
- Encourages academic excellence and research.
- Reduces economic barriers for foreign education.
- Aligns with Odisha’s mission to improve its human resource potential.
- Supports long-term state development through highly skilled graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Who is eligible for the Videsh Siksha Bruti scheme? |
| SC/ST students with family income under ₹12 lakh and admission to Top 200 QS-ranked universities. |
| What is the maximum scholarship amount? |
| Up to ₹25 lakh per year. |
| How many students will be selected each year? |
| A total of 50 students across PG and PhD streams. |
| Which programmes are covered? |
| Postgraduate and PhD courses in foreign universities. |
| How often are applications invited? |
| Twice a year—July–August and December–January. |
| Is the scheme applicable for all foreign universities? |
| Only universities ranked within the Top 200 of the QS World University Rankings. |
| Does the scheme support PhD students? |
| Yes, with majority seats allocated to PhD candidates. |
| Who launched the scheme? |
| Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. |
The Videsh Siksha Bruti scheme represents Odisha’s commitment to promoting inclusive global education opportunities for SC and ST students. With financial support of up to ₹25 lakh per year, the scheme empowers deserving students to study in world-class universities. Aspirants should monitor official announcements for application dates and guidelines. Visit the official Higher Education Department website for updates and bookmark this page for easy reference.
