The Shikshashree Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of West Bengal, implemented through the Backward Classes Welfare Department and Tribal Development Department. Launched in 2014-15, the scheme was created by merging the former Book Grant and Maintenance Grant schemes to streamline financial support to Scheduled Caste (SC) students from Class V to Class VIII. This initiative encourages regular attendance, reduces dropout rates (especially among girls), and promotes inclusive education at the pre-matric level.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Shikshashree Scheme
• Launched By: Government of West Bengal
• Implemented By: Backward Classes Welfare & Tribal Development Department
• Target Group: Scheduled Caste (SC) students (Day Scholars)
• Eligible Classes: Class V to VIII
• Benefit Type: Direct Financial Assistance
• Application Mode: Online (via OASIS Portal)
• Disbursement: Direct Bank Transfer (DBT)
Benefits
| Class | Annual Financial Assistance |
|---|---|
| V | ₹750 |
| VI | ₹750 |
| VII | ₹750 |
| VIII | ₹800 |
• Scholarship is disbursed directly to the student’s bank account
• Helps improve school participation and reduce dropout rates
• Special focus on promoting education among girl students
Eligibility Criteria
• Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category
• Must be a resident and day scholar of West Bengal
• Should be enrolled in Classes V to VIII
• Must study in a Government / Government-aided / Government-recognized school
• Annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh
• Should not be receiving any other scholarship or stipend during the same period
• Must have a bank account in a nationalized bank with a core banking facility
• Students repeating the same class are not eligible for the scholarship for that year
Application Process
Online Process
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Visit the official OASIS portal
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Select:
• User Type
• District
• Sub-Division
• Block / Municipality
• School Name -
Enter User ID and Password
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Click on Login
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On the Dashboard, go to Application
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Click on Fresh Shikshashree Application Form
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Fill in the required details and submit the application form online
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card (Identity Proof)
• SC Caste Certificate
• Address Proof
• Family Income Certificate
• Passport-size Photograph
• Bank Account Details (passbook copy)
• Educational Documents (School Certificate or Enrollment proof)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the scheme?
The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to Schedule Caste students reading in classes V to VIII to improve their participation in Pre-matric stages and minimize the incidence of drop-out especially in the case of girl students. - When was this scheme implemented?
The scheme was implemented during the year 2014-15. - Which two schemes were merged under the “Shikshashree Scheme”?
A) Assistance in the form of book grant and b) Assistance in the form of maintenance grant. - What is the benefit of this scheme?
Under this scheme, the scholarship will be provided to the students of Classes V to VIII. - Is this scheme only for the Schedule Caste category?
Yes, only the students of the Schedule Caste category are eligible to apply under the scheme. - What are the class-wise rates of scholarship to be given to the eligible students?
The students of class V to VII will receive an amount of ₹750/- per annum and the students of class VIII will receive ₹800/- per annum. - Is this scheme only for a day scholar student?
Yes, Only day scholars belonging to West Bengal can apply for this scholarship. - What should be the family income?
The family income should not be more than ₹2.5 lakhs per annum. - Is this scheme only for the student of government schools?
No, the regular full-time student reading in a Government School/ Government aided School and Govt. recognized schools in West Bengal are eligible to apply under the scheme. - Will the scholarship be continued up to class VIII?
Yes, The scholarship once made will continue subject to subsequent application of the student up to class VIII and good conduct and attendance and otherwise being eligible. - Is a student getting any other scholarship or stipend for the same period eligible under the scheme?
No, the student should not get any other scholarship or stipend in any form for the same period. In case it is detected that the incumbent has drawn any amount of similar character from any other source this scholarship has to be refunded. - Will the scholarship be continued if a student has failed?
If a student has to repeat a class, he/she would not get a scholarship for that class for a second year. However, if he or she is promoted to the next class subsequently he/she will enjoy the benefit provided the incumbent applicant is otherwise eligible. - How Can I apply under the scheme?
The eligible student can apply online under the scheme. https://oasis.gov.in/