The Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana (GSSY) is a financial assistance scheme initiated by the Higher Education Department, Government of Odisha. The scheme is aimed at providing ₹20,000 per annum to students from socially and economically underprivileged backgrounds for pursuing graduate and postgraduate studies in recognized institutions across the state. Launched to enhance the gross enrollment ratio (GER) and promote inclusive higher education, GSSY targets students from vulnerable families including EBC, SC/ST, SEBC, OBC, and other distressed groups.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• State: Odisha
• Launched by: Higher Education Department, Govt. of Odisha
• Applicable Courses: Graduate & Postgraduate (Technical / Non-Technical / Professional)
• Financial Assistance: ₹20,000 per annum
• Application Mode: Online via State Scholarship Portal Odisha
• Renewable: Yes, until completion of the course
• Eligibility Basis: Means-tested for underprivileged groups
Benefits
• ₹20,000 per annum for eligible graduate and postgraduate students
• Applicable for both technical and non-technical courses
• Can be availed alongside other scholarships
• Continued financial aid until the normal duration of the course ends
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible under the Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana, the student must meet the following criteria:
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Permanent resident of Odisha
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Belongs to any of the following categories:
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HIV/AIDS-affected family (parents or both)
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Households without shelter
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Destitute / Living on alms
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Manual scavenger family
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Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG)
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Legally released bonded labourers
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Single mother households (widowed/divorced/unmarried with dependent children)
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Household income should be less than ₹10,000/month
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Enrolled in a regular Graduate/Postgraduate course in a recognized institution in Odisha
Students from Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), SC, ST, OBC, SEBC categories also qualify if other eligibility conditions are met.
Application Process (Online)
Registration
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Click “Registration” and agree to the terms
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Provide Aadhaar Number, Mobile, Email, and personal details
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After successful submission, save your Login credentials
Application
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Login using credentials under Student Login
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Click “Schemes & Scholarship” → “Online Application”
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Select “Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana”
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Fill the application form and upload required documents
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Submit the form and take 2 printouts
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Submit the hard copies to the Principal/Head of Institution
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card of the student
• Passport-size photograph
• College ID Card
• Resident Certificate (Odisha)
• Income Certificate (below ₹10,000/month)
• Relevant eligibility proof documents:
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HIV/AIDS certificate from medical officer
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Destitute/Alms certificate from Sarpanch or ULB
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Manual Scavenger certificate from competent authority
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Shelterless household certificate from Revenue Officer
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Single mother certificate from District Social Welfare Officer
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PVTG/Bonded Labourer certificate from District Welfare Officer
• Bank passbook copy with IFSC and account in student’s name
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which Department Manages The “Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana” Scheme?
The “Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana” scheme is managed by the Higher Education Department, Govt. of Odisha. - What Is The Aim Of The Financial Assistance To The Students?
The scheme was launched as an endeavor to make higher education inclusive and to increase the gross enrollment ratio. The scheme aims to further widen the access to higher education to the students belonging to underprivileged sections of society, which in turn shall benefit immensely the students of said strata of society. - What Are The Objectives Of The “Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana”?
The objective of the scheme is to extend financial assistance to the students of underprivileged sections for pursuing Graduation and Post-Graduation courses in the State of Odisha on an annual basis. It is anticipated that the scheme will lead to their access to higher education. - Can The Students From Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) Also Apply To This Scheme?
Yes, students from Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) are eligible to apply. - Are There Any Age-Related Criteria For This Scheme?
No, there aren’t any age-related criteria. Applicants from all age groups are welcome to apply. - What Is The Maximum Amount Of Financial Assistance That A Student Can Receive Through GSSY?
The selected students will receive financial assistance of ₹ 20,000 per annum. - Can The Student Avail Of The Scheme Benefits If She/He Is Already In Receipt Of Financial Assistance Under Some Other Scheme?
Yes, the student can avail of financial assistance under this scheme even if the student is in receipt of financial assistance under other schemes. - What Shall Be The Duration Till Which The Financial Assistance Will Be Provided?
The financial assistance shall be limited to the normal duration of the course and will be given each year till the completion of the course. - Where Can I Find The Link To The Scheme Guidelines?
The scheme guidelines can be found at this link –
https://dhe.odisha.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-06/Gopabandhu%20Sikhya%20Sahayata%20Yojana%20Guideline.pdf - Can The Residents Of Karnataka Also Apply To This Scheme?
No, the applicant should be a Permanent Resident of Odisha. - Are There Any Criteria Regarding The Type Of Course That The Student Should Be Pursuing In Order To Be Eligible?
The student should have been enrolled for graduate/postgraduate courses ((Non-Technical/Technical/Professional) on a regular mode from the Colleges/ Institutes/ Universities in the State of Odisha recognized by the State Government. - Will I Be Eligible To Apply If The Income Of The Household (From All Sources) Is ₹ 8,000/- Per Month?
Yes, in order to be eligible, the income of the household from all sources should be less than ₹ 10,000/- per month. You are therefore eligible to apply. - Can I Apply Offline For This Scheme?
No, you can only apply online from the Official Website of the State Scholarship Portal, Government of Odisha: https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/. - How Many Copies Of The Online Application Should Be Submitted To The Principal/ Head Of The Institution?
Take two printed hard copies of the online application along with relevant documents, and submit the same to the Principal/ Head of the Institution for further processing.