The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha, has officially released the notification for the Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27 under the 'e-medhabruti' scheme. This initiative aims to provide essential financial assistance to meritorious Class XI students across the state. Eligible students can submit their online applications through the official State Scholarship Portal within the specified timeframe.
Read Also: Odisha +2 PMST Scholarship 2026 Online Form
What is the Junior Merit Scholarship Odisha 2026-27?
The Junior Merit Scholarship is a financial assistance program launched by the Government of Odisha under the School & Mass Education Department. It rewards academically talented Class XI students to support their higher secondary education costs.
Selected students receive ₹3,000 per year for a duration of two years, covering Class XI and XII. A total of 10,000 scholarships are distributed annually among eligible candidates.
Odisha Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27 Key Highlights
Below is a quick breakdown of the primary aspects of the Junior Merit Scholarship scheme for the current academic year.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Scheme | Junior Merit Scholarship (e-medhabruti) |
| Department | Directorate of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha |
| Target Class | Class XI (1st Year Higher Secondary) |
| Total Slots | 10,000 students (Boys & Girls in 50:50 ratio) |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹3,000 per year |
| Duration | 2 Years (Class XI & XII) |
| Application Mode | Online via State Scholarship Portal |
Important Dates for Odisha +2 Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27
Applicants and institute principals must keep track of the official application and validation deadlines.
Failure to apply or complete record validation within the designated timeline will result in rejection of the application.
| Event / Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Opening Date for Online Application | 20.08.2026 |
| Closing Date for Online Application | 25.10.2026 |
| Institute Record Validation Start Date | 21.08.2026 |
| Institute Record Validation Last Date | 31.10.2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for +2 Junior Merit Scholarship
Applicants must meet all the prescribed criteria established by the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education.
Ensure that all personal data and academic records meet these standards prior to filling out the form.
- Domicile: The candidate must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- Academic Qualification: Must have passed the HSC (Class 10) examination with 60% or more aggregate marks from an institution recognized by BSE Odisha, CBSE, ICSE, or equivalent boards.
- Course Enrollment: Must be pursuing regular Class XI courses (10+2) in a SAMS or Non-SAMS Higher Secondary School of Odisha.
- Income Limit: Annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹6.00 lakh.
- Application Year: Fresh applications must be submitted during the 1st year of the course (Class XI).
Ineligibility & Exclusions
Certain categories of students are explicitly barred from claiming the Junior Merit Scholarship.
Carefully review the exclusion criteria to ensure compliance with scheme guidelines.
- Students pursuing studies via distance learning or correspondence.
- Students currently receiving any other scholarship scheme from the State or Central Government.
- Students enrolled in educational institutions abroad.
- Students whose applications are not validated by their respective Principal/Institute.
Selection Process & Merit Criteria
Selection is executed strictly in descending order of merit based on HSC mark percentages.
The system prepares separate lists while strictly adhering to quota rules and tied-score guidelines.
- Merit Ranking: Final selection is drawn based on the percentage of marks obtained in the HSC exam. Candidates with higher percentages receive priority.
- Gender Ratio: The total slots are divided in a 50:50 ratio between boys and girls. If eligible candidates in one gender category fall short, remaining slots go to the other gender.
- CGPA Conversion: For CBSE/ICSE grading systems, CGPA is converted to percentage using the standard formula: Percentage (%) = CGPA x 9.5.
- Tie-Breaking Rule: If two or more students tie on aggregate percentage, preference is given to the student with the lower family income.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants need to upload clear, scanned copies of authentic documents on the State Scholarship Portal.
Physical submission of application forms to institutions is no longer mandatory.
- Resident Certificate: Domicile certificate issued by a Tahsildar or Additional Tahsildar. State government employee dependents may submit proof from the employer.
- Income Certificate: Proof of annual income issued by a Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tahsildar/Additional Tahsildar.
- Educational Certificates: Mark sheet and pass certificate of the HSC examination.
- Bank Account Details: Copy of the first page of the student's active bank passbook showing Account Number and IFSC Code.
- Student Identification: Higher Secondary School ID card, admission receipt, library card, or undertaking letter from the institute.
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory Aadhaar card of the applicant for identity authentication.
How to Apply Online for Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27
Candidates must submit their applications electronically via the official Odisha State Scholarship Portal.
Follow these standard steps to ensure your online registration is complete and error-free.
- Visit the official State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in).
- Register using your Aadhaar number to create login credentials.
- Log in to your student dashboard and select Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27.
- Fill in all required details, including personal information, academic marks, and bank account details.
- Upload clear scanned copies of all required documents.
- Review all entered data carefully to prevent rejection due to incorrect marks or bank data.
- Submit the application online and save a copy of the reference receipt for future tracking.
Scholarship Renewal & Payment Disbursement
The payment structure operates transparently through direct electronic bank transfers.
Renewals for the second year occur automatically subject to institutional verification.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Sanctioned scholarship funds are remitted directly to the candidate's personal nationalized bank account through DBT mode.
- Bank Account Requirements: The bank account must be single, active, and held strictly in the student's name with ECS facility.
- Automatic Renewal: Class XI awardees auto-renew for Class XII provided they continue regular study and receive Principal validation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27? The last date to submit online applications is October 25, 2026.
Q2: What is the parental income ceiling for e-medhabruti Junior Merit Scholarship? The annual family income of the candidate's parents must not exceed ₹6.00 lakh per annum.
Q3: Is a physical copy of the application required at the college? No, physical submission of forms is not mandatory as document verification is handled online.
Q4: Can CBSE or ICSE students apply for this scholarship? Yes, students who completed Class 10 from BSE Odisha, CBSE, ICSE, or equivalent boards with 60% or more marks are eligible.
Q5: What is the toll-free helpline for the State Scholarship Portal? Students can contact the official helpline numbers at 155335 or 18003456770 for technical queries.
Conclusion
The Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27 serves as a great financial aid for deserving students in Odisha pursuing higher secondary education. Meritorious candidates are encouraged to gather their documents and submit their applications on the State Scholarship Portal before the closing deadline.
Important Links
| Link Description | URL / Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online (Student Portal) | Apply Now |
| Official Website | scholarship.odisha.gov.in |
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