Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has launched the ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme, a major initiative aimed at expanding global higher education opportunities for meritorious Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. Under the scheme, eligible students will receive financial assistance of up to ₹50 lakh to pursue postgraduate and Ph.D. programmes at leading foreign universities.
The scheme will come into effect from the 2025–26 academic year and is designed to support 50 students every year. Eligibility criteria include an annual family income of up to ₹12 lakh and confirmed admission to a recognised and eligible overseas institution.
Selected candidates will be provided financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per year for a maximum of two years, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research-related costs. The support is intended to ease the financial burden of international education and enable students from disadvantaged communities to compete at the global level.
Officials said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to inclusive growth through education, empowering SC/ST students with world-class academic exposure and skills. By facilitating access to top global institutions, the scheme aims to create a pool of highly qualified professionals who can contribute to Odisha’s long-term social and economic development.
The ‘Videsh Siksha Bruti’ scheme is expected to play a transformative role in bridging educational disparities and positioning Odisha as a state that actively promotes global academic excellence among its youth.
-OdishaAge
