Higher Education Dept launches Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme

New scholarship to help SC/ST students pursue postgraduate and PhD studies abroad

Bhubaneswar: The Higher Education Department launched the Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme, a major initiative aimed at helping meritorious SC and ST students study in top foreign universities. The scheme will come into effect from the 2025–26 academic session.

A support system for global education

Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj officially launched the scheme, calling it an important step toward expanding opportunities for talented students who want to pursue higher studies abroad. The scheme is designed to support students from families with an annual income of ₹12 lakh or less.

To be eligible, students must have secured admission into postgraduate or PhD programmes in foreign universities ranked among the Top 200 in the QS World Rankings.

How the scheme works

The government will invite applications twice a year—once during July to August and again from December to January. Each year, a total of 50 students will be selected for the scholarship.

The 50 scholarships will be distributed across different streams:

• Engineering & Technical Education: 10 students (4 PG, 6 PhD)
•  Medical, Agriculture, Architecture & other technical courses: 10 students (4 PG, 6 PhD)
• Courses under the Higher Education Department: 30 students (10 PG, 20 PhD)

Each selected student will receive financial support of up to ₹25 lakh per year to meet the cost of studying abroad. The scheme is expected to reduce financial barriers and help deserving SC/ST students access quality global education.

Additional appointments under Rehabilitation Assistance

Along with the scholarship launch, the Higher Education Department also handed out appointment letters to 34 candidates selected for Group C and Group D posts in aided colleges under the Rehabilitation Assistance scheme. These newly appointed staff members received their letters from the Minister and thanked the government for the opportunity.

The launch of the Videsh Siksha Bruti Scheme and the distribution of appointment letters reflect the government’s continued focus on education, equity and employment support across the state.