Nua-O Scholarship 2026: Alternative Schemes & Current Status (Discontinued)
The Nua-O scholarship has been officially discontinued for 2026 by the Odisha government, effective from the 2024-2025 academic year. This decision stems from a lack of budgetary provision for the nua o scholarship scheme, as confirmed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on August 30, 2024.
This crucial development means that no new applications will be accepted under this scheme. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nua-O Scholarship’s original intent and eligibility, the reasons for its discontinuation, and explores top alternative scholarship opportunities for Odisha students.
Nua-O Scholarship Status 2026: Discontinuation by Odisha Government
The Nua-O scholarship has been officially discontinued for 2026 by the Odisha government, effective from the 2024-2025 academic year. This decision stems from a lack of budgetary provision for the nua o scholarship scheme, as confirmed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on August 30, 2024.
- Scholarship Status (2026): Discontinued
- Action Taken By: Odisha government
- Reason for Discontinuation: No budgetary provision for ‘Nua-O’ from this year (2024-2025 onwards)
- Date of Announcement: 30 Aug 2024
- Replacement Scheme: ‘Financial Assistance to UG & PG Students’ scheme
- Replacement Scheme Status: Guidelines are currently being prepared
The discontinuation of the Nua-O scholarship marks a significant policy shift, with a new scheme being prepared to offer financial assistance to students. Further details regarding the announcement source and previous administration are provided below.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Announcement Source | Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj’s reply to a question by MLA Chakramani Kanhar in the Odisha Legislative Assembly |
| Previous Implementing Government | BJD government |
Top Alternative Scholarships for Odisha Students 2026
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Max Amount (₹) | Deadline | Application Type | Eligible Study Levels | Key Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 20,000 | 31 Dec 2025 | Form-only | Post-Matric (Class 11-12), Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic | Income < ₹2.5L • SC • Odisha |
| Post Matric Scholarship for ST Students (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 20,000 | 31 Dec 2025 | Form-only | Post-Matric (Class 11-12), Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic | Income < ₹2.5L • ST • Odisha |
| Post Matric Scholarship for OBC/SEBC Students (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 13,000 | 31 Dec 2025 | Form-only | Post-Matric (Class 11-12), Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic | Income < ₹2.5L • OBC, SEBC • Odisha |
| Pre Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 6,000 | 31 Jan 2026 | Form-only | Pre-Matric (Class 9-10) | Income < ₹2.5L • SC • Odisha |
| Pre Matric Scholarship for ST Students (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 6,000 | 31 Jan 2026 | Form-only | Pre-Matric (Class 9-10) | Income < ₹2.5L • ST • Odisha |
| Pre Matric Scholarship for OBC/SEBC Students (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 4,000 | 31 Jan 2026 | Form-only | Pre-Matric (Class 9-10) | Income < ₹2.5L • OBC, SEBC • Odisha |
| Pre Matric Scholarship for EBC Students (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 4,000 | 31 Jan 2026 | Form-only | Pre-Matric (Class 9-10) | Income < ₹2.5L • EBC • Odisha |
| e-Medhabruti UG Merit Scholarship (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 10,000 | 31 Dec 2099 | Form-only | Undergraduate (UG) | Income < ₹8.0L • General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| e-Medhabruti PG Merit Scholarship (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 15,000 | 31 Dec 2099 | Form-only | Postgraduate (PG) | Income < ₹8.0L • General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| e-Medhabruti Technical & Professional Scholarship (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 20,000 | 31 Dec 2099 | Form-only | Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic | Income < ₹8.0L • General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| Sudakshya for Girls Child Scholarship (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 18,000 | 31 Dec 2099 | Form-only | Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC | General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| Krishi Vidya Nidhi Yojana (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 66,000 | 30 Nov 2025 | Form-only | Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC, PhD | General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| Green Passage Scheme – Higher Education (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 5,00,000 | 31 Dec 2099 | Offline | Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG) | Income < ₹8.0L • General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| Green Passage Scheme – Technical Education (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | Amount varies | 31 Dec 2099 | Form-only | Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC | Income < ₹8.0L • General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| BOC Scholarship – Nirman Shramik Kalyan Yojana (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 40,000 | Check Portal | Form-only | School (6-12), Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC | General, SC, ST, OBC, SEBC, EBC • Odisha |
| Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata Yojana (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 20,000 | Check Portal | Form-only | Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG) | Income < ₹2.5L • All • Odisha |
| Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 5,000 | 31 Dec 2025 | Form-only | School (9-10), School (11-12) | Income < ₹2.5L • ST • Odisha |
| Banishree Scholarship (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 8,400 | 31 Dec 2025 | Form-only | School (1-5), School (6-12), Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG), Diploma/Polytechnic, ITI/ITC | Income < ₹0.6L • All • Odisha |
| Videsh Siksha Bruti – Foreign Education Scholarship (Odisha) | Government of Odisha | 25,00,000 | Check Portal | Form-only | Postgraduate (PG), PhD | Income < ₹12.0L • SC, ST • Odisha |
| Sudakshya Scheme for Girls (ITI/Polyechnic) | Skill Development & Tech Ed, Odisha | Amount varies | 31 Dec 2025 | Online | Diploma | All • Odisha |
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Understanding the Nua-O Scheme: Objectives and Target Students
The Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA O) Scholarship scheme, provided by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha, aims to empower young aspirants. This nua o scholarship provides financial aid for higher education to undergraduate and postgraduate students, motivating their skill development and career building.
- Scheme Name: Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA O) Scholarship scheme
- Provider: Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha
- Scholarship Level: Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students
- Primary Objective: Empower young aspirants, motivate skill development.
- Geographical Coverage: All 30 districts of Odisha, priority to tribal/remote areas.
- Scheme Budget: Rs 385 crore for fiscal years 2023–24 to 2025–26.
The NUA O scholarship focuses on inclusive education, providing financial aid to eligible students while outlining specific criteria for both eligibility and ineligibility to ensure targeted support.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Additional Objectives | Provide financial aid; expand access to high-quality education; help SC, ST, Nirman Shramik students; enable career building. |
| Target Students | Permanent residents of Odisha in regular full-time UG/PG courses at state universities, government/aided/unaided private colleges (via SAMS). |
| Eligibility Exception (2023-24) | Applies to all colleges except unaided private colleges using SAMS for the 2023-24 financial year. |
| Ineligible Students | Parents pay income tax/hold permanent government positions; enrolled in open/distance learning/correspondence; pursuing self-financed PPP courses; KALIA Scholarship recipients; without principal validation. |
Nua-O Scholarship Eligibility Criteria (Prior to Discontinuation)
The Nua-O Scholarship, prior to its discontinuation, required applicants to meet specific criteria to be eligible for financial assistance. Key requirements included being a permanent resident of Odisha and pursuing full-time higher education at approved institutions.
- Permanent Residency: Must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
- Course Enrollment: Enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
- Institution Type: Must be at a state university, government/aided college, or private unaided institution under HED.
- Admission Method: Admission through the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal.
- SAMS Exception (2023-24): SAMS admission waived for 2023-24, except for unaided private colleges.
- Ongoing Study: Must be actively pursuing the course with regular attendance.
Beyond these general requirements, several specific conditions rendered applicants ineligible for the Nua-O Scholarship, ensuring the support reached its intended beneficiaries.
| Ineligibility Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Type | Students in open universities, distance education, or correspondence courses. |
| Self-financed Courses | Students pursuing self-financed courses under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. |
| Admission Confirmation | Admission not confirmed by institution head or without principal’s validation. |
| Parental Employment | Parents are government employees (central/state), PSUs, aided institutions, or autonomous bodies. |
| Parental Income Tax | Applicants whose parents are income tax payers. |
| Other Scholarships | Recipients of the KALIA Scholarship. |
| Verification | Students who have not completed institutional verification. |
| Other Exclusions | Any additional categories excluded by the government. |
These exclusions aimed to prevent duplication of benefits and ensure the scholarship supported students with genuine financial need and confirmed academic standing.
Nua-O Scholarship Application Process: Steps for 2023-2024 (Historical)
The Higher Education Department invited online applications for the NUA-O Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. This historical guide outlines the key steps and deadlines for the nua o scholarship application process, from initial registration to institutional verification, ensuring applicants understood the required procedures.
- Invitation: Higher Education Department invited online applications for 2023-2024.
- Initial Deadline: March 20, 2024
- Extended Deadline: April 15, 2024
- Institute Validation: February 22, 2024
- Step 1: Visit the Odisha State Scholarship Portal: https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/.
- Step 2: Register as a new user, selecting ‘Apply Scholarship’ and ‘Register Here’.
These initial details and deadlines were crucial for applicants to begin their nua o scholarship journey, ensuring timely portal access and registration before proceeding with detailed application steps.
| Step/Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 3 | Login to the Portal using Aadhaar number and password. |
| Step 4 | Download and fill the self-declaration form (Annexure A/B). |
| Step 5 | Complete the online application form with four sections. |
| Step 6 | Submit filled self-declaration form and photograph to the institute. |
| Step 7 | Review and confirm the completed online application submission. |
| Step 8 | Institute processes verification, validates info, and forwards applications. |
| Additional Info | Visit https://scholarship.odisha.gov.in/ or contact college/university. |
The subsequent steps involved detailed form completion, document submission, and institutional verification, culminating in the final processing by the Higher Education Department.
Nua-O Scholarship Benefits and Financial Assistance Details
The Nua-O Scholarship provides financial assistance to students, with funds disbursed directly to their bank accounts. This initiative aims to support students through various financial benefits and a clear structure for program durations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Financial Assistance Range | ₹9,000 to ₹11,000 per year |
| Maximum Annual Award | Up to ₹11,000 annually |
| Disbursement Method | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to student’s bank account |
| Maximum Duration for Undergraduate Programs | 3 years |
| Maximum Duration for Postgraduate Programs | 2 years |
| Eligibility for Multiple Awards | Once per academic level (once during UG and once during PG) |
| Cannot be combined with | KALIA scheme for professional and technical courses |
| Scheme Budget | ₹385 crore for fiscal years 2023–24 to 2025–26 |
| Coverage | All 30 districts, with priority to tribal and remote areas |
| NUA-O Scholarship Annual Award (General/EBC/OBC/SEBC) | ₹9,000 or ₹10,000 |
| NUA-O Scholarship Annual Award (SC/ST, including Nirman Shramik families) | ₹10,000 or ₹11,000 |
The table above details the financial structure and operational aspects of the nua o scholarship, highlighting varying award amounts based on social categories and program durations.
Why Was Nua-O Scholarship Discontinued? Reasons and Impact
The ‘Nua-O’ scholarship was discontinued primarily due to a lack of budgetary provision from the current financial year. This significant decision, impacting numerous students, was announced by the newly formed Mohan Majhi-led BJP government in Odisha, replacing a scheme launched by the previous administration.
- Reason for Discontinuation: No budgetary provision for the scheme from the current financial year.
- Responsible Government: The Mohan Majhi-led BJP government in Odisha.
- Launched By: The previous BJD government under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
- Announcement Date: The discontinuation was announced on August 30, 2024.
- Source of Information: Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
- Replacement Scheme: ‘Financial Assistance to UG & PG Students’ will be launched.
The discontinuation of the nua o scholarship marks a shift in state policy, with the new government opting to replace the previous administration’s initiative with a new financial aid program for students.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Nua-O Annual Amounts | UG/PG: Rs 9,000 (boys), Rs 10,000 (girls). SC/ST/construction workers: Rs 10,000 (boys), Rs 11,000 (girls). |
| Nua-O Total Outlay | Rs 3,701.08 crore over five years (2023-24 to 2027-28). |
| Other Existing Schemes | ‘Mukhya Mantri Medhabi Chhatra Protschahana’ (e-Medhabruti, Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti, Gopabandhu Sikhya Sahayata). |
These details highlight the financial scope of the discontinued Nua-O scholarship and contextualize it within the broader landscape of student aid initiatives in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to apply for the Nua-O Scholarship for 2023-2024?
For 2023-24, an exception is made due to closed admissions, applying to all colleges except unaided private ones using SAMS. This Nua-O Scholarship offers up to ₹11,000 annually.
How do I fill out the Nua-O Scholarship application?
Apply online via the Odisha State Scholarship Portal. Register with Aadhaar, then log in to select the NUA-O scheme and fill out all required personal, academic, and bank details.
What is the deadline for the Nua-O Scholarship 2023-2024?
The deadline for the Nua-O Scholarship 2023-2024 is April 15, 2024. Students must apply before this date.
What is nua o scholarship?
The NUA-O Scholarship, Odisha 2024, is a state initiative by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha, offering up to ₹11,000 annually to UG/PG students to empower youth and encourage skill development.
What are the eligibility requirements for nua o scholarship?
The NUA-O Scholarship is for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying within Odisha, receivable only once per academic level (UG/PG).
How do I apply for nua o scholarship?
Apply for the NUA-O Scholarship 2024 by registering on the state scholarship portal, downloading Annexure A, and submitting the self-declaration form with a photo to your institute.
