In today’s competitive academic world, scholarships are not just financial aid — they are a stepping stone toward a brighter future. The Government of West Bengal offers a wide range of scholarships for meritorious, economically weaker, and socially underprivileged students. If you are a student from West Bengal aiming for higher education in 2025, here are the top 5 state-sponsored scholarships you should not miss.

1. Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM)

The SVMCM is one of the most popular scholarship schemes in West Bengal for meritorious students pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 60% marks in the last qualifying exam (for HS, UG), 53% for PG, or 55% for professional courses.
• Annual family income should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.
• Renewable every year based on academic performance.

Why apply: This scholarship rewards talent while offering financial relief, especially to those pursuing technical or general degree courses.

2. Aikyashree Scholarship (For Minority Students)

Run by the West Bengal Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (WBMDFC), Aikyashree supports students from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities.

Eligibility:

• Students from Class 1 to PhD.
• Must belong to a minority community.
• Annual family income should be within ₹2 lakh (Pre-Matric) and ₹2.5 lakh (Post-Matric).

Benefits:

• Full course fee reimbursement.
• Monthly stipend and maintenance allowance.

Why apply: It’s a comprehensive scholarship that supports education across all levels, from school to research.

3. Kanyashree Prakalpa

This is a flagship initiative for empowering girl students and preventing early marriage by promoting higher education among adolescent girls.

Eligibility:

• Unmarried girls aged 13 to 18 years (K1) and 18+ (K2) enrolled in educational institutions.
• Annual family income should not exceed ₹1.2 lakh (exceptions for orphans/disabled).

Benefits:

• ₹1,000 annual stipend under K1.
• One-time grant of ₹25,000 under K2 upon turning 18 and continuing education.

Why apply: Encourages girls to continue their education and gain financial independence.

4. OASIS Scholarship (For SC/ST/OBC Students)

Operated by the Backward Classes Welfare Department, this scholarship caters to students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

Eligibility:

• Must be studying in pre-matric (Class 9 & 10) or post-matric (Class 11 onwards).
• Family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh (SC/ST) or ₹1 lakh (OBC).

Benefits:

• Monthly scholarship of ₹750 to ₹1,200 depending on the level of study.
• Tuition fee and other allowances included.

Why apply: Designed to uplift underprivileged communities and ensure equal access to education.

5. Chief Minister’s Relief Fund – Nabanna Scholarship

This is a merit-based financial assistance scheme for students who have passed Class 10, 12, or graduation and are pursuing further studies in West Bengal.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 65% in Class 10 or 60% in Class 12 or graduation.
• Annual family income below ₹60,000.

Benefits:

• One-time grant ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000.

Why apply: Ideal for students who may not qualify for other scholarships but still need urgent financial help.

Final Thoughts

If you are a student from West Bengal, 2025 is your chance to apply smart and study stress-free. These government scholarships are not just about money—they open doors to better education, personal growth, and brighter careers.

Tip: Always apply early, keep documents ready (like income certificates, mark sheets, and bank details), and track application deadlines on official portals like wbmdfcscholarship.gov.in, svmcm.wbhed.gov.in, and oasis.gov.in.