West Bengal Sikshashree Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The West Bengal Shikshashree Scheme is a pre-metric scholarship programme introduced by the Government of West Bengal to support the educational journey of students from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. The scheme was launched during the financial year 2014-15 to provide financial assistance to students studying in Classes V to VIII, a stage where many children from economically weaker families face difficulties in continuing their education. By extending scholarship support at the upper primary level, the state government aims to create better educational opportunities and ensure that deserving students can pursue their studies without interruption.

Under the Sikshashree scheme, eligible students receive annual financial assistance that can be used to meet various education-related expenses. The scholarship helps families manage the cost of books, stationery, learning materials, and other school requirements that often become a burden for low-income households. Depending on the student's category and class of study, beneficiaries receive annual scholarship assistance ranging from ₹750 to ₹800. The scheme also plays an important role in promoting school enrollment and encouraging students to continue their education without financial constraints.

The scholarship is available to eligible SC and ST students studying in Government, Government-aided, and Government-recognised schools located in West Bengal. To ensure transparency in the distribution of benefits, the scholarship amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. Eligible students can apply for the scholarship through the OASIS Scholarship Portal of the Government of West Bengal, which serves as the official platform for registration, application submission, renewal, and status tracking.

To avail the benefits of the Shikshashree scheme, applicants must be permanent residents of West Bengal, belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, study in Classes V to VIII, and have an annual family income not exceeding ₹2.5 lakh. Students who continue their education and remain eligible under the scheme guidelines may apply for renewal in subsequent academic years. In certain official departmental records, the programme is referred to as the Sikshashree Scheme. Through continued scholarship support, the initiative seeks to strengthen educational participation, reduce dropout rates, and improve learning opportunities for SC and ST students throughout the state.

Scheme Benefits

• Provides financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in Classes V to VIII.
• Offers an annual scholarship of up to ₹800 to eligible students.
• Helps students meet educational expenses such as books, stationery, and other study-related requirements.
• Encourages children from disadvantaged communities to continue their education and reduce school dropout rates.
• Promotes enrollment and regular attendance in schools across West Bengal.
• The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency.
• Supports the educational development of students belonging to economically weaker SC and ST families.

Scholarship Amount under Shikshashree Scheme

Under the West Bengal Sikshashree Scholarship Scheme, eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in Classes V to VIII receive annual financial assistance to support their education. The scholarship amount varies based on the student's category and class of study. The following table provides the class-wise scholarship amount available under the scheme.

Eligibility Requirements

Students seeking financial assistance under the West Bengal Shikshashree Scheme must satisfy certain eligibility conditions prescribed by the Government of West Bengal. These requirements ensure that scholarship benefits reach eligible SC and ST students studying at the upper primary level.

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
• The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
• The student must be studying in Class V, Class VI, Class VII, or Class VIII in a recognised school in West Bengal.
• The student must be enrolled in a Government, Government-aided, or Government-recognized school.
• The annual family income of the applicant should not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
• The student should continue studying in the institution for which the scholarship is sought.
• The applicant should possess a valid bank account to receive the scholarship amount through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Required Documents

The following documents may be required during application and verification under the scheme:

• Aadhaar Card of the student.
• Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) Certificate issued by the competent authority.
• Income Certificate showing that the annual family income does not exceed the prescribed limit.
• Recent passport-size photograph of the student.
• Proof of residence in West Bengal.
• School Bonafide Certificate or Enrollment Certificate.
• Student's Bank Account Passbook showing account details for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Previous year's mark sheet, if required during verification.

Steps to Apply

• Eligible students can apply for the West Bengal Shikshashree Scheme through the online application form.
• The online application form of the Shikshashree Scheme is available on the OASIS Scholarship Portal of the Government of West Bengal.
• Students must first register on the OASIS Portal.
• A valid caste certificate is required during the registration process.
• Complete the registration form by providing the required personal and educational details.
• After successful registration, the portal will generate login credentials for the applicant.
• Log in to the OASIS Portal using the Applicant ID and Password.
• Fill in the online application form of the West Bengal Shikshashree Scheme with the required information.
• Upload the necessary documents, including caste, income, educational, and bank account details.
• Review the application form carefully and submit it through the portal.
• Download and keep a copy of the submitted application form and acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
• The concerned authorities will verify the submitted application and supporting documents.
• After successful verification and approval, the scholarship amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Applicants can check the application status of the West Bengal Shikshashree Scheme online using their Applicant ID.

Relevant Links

• West Bengal Sikshashree Scheme Registration.
• West Bengal Sikshashree Scheme Login.
• West Bengal Shikshashree Scheme Application Status.
• Shikshashree Scholarship Scheme Renewal
• West Bengal Sikshashree Scheme Guidelines.
• West Bengal OASIS Portal.
• West Bengal Backward Classes Welfare Department Website.
• West Bengal Tribal Development Department Website.

Contact Information

• West Bengal OASIS Portal Helpline Number:- 08420023311.
• West Bengal Backward Class Welfare Department Phone Number