OSOU Scholarship and Fee Concession: Who Qualifies

Odisha State Open University (OSOU) learners belonging to ST, SC, OBC/SEBC, and EBC categories can apply for the Post-Matric Scholarship via the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (OSSP). Eligible candidates must be permanent residents of Odisha with a total annual family income not exceeding ₹2,50,000. The scholarship covers annual course fees and academic maintenance allowances through direct bank transfer.

Key facts

Post-Matric Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is implemented by the ST & SC Development and Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, to support students pursuing post-secondary education.

• The candidate must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
• The candidate must belong to Scheduled Tribe (ST), Scheduled Caste (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC) / Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), or Economically Backward Classes (EBC).
• The annual income of the student’s parents or guardians from all sources must not exceed ₹2,50,000 (Rupees two lakh fifty thousand only).
• The candidate must be pursuing post-matriculation courses in recognized higher education institutions.

Scholarship Entitlements and Financial Benefits

The Post-Matric Scholarship scheme covers mandatory fees and provides a allowance during the course of study.

Post-Matric Scholarship Entitlements

Online Application Steps on Odisha State Scholarship Portal

Eligible students must apply or renew their scholarship applications online through the official Odisha State Scholarship Portal (OSSP).

1. Ensure your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar card to receive OTPs for registration.
2. Visit the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (OSSP) and register using OTP-based Aadhaar authentication.
3. Fill in personal, academic, and course details. When asked for the institution name, write ‘Odisha State Open University’ and place ‘Sambalpur’ (do not write the name of your local study centre college).
4. Ensure details in Aadhaar (including spelling of name and father’s name) match your educational certificates and application form exactly.
5. Submit and lock the application online so it can be transmitted to the university portal for verification.

Hard Copy Submission and Required Enclosures

After successfully submitting the online application, students must submit a hard copy to the university headquarters for processing.

• Signed printed copy of the online scholarship application form.
• Self-attested passport-size photograph.
• Attested copy of family income certificate.
• Attested copy of Caste Certificate.
• Residential Certificate proving permanent residence in Odisha.
• Qualifying examination certificates and marksheets.
• University Identity Card issued by OSOU (downloadable via OSOU student portal).
• Copy of Aadhaar card.
• Copy of bank passbook.

1. Print out the completed online application form and sign it.
2. Attach self-attested copies of all required documents listed above.
3. Send the signed application with enclosures by registered post or speed post to the Odisha State Open University Headquarters in Sambalpur.
4. For clarifications regarding PRERANA scholarship form submission, call 0663-2548132 between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM. For general contact info, visit the OSOU contact page.

Aadhaar Linking and Bank Account Rules

Payment of scholarship is disbursed directly into the candidate’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Strict adherence to Aadhaar seeding rules is required to avoid rejection.

• Aadhaar linking with both mobile number and bank account is mandatory.
• Any mismatch between Aadhaar details (name, DOB, father’s name, address) and certificates uploaded on the form will result in rejection.
• If your Aadhaar is not seeded with any bank account, the application will be reverted to the student.
• To seed your bank account, visit your bank branch and submit a ‘Bank consent form for receiving DBT’.
• Verify which bank account is active on the NPCI mapper via the official UIDAI portal.

Important OSOU links

Frequently asked questions

What is the official website for OSOU?

The main portal for Odisha State Open University learners is accessible through the OSOU student webportal and the official site at osou.ac.in.

Who qualifies for the Post-Matric Scholarship at OSOU?

Permanent residents of Odisha belonging to ST, SC, OBC/SEBC, or EBC categories qualify if their parents’ or guardians’ annual income does not exceed ₹2,50,000. They must be enrolled in recognized post-secondary courses.

What institution name should OSOU students write in the scholarship form?

Applicants must select or enter ‘Odisha State Open University’ as the institution name and ‘Sambalpur’ as the place. Do not enter the name of the college where your study centre is located.

Where should students send the physical copy of the PRERANA scholarship form?

Learners must send the downloaded signed hard copy along with self-attested supporting documents to the University Headquarters at Sambalpur by registered post or speed post.

How is the scholarship amount paid to the student?

Scholarship payments are credited directly into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after institutional and DWO verification.

What happens if there is a mismatch in my Aadhaar and certificate details?

Any mismatch in candidate name, father’s name, address, or date of birth between Aadhaar and submitted academic credentials tantamount to rejection or application revertal.

How can I link my bank account with Aadhaar for scholarship DBT?

To link your account, visit your bank branch and submit a ‘Bank consent form for receiving DBT’. You can check your status on the NPCI mapper.

Sources

Written from the official OSOU pages and documents below, as read on 2 October 2026.

• Advertisement and Guidelines to Apply for PRERANA Scholarship | Odisha State Open Universi osou.ac.in/…/news.php
• osou_1672787911.pdf osou.ac.in/…/osou_1672787911.pdf