IIT Bhubaneswar Scholarships | Comprehensive Guide for UG & PG Students 

Summary: 

• IIT Bhubaneswar offers a wide range of scholarships for both UG and PG students 

• Scholarships include merit-cum-means, tuition fee waivers, and specific grants for SC/ST students 

• Eligibility criteria vary based on academic performance, family income, and entrance exam scores 

• Both institute-funded and government-sponsored scholarships are available 

• Application processes differ for various scholarship categories 

• Scholarships aim to support meritorious students and those from economically weaker sections 

• Additional financial assistance options include interest-free loans and external scholarships 

IIT Bhubaneswar Scholarships - A Comprehensive Guide for UG and PG Students 

The Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT Bhubaneswar) offers a robust scholarship programme designed to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This comprehensive guide explores the various scholarship opportunities available at IIT Bhubaneswar, providing aspiring and current students with valuable insights into financial support options that can significantly ease their academic journey. 

IIT Bhubaneswar's scholarship programme is multifaceted, catering to diverse student needs and backgrounds. The scholarships are broadly categorised into institute-funded scholarships and government-sponsored schemes. These financial aid options are designed not only to recognise academic merit but also to ensure that economic constraints do not hinder deserving students from pursuing their educational aspirations. 

Undergraduate Scholarships 

1. Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship 

The Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship is one of the flagship financial aid programmes offered by IIT Bhubaneswar for undergraduate students. This scholarship is particularly noteworthy as it combines academic excellence with financial need, ensuring that high-performing students from economically challenged backgrounds receive the support they require.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• First-year B.Tech students 

• Family income below a specified threshold (updated annually) 

• Satisfactory academic performance in JEE Advanced and Class 12 examinations 

Benefits: 

• Full or partial tuition fee waiver 

• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses 

• Book allowance 

Application Process: 

Students are required to submit their family income certificate along with academic records. The scholarship committee reviews applications and awards scholarships based on a combination of merit and financial need. 

2. SC/ST Scholarship 

In line with the government's commitment to promoting education among historically disadvantaged communities, IIT Bhubaneswar offers dedicated scholarships for students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Belong to SC or ST category 

• Family income below the prescribed limit 

• Satisfactory academic performance 

Benefits: 

• Full tuition fee waiver 

• Monthly stipend 

• Additional allowances for books and other academic expenses   

Application Process: 

Eligible students must submit their caste certificate along with income proof and academic records. The institute's scholarship cell verifies the documents and processes the applications. 

3. Institute Free Studentship 

This scholarship aims to support students who may not qualify for other scholarships but still require financial assistance to continue their studies. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Demonstrated financial need 

• Satisfactory academic performance 

Benefits: 

• Partial or full tuition fee waiver 

• Consideration for additional financial support based on individual cases 

Application Process: 

Students can apply through the institute's scholarship portal, providing detailed information about their financial situation and academic performance. 

Postgraduate Scholarships 

1. GATE Scholarship for M.Tech Students 

IIT Bhubaneswar offers scholarships to M.Tech students who have qualified through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Valid GATE score 

• Admission to M.Tech programme at IIT Bhubaneswar 

Benefits: 

• Monthly stipend as per MHRD norms 

• Tuition fee waiver 

Application Process: 

Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship upon admission to the M.Tech programme. 

2. Junior Research Fellowship for Ph.D. Students 

Doctoral students at IIT Bhubaneswar can avail of the Junior Research Fellowship, which provides financial support throughout their research tenure. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Admission to Ph.D. programme 

• Qualifying national-level examinations like GATE, NET, etc. 

Benefits: 

• Monthly fellowship as per government norms 

• Contingency grant for research expenses 

Application Process: 

Ph.D. students are considered for this fellowship upon admission, subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria. 

3. IIT JAM Scholarship for M.Sc. Students 

Students admitted to M.Sc. programmes through the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc. (JAM) are eligible for scholarships. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Admission through IIT JAM 

• Satisfactory academic performance 

Benefits: 

• Monthly stipend 

• Tuition fee concessions 

Application Process: 

Eligible students are automatically considered for this scholarship upon admission to the M.Sc. programme. 

Additional Financial Support Initiatives 

1. Vidyalaxmi Scheme 

IIT Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with the State Bank of India, offers the Vidyalaxmi Scheme, which provides interest-free loans to eligible students. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• First and second-semester undergraduate students 

• Annual family income less than ₹9 lakhs 

Benefits: 

• Interest-free loan for educational expenses 

• Flexible repayment terms 

Application Process: 

Students can apply through the State Bank of India Education Loan Application Form, available on the institute's website. 

2. External Scholarships 

IIT Bhubaneswar also facilitates various external scholarships sponsored by government bodies, private organisations, and NGOs. These include: 

• Central Sector Scholarship Scheme 

• National Scholarship Portal Schemes 

• INSPIRE Scholarship for Science Students 

• Various state government scholarships 

Students are encouraged to explore these options and apply through the respective portals or as directed by the institute's scholarship cell. 

Navigating the Scholarship Application Process 

Applying for scholarships at IIT Bhubaneswar requires careful attention to detail and timely submission of documents. Here are some key steps to ensure a smooth application process: 

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check the institute's official website and notice boards for scholarship announcements and deadlines. 

2. Prepare Documentation: Keep essential documents like income certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and academic records ready and up-to-date. 

3. Meet Deadlines: Submit applications and required documents well before the stipulated deadlines to avoid last-minute complications. 

4. Seek Guidance: Utilise the resources provided by the institute's scholarship cell for clarifications and assistance during the application process. 

5. Maintain Academic Performance: Most scholarships require students to maintain a certain level of academic performance. Stay focused on your studies to remain eligible for continued support. 

Impact of Scholarships on Student Life 

The scholarship programmes at IIT Bhubaneswar play a crucial role in shaping the academic and personal lives of students.

Beyond the obvious financial relief, these scholarships contribute significantly to: 

• Reducing Financial Stress: Allowing students to focus more on their studies and less on financial concerns. 

• Promoting Diversity: Enabling students from various socio-economic backgrounds to access quality education. 

• Encouraging Academic Excellence: Motivating students to maintain high academic standards to retain their scholarships. 

• Fostering a Sense of Community: Creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and supported by the institution. 

Future Prospects and Evolving Scholarship Landscape 

As IIT Bhubaneswar continues to grow and evolve, so does its scholarship programme.

The institute is constantly exploring new avenues to support its students, including: 

• Industry-Sponsored Scholarships: Collaborating with corporate partners to provide additional scholarship opportunities. 

• Research-Oriented Grants: Introducing more scholarships focused on promoting research and innovation among students. 

• International Exchange Scholarships: Exploring opportunities for students to participate in international exchange programmes with financial support. 

Conclusion