Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27: Eligibility, Benefits, Documents

The Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27 is a scholarship scheme for deserving students studying in Classes 11 and 12 in Odisha. The scholarship is designed to support students who have performed well in their Class 10 board examination and meet the prescribed family income criteria.

The registration process for the Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27 is ongoing. Eligible students can apply online through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.

Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27: Overview

Scholarship Name	Junior Merit Scholarship
Academic Year	2026-27
State	Odisha
Eligible Classes	Class 11 and Class 12
Minimum Marks	60% in Class 10
Annual Family Income	Up to ₹6 lakh
Scholarship Amount	₹3,000 per year
Scholarship Duration	2 years
Application Mode	Online
Last Date	25 October 2026

What is Junior Merit Scholarship?

The Junior Merit Scholarship is offered to students who have achieved good marks in their Class 10 board examination and are continuing their education at the higher secondary level.

The scheme aims to encourage meritorious students to continue their studies after Class 10 by providing financial assistance. A total of 10,000 scholarships are awarded every year, with the scholarships distributed equally between boys and girls.

Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet all the required conditions before applying for the scholarship. The main eligibility criteria are:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
• The student must be studying in Class 11 or Class 12.
• The student must have secured at least 60% marks in the Class 10 board examination.
• The annual family income should not exceed ₹6 lakh.
• Students must apply in the first year of the course, that is, Class 11.
• The student must be enrolled in a regular higher secondary course.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following students are not eligible for the Junior Merit Scholarship:

• Students studying through distance learning or correspondence mode.
• Students already receiving another scholarship under a State or Central Government scheme.
• Students studying abroad.
• Students whose application is not validated by the concerned Principal or institution during Class 11.

Junior Merit Scholarship Benefits

Selected students receive financial assistance under the scheme. The major benefits include:

• ₹3,000 per year for each selected student.
• Scholarship support is provided for two years, covering Class 11 and Class 12.
• 10,000 scholarships are awarded every year.
• Scholarships are distributed equally between boys and girls in a 50:50 ratio.

The scholarship can help students manage some of their educational expenses and encourage them to continue their higher secondary education.

Documents Required for Junior Merit Scholarship

Applicants should keep the required documents ready before completing the online application. These include:

• Aadhaar Card
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Odisha domicile certificate
• Annual family income certificate
• Class 10 marksheet and certificate
• Student’s bank account details and first page of passbook showing account number and IFSC
• Higher Secondary School ID card, admission receipt, library card or undertaking letter from the school authority

The domicile and income certificates should be issued by the appropriate authorised officer as prescribed under the scholarship guidelines.

How to Apply for Junior Merit Scholarship 2026-27?

Eligible students can apply online by following these steps:

1. Visit the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.
2. Click on the student registration option.
3. Enter the required Aadhaar number to complete registration.
4. Check the registered mobile number or email for the generated User ID and Password.
5. Log in to the scholarship portal using the provided credentials.
6. Fill in the required personal, academic, eligibility and bank details.
7. Save the application as a draft or continue to the next step.
8. Preview the completed application carefully and make corrections, if required.
9. Download the completed application form and take a printout.
10. Keep a copy of the submitted application for future reference.

Important Links

Online Application	Click to Apply Online
Student Login	Click to Student Login
Official Website	Visit Official Website