Aikyashree Scholarship: Eligibility, Benefits & Last Date

The West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) launched the Aikyashree Scholarship in 2019 to assist minority students financially in pursuing their education. One of the most significant initiatives in West Bengal, this scholarship covers tuition, admission, and maintenance allowance for students residing in the state. Let's explore the eligibility, benefits, and types of the Aikyashree Scholarship.

Aikyashree Scholarship - Overview

The government started the Aikyashree scholarship for all the minority children of West Bengal, thereby encouraging parents to send their children to school without thinking about dropping them out. There are several categories under the Aikyashree Scholarship. Depending on their eligibility, students can apply for them. These are as follows:

Pre-Matric Scholarship

Every year, students in classes I to  X can apply for this scholarship between August and  October. 

Post-Matric Scholarship

Students in class XI to PhD can apply for this scholarship between August and October every year. 

Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship

This scholarship is open to all minority students wishing to attend West Bengal universities for professional or technical studies at the graduation and post-graduation levels.

Under Talent Support Program (TSP)

This award is available to minority students in classes XI to PhD (excluding professional and technical courses) who received less than 50% in their last final exam. Students can apply for this scholarship from August to October each year.

Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship (SVMCM)

This scholarship is awarded to deserving minority students in classes XI to post-graduation,  pursuing traditional courses such as diploma programs in pharmacy,  BEd, DElEd, and other subjects.

Aikyashree Scholarship Important Dates 

Below are some important dates to be considered for the Aikyashree Scholarship:

Source: Official website of West Bengal Minorities' Development and Finance Corporation

Aikyashree Scholarship - Eligibility Criteria

Below are the eligibility criteria for the different categories within the Aikyashree scholarship:

Source: West Bengal Minorities' Development and Finance Corporation

Aikyashree Scholarship - Documents Required

Students need to have certain documents handy when applying for this scholarship. The list of documents required for this scholarship is given below:

• Proof of residence
• Caste certificate
• Minority certificate
• Income certificate
• Bank account details
• Educational documents (based on eligibility criteria)
• Admission letter photocopy
• Institution ID copy
• Hostel bonafide photocopy
• College bonafide photocopy
• Fee structure
• Scholarship undertaking form
• Student’s summary data form
• Aadhar card

Aikyashree Scholarship - Benefits

The most significant benefit of the Aikashree scholarship is the opportunity for minority children to continue their studies without any financial setbacks. This is because the Aikyashree scholarship amount takes care of the admission, tuition, and maintenance allowances of eligible students, reducing the financial burden on their parents.

The Aikyashree scholarship amount differs for day scholars and those who stay on rent (hostellers). Below is the amount offered:

Source: Official website of West Bengal Minorities' Development and Finance Corporation

Aikyashree Scholarship - How to Apply

Students can follow the given steps to apply for Aikyashree Scholarship: 

• Log in to West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) and complete the online application form. 
• Choose the area or location from the list.
• Choose the district of the educational institute and fill out the registration form.
• A username and password will be generated post-registration.
• Login with username and password.
• Fill out the West Bengal Aikyashree Scholarship Scheme Online Application Form carefully.
• Upload the documents and submit the form.
• Take the printout and submit the same in school or college.
• To check your Aikyashree scholarship status, log in to the official website and click on track your application. 

The West Bengal government has started a great initiative to support minority youngsters in pursuing higher education. With the requisite financial support, students can now focus on their studies and pursue their dreams.

Read More:

• What is Scholarships and How to Apply for Them
• Education Loan for Study Abroad
• Fully Funded Scholarships for Indian Students
• Indian Government Scholarships for Studying Abroad