To fulfill the mission of the Chief Minister of Odisha, on making New Odisha, Mr. Karthik Pandian, Chairman of Naveen Odisha, visited Jajpur and engaged with students through participation in the ‘Nua-O’ program. The state cabinet has recently approved initiating the ‘Nua-O Scholarship’ scheme. During this event, he expressed that this initiative marks a significant step in empowering the youth and aligns with the Chief Minister’s vision for the realization of a New Odisha. In this article, we are going to talk about the Nua-O Scholarship scheme in detail.
It has been observed that there is a need for targeted and inclusive financial assistance to support students who have been overlooked and are enrolled in general undergraduate and postgraduate programs within government and government-aided institutions, including Sanskrit Colleges under the Higher Education Department. This initiative aims to provide universal assistance to all eligible students.
What is the Nua-O Scholarship Scheme?
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme or Nutana Unnata Abhilasha Odisha Scholarship Scheme is a scholarship scheme launched for the students of Odisha. The Odisha government has introduced this scheme for all the students studying in government universities, government-aided and unaided colleges, and Sanskrit colleges. Under this initiative, male students will receive an annual scholarship of ₹9,000, while female students will be entitled to ₹10,000. Additionally, daughters of SC/ST and construction workers will receive ₹10,000 and ₹11,000 annually respectively.
Apart from that, all eligible students will be issued the ‘New-O Magic Smart Card’ by August 2024. This card will offer special benefits, including free Wi-Fi access during bus and train travel, online courses, skill development, and coaching programs. Approximately 4.5 lakh graduate students and 32 thousand postgraduate students in the state are expected to benefit from the Nua-o Scholarship scheme. Let’s talk about the scheme in detail.
The Odisha Government has invited online applications for the NUA O Scholarship. Candidates can start applying for it from February 29,2024 and the last date to apply for the same is March 03, 2024.
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme 2024 Key Highlights | |
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Launch Date | February 13, 2024 |
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Official Website | State Scholarship Portal |
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Objective | To provide scholarships for the graduates and post-graduates in Odisha |
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Beneficiary | Graduates and post-graduate students in Odisha |
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Financial Assistance | Rs 9,000 for Male Students Rs 10,000 for Female Students Rs 10,000 for SC/ST Male Rs 11,000 for SC/ST Female |
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Registration Start Date | February 29,2024 |
| Nua-O Scholarship Last Date to Apply | March 03,2024 |
| Nua-O Scholarship Helpline Number | 155335 /1800-345-677 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) |
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Objectives
- Universal Financial Assistance: The primary goal of the scheme is to offer financial support to students enrolled in Government and Non-Government Aided Institutions, including Sanskrit Colleges under the Higher Education Department’s administrative control.
- Inclusive Support: The scheme is designed to aid all eligible students pursuing higher education, emphasizing inclusivity and extending assistance to a diverse student population.
- Reducing Dropout Rates: By providing financial assistance to a broader base of students, the scheme aims to reduce dropout rates, ensuring that more students can continue and complete their higher education.
- Increasing Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): The scheme seeks to contribute to the growth of the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in the State, indicating a commitment to expanding educational opportunities and participation.
- Government’s Commitment to Equitable Access: The revised objective underscores the government’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to education for all, recognizing the long-term societal benefits associated with supporting higher education for regional development and economic prosperity.
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Benefits 2024
- Financial assistance:
- Rs. 9,000 annually for all male students.
- Rs. 10,000 annually for all female students.
- Additional Rs. 1,000 annually for male students from SC/ST and Nirman Shramik families.
- Additional Rs. 1,000 annually for female students from SC/ST and Nirman Shramik families.
- Reduced financial burden: Scholarship amount helps cover education expenses, making higher education more affordable.
- Increased accessibility: Encourages students from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education.
- Promotes gender equality: Higher scholarship amounts for females incentivize their participation in education.
- Potential for future benefits: Higher education can lead to better career opportunities and improved quality of life.
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Scholarship Amount 2024
Annual Scholarship for Eligible Students:
- Eligible students enrolled in undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) programs at recognized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) will receive an annual scholarship.
Gender-based Scholarship Amounts:
- Male students: Rs. 9,000/- per year
- Female students: Rs. 10,000/- per year
- Criteria: Meet eligibility criteria and maintain continuous enrolment and attendance.
SC/ST Community Scholarship:
- SC/ST Male students: Rs. 10,000/- per year
- SC/ST Female students: Rs. 11,000/- per year
- Criteria: Students should not currently receive any other scholarship.
Disbursement Frequency:
- The disbursement of the scholarship will occur once a year.
Maximum Duration of Scholarship:
- The scholarship is applicable for three years for UG courses and two years for PG courses.
| Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Financial Assistance | |
| Male Students | Rs 9,000 |
| Female Students | Rs 10,000 |
| Male Students ( SC/ST and Nirman Shramik) | Rs 10,000 |
| Female Students ( SC/ST and Nirman Shramik) | Rs 11,000 |
Odisha SWAYAM Yojana 2024 | Rs 1 Lakh Interest-Free Loan to Unemployed Youth
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Eligibility Criteria 2024
Residency Requirement: Applicants must be permanent residents of Odisha.
Educational Requirement:
Students must be enrolled and regularly attending classes in undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) courses at any State University, Government, and non-government aided colleges, including aided Sanskrit colleges under the administrative control of the Higher Education Department.
Admission through SAMS Portal:
- First-year admissions must be exclusively completed through the SAMS portal.
- Subsequent re-admissions at the college level are permitted.
Eligibility Maintenance for Institutions: To remain eligible for this scholarship program and to continue being ‘recognized Higher Education Institutions,’ institutions are prohibited from modifying their academic fees, course fees, tuition fees, examination fees, development fees, or any other fees under any name or form without explicit prior approval from the Government in the Higher Education Department.
Ineligible Courses and Criteria:
- Students enrolled in open universities or pursuing higher education through distance learning or correspondence courses, or undertaking self-financed courses under PPP mode, are ineligible to avail of scholarships under this scheme.
- Students currently receiving scholarships under any other schemes administered by the State or Central Government, except for the Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Bhasabruti scheme, are ineligible.
- Students failing to obtain validation from their respective Principal or Educational institution are ineligible.
- Any other categories specified by the Government from time to time will also be ineligible.
Auto-Exclusion Criteria:
Students meeting any of the following conditions will be automatically excluded from the scholarship scheme:
- Students whose either parent is paying tax or is liable to pay income tax.
- Students whose either parent is employed under regular establishments of the Central/State Government/ PSUs/Government Aided Institutions/Autonomous Bodies or receiving grants as part of their salary directly or through block grants from any educational institution.
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Documents Required
Here is the complete list of required Documents for the Scholarship.
- Aadhaar Number
- Applicant’s Photograph
- Income Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Divyang Certificate
- Resident Certificate
- Front Page of Passbook for Bank Account Details of the Student
- Matriculation Certificate (Not applicable for Non-matriculate ITI courses)
- Previous Examination Certificate
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme Appy Online 2024
The Higher Education Department is currently accepting online applications for the “NUA-O Scholarship” for the Academic Year 2023-2024. The Odisha Government has invited online applications for the NUA O Scholarship. Candidates can start applying for it from February 29, 2024, and the last date to apply for the same is March 03, 2024. You need to follow the steps below to apply for the scholarship.
- Visit the official website of the NUA-O Scholarship Scheme or State Scholarship Portal
- After that, the homepage of the website will open on the screen.
- You need to click on the “Apply Scholarship” link where you have to register yourself for the scholarship.
- A new page within the application form will appear on the screen.
- If you’re already registered, log in with your credentials. New users should choose the “New Student? Register Here” option.
- Complete the registration form with accurate and comprehensive information for successful registration.
- After registering successfully, log in using the provided credentials.
- Access the newly opened application form and enter the necessary details.
- Input all required information, including student details, academic information, eligibility criteria, and bank details.
- Click on the “Save as draft” button to save the information as a draft or select the “Next” button to save and proceed with the scholarship form.
- Review the completed form on the page. Download the forms and print them for your records.
By following these steps, you can easily apply for the scholarship.
Download NUA O Scholarship Scheme Application Form PDF
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme FAQs
What is the Nua-O Scholarship Scheme?
Nua-O Scholarship Scheme is a scholarship scheme launched for the students of Odisha. The Odisha government has introduced this scheme for all the students studying in government universities, government-aided and unaided colleges, and Sanskrit colleges.
Is there any age limit specified under the Nua-O Scholarship Scheme?
Not really, however, you must be pursuing graduation or post-graduation to get the benefit if the scheme.
How to apply for the Nua-O Scholarship Scheme?
The government had a program on February 13, 2024 where many students applied for the scholarship. The government has not yet launched any website for the same.
How much amount will be given as a scholarship under the Nua-O Scholarship Scheme?
Under this initiative, male students will receive an annual scholarship of ₹9,000, while female students will be entitled to ₹10,000. Additionally, daughters of SC/ST and construction workers will receive ₹10,000 and ₹11,000 annually respectively.
