The Government of West Bengal runs many financial assistance programs for students. One of the most successful programs is the Sikshashree Scholarship Scheme. This scheme helps students from weaker sections of society continue their school education without financial trouble.
This article explains everything you need to know about the Sikshashree Scholarship 2026. You will learn about the online application process, who can apply, the awards, and the last date to apply.
What is the Sikshashree Scholarship?
The Backward Classes Welfare Department and the Tribal Development Department of West Bengal handle this scholarship program. The state government launched this initiative to assist students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities.
Earlier, the government gave separate small funds like Book Grants and Maintenance Grants. The old selection process took a lot of time. To fix this problem, the state government combined these old grants into one single program named “Sikshashree”.
This scheme provides a steady financial grant to students who study in lower secondary classes. It covers students from Class 5 to Class 8. The primary goal of this financial support is to reduce school dropout rates among SC and ST children.
Key Highlights of Sikshashree Scholarship 2026
The following table provides a quick look at the vital details of this scheme:
| Feature | Details |
| Name of the Scheme | Sikshashree Scholarship Scheme |
| State Name | West Bengal |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| Managing Departments | Backward Classes Welfare & Tribal Development Departments |
| Target Groups | Scheduled Caste (SC) & Scheduled Tribe (ST) Students |
| Eligible Classes | Class 5, Class 6, Class 7, and Class 8 |
| Financial Reward | ₹800 per annum |
| Application Mode | Online through School Login / Offline Form Submission |
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into Bank Accounts |
Objective of the Sikshashree Scheme
Many poor families face problems when they pay for their children’s basic education. Students from backward communities often leave school after primary education due to low family income. The West Bengal state government wants to solve this specific problem.
The program supports day scholars. It provides direct economic help to parents. This money helps families buy notebooks, stationery, and other necessary items for daily school needs. It gives motivation to students so they can focus entirely on their studies.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Applications
Applicants must fulfill all the rules set by the government to receive this money. If a student misses even one condition, the authorities will reject the application form.
Check the complete eligibility conditions below:
- Domicile Rule: The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal. Students from other states cannot apply for this particular program.
- Caste Requirement: The student must belong to either the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
- Class Enrollment: The student must study in Class 5, Class 6, Class 7, or Class 8.
- School Type: The candidate must be a full-time student in a government school, government-aided school, or a government-recognized school inside West Bengal. Students of private un-recognized schools will not get the benefit.
- Day Scholar Status: This scheme applies only to regular day scholars. Students who reside in government hostels cannot apply for this scheme because they receive separate hostel benefits.
- Family Income Limit: The total annual income of the student’s family must not exceed ₹2,50,000 (₹2.5 Lakh) from all earning sources.
- Single Benefit Rule: The student must not receive any other financial assistance or scholarship from the central or state government for the same class.
- Bank Account: The student must have an active bank account in their own name. In some specific cases, a joint bank account with parents works fine.
Financial Benefits and Awards
The Sikshashree scholarship provides a uniform financial grant to all selected candidates. The government gives the exact same amount for all four eligible classes.
| Student Class | Reward Amount Per Year | Disbursement Channel |
| Class V (5th) | ₹800 | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Class VI (6th) | ₹800 | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Class VII (7th) | ₹800 | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Class VIII (8th) | ₹800 | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
The state government transfers this financial reward directly into the bank account of the student. This system removes middle channels and ensures total transparency.
Essential Documents Required
You must keep scanned copies or photocopies of important documents ready before you fill out the application form. The verification team matches your details with these official papers.
Make sure you have the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card: Copy of the student’s Aadhaar card for identification and biometric verification.
- Caste Certificate: Official SC or ST certificate issued by the competent authority in West Bengal. The verification team verifies this certificate online using the official portal.
- Income Certificate: An authentic family income certificate issued by a government officer like a BDO, SDO, or an executive officer.
- Proof of Date of Birth: Birth Certificate or school admit card showing the exact date of birth.
- Academic Marksheet: The marksheet or progress report card of the last annual examination passed by the student.
- Bank Passbook Copy: Photocopy of the first page of the student’s bank passbook. It must clearly display the account number, holder name, bank branch name, and the IFSC code.
- Passport Photographs: Recent color passport-size photographs of the student.
How to Apply for Sikshashree Scholarship 2026
The application process for the Sikshashree Scholarship is highly accessible. The government coordinates this process directly through local schools to protect young students from online frauds and internet cafes.
Students can secure the benefits easily by following the systematic method below:
1. Contact School Administration:
Visit your school’s administrative office or meet your class teacher. Ask for the physical Sikshashree Scholarship application form. The school provides this form completely free of charge to all SC and ST students. You can also download the form from the official Backward Classes Welfare website.
2. Fill the Form Accurately:
Fill in all required fields on the application form. Use block letters to write the student’s name, parent’s names, date of birth, and caste details. Provide the correct bank account number and IFSC code carefully. Any wrong digit in the bank information will stop your money transfer.
3. Attach the Documents:
Gather photocopies of all required papers. Attach the income proof, caste certificate, past marksheet, birth proof, Aadhaar card copy, and bank passbook photocopy to the filled form. Affix the passport photograph in the designated box on the paper.
4. Submit to the Headmaster:
Submit the complete application packet along with the attached documents to your school’s Headmaster or Headmistress. Make sure you submit the form before the school’s internal deadline.
5. School Verification and Online Upload:
The school authorities will check your physical documents. Once they verify the details, the school staff logs into the official portal. They upload your data into the system for final government approval.
Important Dates for 2026 Session
The West Bengal government opens the portal every year in the summer season. You must track the timeline to ensure timely application submission.
| Event Tracker | Key Timelines |
| Application Start Date | June 1, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | October 31, 2026 |
| School Verification Period | 15 to 30 days after the last date |
| Fund Disbursement Period | Expected by the end of the financial year |
Note: We advise all parents and students to complete the school submission process early to avoid server traffic errors at the end of October.
Official Government References
Always verify information from authentic government sites. The table below lists the real official links for the Sikshashree project:
| Type of Resource | Official Source URL |
| Main Department Portal | https://anagrasarkalyan.gov.in/ |
| Scholarship Portal Login | https://www.shikshamedha.in/ |
| Tribal Welfare Portal | https://adibasikalyan.gov.in/ |
Sikshashree Scholarship Helpline Numbers
If you face any issues during the form submission or if your scholarship money arrives late, you can contact the official support cell. Use these official communication lines to get direct assistance:
| Contact Channel | Official Details |
| Department Name | Backward Classes Welfare Department, West Bengal |
| Head Office Address | Administrative Buildings, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal |
| Official Email ID | helpdesk.sikshashree@gmail.com |
| District Help | Contact your local Block Development Office (BDO) or PO-cum-DWO |
Key Benefits for the Community
The Sikshashree Scholarship scheme plays a massive role in improving rural literacy rates across West Bengal. It impacts families in several positive ways:
- Saves Marginalized Groups Money: Poor families do not have to borrow money at high interest rates to pay for basic school utilities.
- Encourages Female Education: It helps girls from SC and ST families stay in school continuously.
- Establishes Digital Identification: The link between the scheme, Aadhaar cards, and bank accounts introduces rural families to modern online banking systems.
- Boosts Self-Respect: Direct financial support from the state government gives children a sense of dignity and educational honor.
If your child qualifies for this assistance, go to their school today and get the application form before the October deadline.