The Shikshashree Scholarship 2025-26 is a West Bengal government initiative to support Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students studying in Classes V to VIII by providing a small but important annual grant. Designed to reduce dropouts and improve attendance, this scheme merges earlier book and maintenance grants into a single, streamlined assistance program that deposits the amount directly into the student’s bank account via DBT. The grant aims to remove immediate financial obstacles for day-scholars in government, government-aided, or government-recognised schools across West Bengal and to encourage continuous school participation.

For the 2025-26 cycle, online applications and renewals were made available—district-wise rollout began in early April 2025—and the scheme requires students to have a valid student code (Banglar Shiksha) for payment processing. This shift toward online record-keeping has improved transparency and payment traceability.

Who Can Apply? — Eligibility at a Glance

Eligible applicants for the Shikshashree Scholarship 2025-26 must meet the following conditions:

• Belong to SC or ST community and submit a valid caste certificate.
• Be a day scholar studying Class V, VI, VII or VIII in a government / government-aided / government-recognised school in West Bengal.
• Family’s annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh (income certificate required).
• Have an Aadhaar-linked bank account with DBT/NEFT enabled for receiving funds.
• Not be a beneficiary of another overlapping scholarship for the same period (dual benefits usually disallowed).

How Much is Awarded? — Benefits Table

The Shikshashree Scholarship 2025-26 provides a fixed annual grant paid directly into the student’s bank account.

Class	Scholarship Amount (per year)
Class V	₹800
Class VI	₹800
Class VII	₹800
Class VIII	₹800

(Amount is uniform for Classes V–VIII under the current rate structure; refer to official releases for any future revisions.)

Simple Step-by-Step: How to Apply

Most applications are handled through schools with district/block verification — here’s the practical flow for the Shikshashree Scholarship 2025-26:

1. Contact your school’s headmaster or nodal officer and request the Shikshashree application form (Fresh or Renewal). Schools often assist with online login to the state portal.
2. Fill out the application (personal, academic, bank and income details); attach required documents listed below.
3. School verification: the nodal officer compiles data, certifies records, and forwards applications to the Block office.
4. Block / District verification and sample checks (blocks typically verify a sample of applications before approval).
5. Payment: once approved, funds are transferred by PO-cum-DWO / district finance channels directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account via NEFT/DBT.

Documents Required (Checklist)

• SC/ST Caste Certificate (issued by competent West Bengal authority).
• Income Certificate (to show annual family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh).
• Proof of Admission / school enrollment certificate (Class V–VIII).
• Aadhaar Card (or residential proof) and Aadhaar-linked bank passbook for DBT.
• Recent passport-size photograph and the previous year’s marksheet (for renewal).

Important Dates — Quick Reference

Event	Typical Timing / 2025 Notes
Application window (fresh/renewal) opens	Often Oct–Dec; for 2025-26 online intake began 04 April 2025 in districts as directed.
Renewal / Payment processing	Carried out after verification — district timelines vary.

Note: Always confirm the exact dates from your school or the official site before preparing documents.

Renewal & Troubleshooting

• Renewal: Submit previous marksheet and updated income/bank details each year.
• Name mismatch: If the name on Aadhaar and school records differ, get corrections done through school authorities to avoid payment delays.
• Delays: If payment is delayed, contact your school’s nodal officer or the Backward Classes Welfare Department contact points.

Impact, Challenges & Suggestions

The Shikshashree Scholarship 2025-26 plays a key role in improving attendance and reducing dropout rates among marginalized students, but common challenges include limited awareness, occasional payment delays, and digital infrastructure gaps in remote areas. Strengthening awareness campaigns and faster digital grievance redressal can improve reach and efficiency.