Swami Vivekananda merit cum means Scholarship

With a view to assisting the meritorious students belonging to economically backward families in the State of West Bengal to pursue higher studies, the Government of West Bengal introduces this scheme of giving scholarships at different levels of higher studies, at educational institutions based in West Bengal. The Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship Scheme has been thoroughly revamped in the year 2016 to cover more number of students as well as to enhance the scholarship amounts significantly..

The scheme benefits students studying in regular mode of Class XI and XII, and at under Graduate level in Science/Arts/Commerce, Engineering, Medical and Technical / Professional courses. Post Graduate level students pursuing Science/Arts/Commerce & Technical/Management. These scholarships will be sanctioned to deserving students on merit-cum-means criteria.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship

Year of Passing Requirement

• Candidates must have passed in the year 2024, 2023, 2022, or 2021.
• Those who were unable to get admission in 2023, 2022, or 2021 due to unavoidable reasons but are taking admission in the year of advertisement are also eligible.

Minimum Academic Qualification

Higher Secondary Level or Undergraduate Level Scholarship

• At least 60% marks in aggregate in the last qualifying examination.
• 75% marks for candidates who passed in 2020 or earlier.

Must have passed from:

• West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE)
• West Bengal Council for Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE)
• Madrasa Education

Diploma Holders for Undergraduate Level Scholarship

• At least 60% marks in aggregate in the diploma course.
• 75% marks for candidates who passed in 2020 or earlier.
• Must be from:
• AICTE-approved Institutes affiliated to WBSCT&VE&SD for admission in 2nd Year Engineering/Technology/Pharmacy courses (Lateral Entry).
• State Medical Faculty affiliated institutes for admission in 2nd Year Pharmacy course (Lateral Entry).

Postgraduate Level Scholarship

• At least 53% marks in Graduation (Honours Subject) from any State University (General Education).
• At least 55% marks in Graduate Courses from any State University or AICTE-approved Institute of West Bengal (Engineering/Technology/Pharmacy).

Scholarship for Higher Studies

• M.Phil and Doctoral Courses (Non-NET JRF and NET-LS)
• Eligible candidates from State-aided Institutions will be covered under this scheme.
• Girls Students under Kanyashree (K3) Scheme
• Postgraduate students in Science, Arts, and Commerce streams from Universities in West Bengal.
• Must have obtained an Undergraduate Degree with 45% marks in aggregate from institutions in the state.

Family Income Criteria

The upper family income limit is fixed at ₹2,50,000 per annum. Bank Details Requirement

• Payment will be made through Direct Beneficiary Transfer (DBT).
• The applicant must furnish:
• Bank Account Number
• Bank Name
• IFSC Code

Application Process

• No need to submit a hard copy of the application.
• Restriction on Availing Other Scholarships
• Candidates found eligible for this scholarship cannot avail of any other governmental (central/state) scholarship or stipend for the same course/stage of study.
• However, students can still receive:
• One-time grants or assistance from any source.
• Free or partly-free studentship allowed by the host institutions.