The NUA-O Scholarship is a recent initiative by the Odisha government aimed at providing financial support to undergraduate and postgraduate students from Odisha’s state universities and other recognized institutions. With this scholarship, the government intends to make education more accessible and promote skill development among students, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Overview of NUA-O Scholarship Program
This scholarship, introduced in 2024, was unveiled during the Nu-O Festival in Jajpur, Odisha. It is a significant part of the state’s “Nabin Odisha” initiative, which focuses on empowerment and upskilling for the youth, aligned with Odisha’s 5T framework—Teamwork, Transparency, Technology, Transformation, and Time.
Key Benefits of the NUA-O Scholarship
The NUA-O Scholarship provides financial aid based on the applicant’s gender and socioeconomic background:
- For Male Students: ₹9,000 annually
- For Female Students: ₹10,000 annually
- Special Category Students (SC/ST or from construction worker families): ₹10,000 for male students and ₹11,000 for female students.
Around 450,000 undergraduate and 32,000 postgraduate students are expected to benefit from this scheme, which the government plans to fund with a substantial budget of ₹3,701 crore over five years.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for the NUA-O Scholarship is specific:
- Student Status: Open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in government or government-aided colleges in Odisha.
- Exclusions: Students with parents who are income tax payers or government employees are not eligible. Additionally, students receiving financial aid under Odisha’s KALIA scheme for technical courses are also excluded.
- Application Scope: The scholarship is primarily for students studying in rural or underserved regions of Odisha.
Application Process
- Online Registration: Interested candidates should apply via the Odisha State Scholarship Portal (scholarship.odisha.gov.in).
- Required Documents:
- Proof of residence
- Academic records
- Bank account details
- Income certificate (if applicable)
- SC/ST certificate for applicants in the special category
- Application Timeline: Applications typically open annually, with deadlines announced on the state’s scholarship portal. Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and valid to avoid processing delays.
Objectives and Impact
The scholarship is a part of Odisha’s broader strategy to enhance educational standards and reduce dropout rates due to financial challenges. It encourages upskilling and reskilling, aligning with the NUA-O Magic Smart Card initiative, which offers additional benefits such as discounted transportation and access to free online courses.
The NUA-O Scholarship is a strategic investment by the Odisha government in the future workforce, aiming to uplift students by providing them with tools and resources to succeed academically and professionally. For the latest information and application procedures, students are encouraged to regularly check the official scholarship portal.
