Aikyashree Scholarship West Bengal — How to Apply & Benefits

Aikyashree Prakalpa is a scholarship scheme by the West Bengal government providing financial assistance to students from minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and Parsis) studying in recognised institutions within the state. The scheme covers students from Class 1 through post-graduation and research levels, making it one of the most comprehensive minority education support programmes in India.

What is Aikyashree Prakalpa?

Launched by the West Bengal Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC), Aikyashree aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage higher education among minority community students. The scholarship provides financial support for tuition fees, maintenance allowance and other educational expenses through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Who is Eligible?

• Must belong to a minority community — Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain or Parsi
• Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
• Must be studying in a recognised institution within West Bengal
• Annual family income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh
• Must have secured at least 50% marks in the previous qualifying examination (relaxed for certain categories)
• Students from Class 1 to post-graduation and research levels are eligible
• Must not be receiving any other scholarship from the state/central government for the same purpose
• Must have regular attendance in the institution

Scholarship Amount

Note: Exact amounts may vary and are subject to revision. Hostel students may receive higher amounts.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card of the student
• Minority community certificate or self-declaration
• Income certificate (annual family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh) issued by competent authority
• Marksheet of the previous qualifying examination
• Institution bonafide/enrolment certificate
• Bank account details (in student's name, Aadhaar-linked)
• Passport-size photograph
• Domicile/residence certificate of West Bengal
• Caste certificate (if applicable for sub-category benefits)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Online Application

1. Visit the Aikyashree portal at aikyashree.wb.gov.in
2. Click on "Student Registration" or "New Application"
3. Register with your mobile number, email and Aadhaar number
4. Login with the credentials created during registration
5. Fill the application form — personal details, community, institution, course, bank details
6. Upload documents — photograph, marksheet, income certificate, community certificate
7. Submit the application and note your application ID
8. Institution verification — your school/college verifies the application online
9. District-level verification by the WBMDFC office
10. Once approved, scholarship amount is credited to your bank account via DBT

Through Institution

1. Collect the Aikyashree application form from your school/college
2. Fill the form with all required details
3. Submit to the institution along with document copies
4. The institution uploads your application on the Aikyashree portal
5. Track your application status online using your application ID

Fees

There is no application fee for the Aikyashree scholarship.

Processing Time

• Application period: As notified (typically during academic session)
• Institution verification: 15–30 days
• District verification: 15–30 days
• Disbursement: Within 2–3 months of final approval

Important Tips

1. Apply early in the academic session — late applications may not be processed
2. Ensure your institution is registered on the Aikyashree portal — unregistered institutions cannot verify applications
3. Keep your bank account active and Aadhaar-linked — dormant accounts cause payment failures
4. Renewal is required every year — submit fresh application for each academic year
5. Maintain minimum 50% marks and regular attendance to remain eligible

Frequently Asked Questions

Which minority communities are covered under Aikyashree?

Six notified minority communities — Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain and Parsi — are covered under the Aikyashree scholarship in West Bengal.

Can students studying outside West Bengal apply?

No. Aikyashree is only for students studying in recognised institutions within West Bengal. However, West Bengal domiciled students can apply for central minority scholarships for education outside the state.

Is there a separate application for pre-matric and post-matric levels?

The Aikyashree portal handles both pre-matric and post-matric applications. Select the appropriate level during the application process based on your current class/course.

Can I get Aikyashree along with other scholarships?

No. Aikyashree cannot be combined with other government scholarships for the same purpose. If you receive a central minority scholarship, you cannot simultaneously avail Aikyashree.

How do I check my application status?

Login to aikyashree.wb.gov.in with your credentials and check the application tracking section. You can also contact the WBMDFC helpline.

What if my institution is not listed on the portal?

Ask your institution's head to register on the Aikyashree portal. Without institutional registration, your application cannot be verified and processed.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any government body. Visit aikyashree.wb.gov.in for official details.