West Bengal Kanyashree Prakalpa — Scholarship for Girls, Apply Online
Kanyashree Prakalpa offers ₹1,000/year (K1) & ₹25,000 one-time grant (K2) for girls in West Bengal. Check eligibility & apply online.
Official Links
West Bengal Kanyashree Prakalpa — Scholarship for Girls, Apply Online (2026)
Kanyashree Prakalpa (কন্যাশ্রী প্রকল্প) is a flagship scholarship scheme launched by the Government of West Bengal on 8 March 2013 to empower girls from economically weaker families. The scheme aims to reduce school dropout rates and prevent child marriage by providing financial incentives to keep girls in education until they reach adulthood.
Internationally recognised by UNICEF and the United Nations, Kanyashree Prakalpa has benefited over 75 lakh girls across West Bengal since its inception.
K1 and K2 Components at a Glance
| Component | Benefit | Age Group | Condition | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K1 — Annual Scholarship | ₹1,000 per year | 13–18 years | Enrolled in Class VIII–XII or equivalent; unmarried | Paid every year while in education |
| K2 — One-Time Grant | ₹25,000 | 18–19 years | Engaged in academic/vocational pursuit; unmarried | One-time payment after turning 18 |
Note: K1 was ₹500 during 2013–15 and has since been revised to ₹1,000. For girls with 40%+ disability, the Class VIII requirement for K1 is waived.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for Kanyashree Prakalpa, a girl must meet all of the following conditions:
- Domicile: Must be a resident of West Bengal.
- Age: 13–18 years for K1; 18–19 years for K2.
- Marital Status: Must be unmarried at the time of application and disbursement.
- Education: Must be enrolled in a government-recognised school (Class VIII–XII), open school, or vocational/technical/sports training course.
- Family Income: Annual family income must not exceed ₹1,20,000 (₹1.2 lakh).
Income Criterion Waiver
The income ceiling is waived for:
- Girls with special needs (disability 40% or more)
- Orphan girls (both parents deceased)
- Girls residing in Juvenile Justice (JJ) homes
Update: The West Bengal government has indicated relaxation of the income bar in recent years, potentially opening the scheme to all eligible girls regardless of family income. Check the official portal for the latest notification.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card of the applicant | Identity verification |
| Age proof (birth certificate / Madhyamik admit card) | Age verification |
| School/institution enrolment certificate | Education status |
| Family income certificate (issued by BDO/SDO) | Income eligibility |
| Bank account passbook (in the girl's name) | Direct Benefit Transfer |
| Passport-size photograph | Application form |
| Caste certificate (if applicable) | Reserved category verification |
| Disability certificate (if applicable) | Waiver eligibility |
| Residential/domicile certificate | West Bengal residency |
Important: The bank account must be in the applicant's own name and linked to Aadhaar for DBT payments.
How to Apply for Kanyashree Prakalpa
Method 1: Through School/Institution (Primary Route)
- Collect the Kanyashree application form from your school or institution.
- Fill in all required details — personal information, educational details, family income, and bank account.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
- Submit the completed form to your school/institution head.
- The institution verifies and uploads the application on the Kanyashree portal.
- You will receive an Application ID for tracking.
Method 2: Online via Official Portal
- Visit the official website: www.wbkanyashree.gov.in
- Click on "Student Login" or "New Registration".
- Enter your details — name, date of birth, Aadhaar number, school DISE code.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents.
- Submit the application and note down your Application ID.
- Your school/institution must verify and approve the application online.
Tip: Most applications are processed through the school. Contact your class teacher or headmaster/headmistress for assistance.
How to Check Kanyashree Application Status
- Go to www.wbkanyashree.gov.in.
- Click on "Track Application" or "Student Login".
- Enter your Application ID or Aadhaar number.
- View the current status — pending, verified, approved, or payment disbursed.
You can also check your payment status via your linked bank account passbook or by contacting your institution.
Renewal Process (K1 Annual Scholarship)
K1 is not automatically renewed each year. To continue receiving the annual scholarship:
- Re-apply annually through your school/institution at the beginning of each academic session.
- Submit updated documents if anything has changed (e.g., new school, class promotion).
- Your institution re-verifies your enrolment and marital status.
- Once approved, the scholarship is credited for that year.
Key point: If you get married before turning 18, K1 benefits stop immediately and you become ineligible for K2.
Payment Schedule & Disbursement
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Payment Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to applicant's bank account |
| K1 Disbursement | Once per academic year, typically after institutional verification (varies by cycle) |
| K2 Disbursement | One-time, after the applicant turns 18 and verification is completed |
| Processing Time | 2–4 months from application approval |
Payments are made directly to the girl's bank account via PFMS (Public Financial Management System). No middlemen or intermediaries are involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a girl receive both K1 and K2?
Yes. A girl can receive K1 annually from age 13–18 and then claim K2 as a one-time grant after turning 18, provided she meets all eligibility conditions.
Is the scheme available for girls in private schools?
Yes, as long as the school is recognised by the Government of West Bengal.
What happens if a girl drops out of school?
K1 payments will stop. However, if she re-enrols in any recognised educational or vocational course before turning 18, she can re-apply.
Can married girls apply?
No. The scheme is exclusively for unmarried girls. Marriage before 18 permanently disqualifies the applicant.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through institutions. However, it is best to apply at the start of the academic session (June–July) for timely processing.
Key Highlights
- 🎓 Dual benefit — annual scholarship (K1) + one-time grant (K2)
- 💰 Direct bank transfer — no middlemen
- 🏆 UN-recognised — awarded by UNICEF for impact on girl child welfare
- 📱 Online tracking — check status anytime on the official portal
- ♿ Inclusive — special provisions for differently-abled and orphan girls
Official Links & Resources
- Kanyashree Official Portal: www.wbkanyashree.gov.in
- West Bengal Department of Women Development & Social Welfare: wcd.wb.gov.in
- Helpline: Contact your District Project Officer (DPO) or Block Development Officer (BDO) for local assistance.
Last updated: 16 February 2026. Information is based on official Government of West Bengal notifications. Always verify the latest guidelines on the official Kanyashree portal before applying.