KALIA Scholarship: Eligibility, Benefits, Application Process

KALIA Scholarship is a special financial assistance program launched by the Odisha Government to support the children of farmers who are beneficiaries under the KALIA scheme. It aims to help students from farming families pursue higher education without financial hurdles. Under this initiative, eligible students can receive support for professional and technical courses such as MBBS, Engineering, Nursing, Agriculture, ITI, and more. By reducing the burden of education expenses, the KALIA Scholarship empowers rural youth to build successful careers and improve the financial stability of their households.

KALIA Scholarship Overview

KALIA Scholarship (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) is a critical component of the Odisha scholarship scheme ecosystem. It is specifically designed to provide student financial assistance to the children of beneficiaries under the KALIA scheme, which supports small farmers, marginal farmers, and landless agricultural households.

KALIA Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To avail of this KALIA education aid, students must meet the following KALIA scholarship eligibility requirements:

• Parental Status: The applicant's parent must be a registered beneficiary under the KALIA scheme (Small/Marginal Farmer or Landless Agricultural Laborer category).

• Educational Requirement: The student must have secured admission in a recognized Government institution within Odisha or a premier institution outside the state as notified by the government.

• Course Type: Assistance is provided for professional and technical courses, including Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Nursing, Diploma, and ITI.

• Merit-Based: The student must have been admitted through a common entrance test or on a merit basis as per the state's admission policy.

Benefits of KALIA Scholarship

The primary goal of this government scholarship is to alleviate the financial burden on farming families. The benefits include:

1. Tuition Fee Coverage: The scholarship covers the full tuition fees as prescribed by the government for the respective course.

2. Hostel Charges: Financial aid is provided for hostel and mess charges for students staying in government-managed hostels.

3. One-Time Grants: In certain cases, one-time grants are provided for books and equipment essential for technical education.

4. Farmer Family Support: By covering high-cost professional education, the scheme provides significant farmer family support, allowing children to transition into high-paying professional roles.

Courses Eligible for Scheme

The scholarship extends to a wide range of professional fields to ensure diverse career opportunities:

• Medical: MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, B.Pharma.

• Engineering: B.Tech, B.Arch, B.Plan.

• Agriculture & Allied: B.Sc. Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Veterinary Science.

• Nursing & Paramedical: B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, ANM, and various Diploma courses.

• Technical Trades: ITI and Polytechnic courses.

Application Process for KALIA Scholarship

Students can apply for the KALIA Scholarship through the State Scholarship Portal of Odisha. Following these steps ensures a smooth application:

1. Registration: Visit the official State Scholarship Portal and register using your Aadhaar number.

2. Login: Use your credentials to log in and select the KALIA Scholarship under the Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Department.

3. Fill Details: Provide personal information, academic records, and parental KALIA ID.

4. Upload Documents: Upload required documents such as Aadhaar, income certificates, and admission proofs.

5. Submission: Review the application and submit it. Ensure you keep a printout for future reference.

Documents Required for KALIA Scholarship

Applicants should have the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card of the student and parent.

• KALIA ID of the parent.

• Matriculation (10th) and higher secondary (12th) certificates.

• Admission receipt from the Government institution.

• Caste and Income Certificate (where applicable).

• Bank Account details (Aadhaar-seeded) for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).