Education is a fundamental right but for many students in India and specifically the ones from economically weaker families, pursuing education comes at a cost and financial constraints. Some state governments have started scholarship programs aimed at supporting deserving students. One of these programs is the Nabanna Scholarship Program which was sponsored by the Government of West Bengal. This scholarship helps students to pursue their higher education by providing funds to those students who finished their secondary, higher secondary or undergraduate examinations.
In this blog we will cover all the details associated with nabanna scholarship, its goals, benefits, eligibility criteria, supporting documents, application form, tracking application process and through to the end of this blog you shall find answers to some common questions about the scheme.
What is the Nabanna Scholarship?
The Nabanna scholarship is one of the schemes under the West Bengal Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) which was established to provide financial assistance to students residing in West Bengal who have completed Class 10 (Madhyamik), Class 12 (Higher Secondary) and or Graduation with 50 to 60 percent marks and is enrolled with higher order educational institutions.
Unlike many other scholarships, the nabanna scholarship focuses on the economic condition of the applicant’s family in addition to other factors. Its main aim is to mitigate the dropout rate and encourage higher education among students from financially disadvantaged families.
Objectives of Nabanna Scholarship
With the above purpose in mind, nabanna scholarship offers the following objectives:
- Increase the number of students attaining higher education in the lower economic strata.
- Alleviate the financial burden on students and their families.
- Combat school and college dropouts.
- Stimulate intellectual advancement in the state of West Bengal.
- Assist in the educational development of the state for its socio-economic progress.
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Eligibility Criteria for Nabanna Scholarship
The students applying for nabanna scholarship are expected to satisfy the following requisites:
1. Residency
- Persistent resident of West Bengal.
2. Academic Background
Has completed:
- Madhyamik (10th) or
- Higher Secondary (12th) or
- Under Graduation from any board or university.
- Attained a minimum score of 50%, but below 60% in the last examination.
- Has a minimum score of 65%, candidates are advised to apply for other scholarships like Swami Vivekananda Merit Cum Means Scholarship instead.
3. Current Course Enrollment
The student should be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, enrolled in a vocational degree such as medicine, engineering, law, higher secondary, or equivalent professional training with any recognized board.
4. Income Criteria
An applicant’s family annual income must be less than ₹1,20,000.
5. No Other Government Scholarship
Applicants cannot claim any other government-funded scholarships (either central or state) simultaneously.
Benefits of Nabanna Scholarship
The nabanna scholarship offers a one-time financial grant intended to support students with their educational costs. Here are the amounts along with other benefits provided:
Financial Grant:
- Students selected under this scheme are given ₹10,000 per annum (this amount can change depending on the course and economic situation).
- The amount is given directly to the students bank account.
Other Benefits:
- Assists in alleviating the burden of tuition, books, and other academic related fees.
- Aids in promoting education by helping lower-income, less-privileged students pursue learning without fear.
- Helps improve the level of education and literacy in the state.
Nabanna Scholarship Application Procedure
For nabanna scholarship, the application procedure is offline. Below is a procedural guide for your application where each step is outlined sequentially:
Step 1: Download Application Form
– West Bengal Government’s website or the Chief Minister’s office provides the application form for nabanna scholarship.
Step 2: Completing Application Form
- The applicant must ensure to provide all details relating to personal, educational, and financial in the form carefully.
- All sections must be properly filled in otherwise rejection will be a probable outcome.
Step 3: Attach Necessary Documents
The following documents must be self-attested:
Document checklist:
- Application form (filled)
- Endorsement letter from MP/MLA
- Marksheet of the last examination passed (copy)
- Proof of admission (fee receipt or college ID card)
- Local income certificate (Block Officer/SDO)
- Passport size photograph
- Bank Passbook first page IFSC and account number (copy)
- Aadhar Card (copy)
- Domicile or residential certificate
Note: A self-declaration of finances is also required for some applicants.
Step 4: Submit the Application
• Submit the application form together with all required documents, either in person or by mail, to the following address:
The Assistant Secretary,
Chief Minister’s Office,
Nabanna, 14th Floor,
325 Sarat Chatterjee Road,
Shibpur, Howrah – 711102
West Bengal
Do write “Application for Nabanna Scholarship” in bold on the envelope.
Application Timeline
While enjoying the benefits of nabanna scholarship, it is best to apply 1-2 months after the beginning of a new academic session or after exam results are published.
How to Check Nabanna Scholarship Status
From the submission of the application onwards, students may track the nabanna scholarship status through any of the following methods:
1. Nabanna Office Visit:
Here, students may directly go to the CMRF office at Nabanna and ask the assistant secretary for the status.
2. Call or Email:
• Phone: (033) 2214 5555 / 2253 5278
• Email: cm@wb.gov.in
3. Official Website Updates:
From time to time, selected candidates’ names are published on the government website or displayed on the office notice board.
Usually, it takes around 4 to 6 months after application for the scholarship funds to be disbursed.
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Selection Process of Nabanna Scholarship
The nabanna scholarship selection process includes these steps:
- Interview of Documents – Scanning all information for correct and suitable details.
- Achievement & Income Assessment – Reviewing family’s financial status and the applicant’s academic achievements against the eligibility criteria.
- Consideration of Recommendation – Though the letter from MP/MLA is optional, it can be helpful.
- Final Approval – The list is finalized based on the available funds and the Chief Minister’s Office decides on the available shortlisted candidates.
Important Tips on Nabanna Scholarship Approval
- Your marks need to be in the eligible range of 50-60%, ensure to crosscheck.
- Make sure the income certificate is valid and not outdated.
- If possible, write out a clearly legible recommendation letter.
- Submitting application forms is only accepted when they are filled out in their entirety and correctly.
- Be careful to state your bank account details and make them accurate.
Renewal of Nabanna Scholarship
As of now, the nabanna scholarship is awarded only once. There is no formal process for renewals, however, students are eligible to reapply each year as long as the conditions are met.
Key Contact Information
– Address:
Relief Fund Of the Chief Minister,
Nabanna, 14th Floor,
325 Sarat Chatterjee Road, Shibpur,
Howrah – 711102
– Phone: 033-22145555 / 22535278
– Email: cm@wb.gov.in
Common Problems For Students
While applying for the nabanna scholarship, students face the following problems:
- Lack of clear instructions for the deadline.
- The application form is not available.
- Scholarship payment is late.
- No communication from the office after the submission.
It is advisable for students that they should be persistent and keep records of all documents submitted to the office in order to resolve these issues.
Comparison Between Nabanna Scholarship And Swami Vivekananda Scholarship
Feature Nabanna Scholarship Swami Vivekananda Scholarship
- Eligibility 50-60% marks 60% and above
- Income Limit ₹1.2 lakh ₹2.5 lakh
- Application Mode Offline Online
- Renewal Not available Available
- Authority CM Relief Fund WBHED
- Scholarship Amount ₹10,000 (one-time) ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 per year
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Nabanna Scholarship Related FAQ
Q1: What do you think is the last date available to apply for Nabanna Scholarship?
There is no date defined, but one can assume it is best to submit within 2 months after the academic session or issuance of mark sheet.
Q2: Is it possible to apply online for the Nabanna Scholarship?
No. For this one, the application process is offline only. You have to apply via post or in person at Nabanna.
Q3: Is it possible to apply if I receive another government scholarship?
No. Students who are already availing of any other scholarship are not eligible for Nabanna scholarship.
Q4: What is the time frame for receiving the scholarship amount?
It usually takes around 4 to 6 months after application verification to receive the funds, depending on available funds and approvals.
Q5: Is the granting of the scholarship recommendation mandatory?
While not required, a recommendation from an MP or MLA could be beneficial for your application.
Q6: Can I reapply in the next academic year?
Yes, but you must submit a new application while including changes to your academic information and income details.
Conclusion
The nabanna scholarship serves as an important form of financial aid for students coming from low-income families in the state of West Bengal. It provides financial assistance to students scoring between 50% and 60%, thereby filling in a critical gap that many merit-based scholarships tend to ignore. While the process may seem a little old-fashioned and document-heavy, the advantages certainly outweigh the effort.
If you or someone you know qualifies for this scholarship, feel free to reach out for an application. Remember that education is an investment, and this Nabanna Scholarship is a great help towards your future both academically and professionally.