Aikyashree is West Bengal’s own scholarship scheme for students from minority communities. It is run by the West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) and pays for pre-matric (Class 1 to 10), post-matric (Class 11 onwards) and merit-cum-means (technical and professional courses) education. Applications are made on the WBMDFC scholarship portal, not on the central NSP.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Run by | West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation (WBMDFC) |
| Communities | Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi |
| Official sites | wbmdfc.org and the scholarship portal wbmdfcscholarship.in |
| Components | Pre-matric, post-matric, merit-cum-means (MCM); related schemes such as TSP |
| Domicile | West Bengal; studying at a recognised institution |
| Last checked | October 2026 |
Who is eligible?
- Belong to a notified minority community listed above.
- West Bengal domicile. A separate domicile certificate is not asked for on the application, according to the WBMDFC FAQ.
- Study at a recognised institution in West Bengal. Distance courses are not eligible.
- At least 50 percent marks in the previous final exam (for pre-matric/post-matric and for renewal). MCM also needs 50 percent in the last Higher Secondary or graduation exam.
- Family income up to Rs 2 lakh a year for pre-matric and post-matric, and up to Rs 2.5 lakh for MCM, as stated in the scheme summary I could access.
- You can hold only one government scholarship at a time.
Income and marks limits can be revised, so verify them in the current guidelines on the portal.
How much does Aikyashree pay?
These are the yearly totals from the scheme summary I could read. WBMDFC may have revised them since, so treat them as indicative.
| Stage | Day scholar (per year) | Hosteller (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-matric, Class 1 to 5 | Rs 1,100 | Not paid |
| Pre-matric, Class 6 to 10 | Rs 5,500 | Rs 11,000 |
| Post-matric, technical/vocational UG and PG | Rs 6,600 | Rs 9,600 |
| Post-matric, M.Phil | Rs 9,300 | Rs 16,500 |
| MCM (medical, engineering, management, law, CA etc.) | Rs 27,500 | Rs 33,000 |
Class 11 and 12 rates are listed in the same summary between roughly Rs 10,200 and Rs 15,200 depending on day-scholar or hostel status; confirm the exact row on the portal. Admission and tuition fees are paid at actual cost, and maintenance allowance is paid for up to 10 months.
How to apply
- Go to the scheme portal (wbmdfcscholarship.in) and choose New Registration. You can save and complete the form in parts.
- Fill in your details. Your permanent ID appears after registration, and login details are sent by SMS and email.
- Check everything and lock the application. After locking, corrections must go through your institute, the district office or the state office.
- Print the application, sign it, and have your parent or guardian sign the self-certified income declaration.
- Submit the printout with your bank account details to your institution. Only SVMCM and certain MCM cases need online document uploads.
- Track the form under ‘Tracking an Application’ on the portal home page.
The form moves from you to the institute, then the district office, then the state office (WBMDFC), and payment is made through the state treasury system to your bank account.
Documents
- Bank account details (account in the student’s name)
- Income self-declaration signed by parent or guardian
- Last marksheet and admission proof
- Minority community proof as the portal specifies
Deadline
The last official notice I could see on the WBMDFC scholarship portal gave 31 December 2024 as the last date for the 2024-25 session. I did not find an official 2026-27 date, although a few education websites quote different dates. For 2026-27, one Careers360 guide reports that applications opened on 1 August 2026 and run until 15 February 2027, but we could not open the portal to confirm, so check nspwb.wbmdfc.org for the current deadline before you plan.
Common mistakes
- Not locking the form, or locking with wrong data. Bank account, mobile number and institute name cannot be edited by you.
- Forgetting to hand in the signed printout to the institute.
- Applying while holding another scholarship.
- Choosing a wrong scheme. The system shows which scheme you qualify for.
- Failing a year and expecting renewal; renewal needs 50 percent marks.
Help
If your institute is missing from the drop-down list, contact your district minority office. The FAQ lists a helpline, 1800 120 2130, though it is often busy. Always use the official WBMDFC site and never pay an agent.
To sum up, Aikyashree gives West Bengal minority students steady support from school to professional courses. Register early, lock the form correctly and submit the signed printout to your institute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Aikyashree scholarship?
It is a West Bengal state scholarship for minority students from Class 1 to professional courses, run by WBMDFC.
What is the income limit for Aikyashree?
The scheme summary I read gives Rs 2 lakh a year for pre-matric and post-matric, and Rs 2.5 lakh for merit-cum-means. Confirm on the portal.
How much marks are needed for Aikyashree?
At least 50 percent in the previous final exam, for new and renewal applications.
How do I track my Aikyashree application?
Use ‘Tracking an Application’ on the scholarship portal home page, with your registration details.
Can students from outside West Bengal apply?
No. You need West Bengal domicile and must study at a recognised institution in the state, with limited exceptions for listed institutions.
