The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship (SVMCM) is one of the most popular financial aid programs launched by the Government of West Bengal to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections. With thousands of students applying every year, It provides much-needed financial assistance to those who aspire to continue higher education but face economic challenges.
Covering students from Class XI to PhD programs, the scheme ensures inclusivity across different levels of study. With the revamped structure introduced in 2016, the scholarship has grown in scope, covering more students and increasing the award amounts. Whether you are a school student, a college undergraduate, or a postgraduate, this scheme ensures that money does not become a barrier to education.
The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship is a merit-cum-means scholarship introduced by the Government of West Bengal. It covers students pursuing school, college, professional, and research-level education.
The scheme is intended to provide relief to families struggling with educational expenses and to ensure talented students are not deprived of opportunities. Revamped in 2016, it now offers higher amounts and covers a wider range of disciplines.
What are the objectives of the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
The scheme is designed to create an equitable education system in West Bengal. It not only helps students financially but also motivates them to pursue higher academic goals without financial worry.
Support meritorious students from low-income families.
Prevent dropouts due to economic reasons.
Promote higher studies in technical and professional fields.
Empower young minds to contribute to society positively.
Why is the scholarship named after Swami Vivekananda?
The scholarship is named after Swami Vivekananda, who believed education is the foundation of nation-building. His philosophy centered on empowering youth with knowledge and self-reliance. Naming the scheme after him reflects the spirit of encouraging students to excel academically and socially.
Represents values of education, discipline, and self-growth.
Symbolizes youth empowerment and social responsibility.
Embodies Swami Vivekananda’s ideals of inclusive education.
Who is eligible for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
Eligibility is one of the most important aspects of the scheme. The Swami Vivekananda scholarship eligibility is based on both academic performance and the economic background of the student’s family. Only West Bengal domiciled students are allowed to apply. Students must study in regular mode at recognized institutions.
What are the educational qualification requirements for the scholarship?
Applicants must meet minimum percentage requirements depending on the level of study. The eligibility criteria ensure that only deserving students are awarded.
Educational Qualification Requirements
Level of Study
Minimum Qualification Requirement
Higher Secondary
At least 60% marks in Madhyamik or equivalent
Undergraduate
At least 60% marks in HS/Equivalent
Postgraduate
At least 53% marks in UG (55% for technical courses)
Research Scholars
Must be registered candidates in state institutions
What is the income limit for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
The scheme has a strict income ceiling to prioritize economically weaker families. Only students from families earning below the prescribed limit are considered.
Annual family income must be ₹2,50,000 or less.
No limit for Board toppers, Kanyashree (K3) applicants, and research scholars.
Income proof must be submitted from competent authority.
Is there any age limit to apply for the scholarship?
There is no official age restriction mentioned under the scheme, but applicants must be pursuing education in the regular mode. The age is indirectly limited by the education stage.
Can students from outside West Bengal apply for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
The scheme is strictly meant for students domiciled in West Bengal. Students studying outside the state cannot avail of this scholarship.
Only West Bengal residents are eligible.
Institution must also be based in West Bengal.
Proof of domicile is mandatory.
How much financial assistance is provided under the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship 2026?
The financial support varies depending on the level of education. The government has structured the award amounts to cover tuition fees and some part of living expenses. The stipend is higher for professional and research-level courses, ensuring those with high academic expenses get adequate support.
What is the Swami Vivekananda scholarship amount for school students?
Higher secondary students receive a basic stipend to cover school expenses. This ensures that meritorious students are not forced to drop out after secondary school.
Class XI and XII: ₹1,000 per month.
Paid directly to bank account.
Helps meet tuition and stationery expenses.
What is the Swami Vivekananda scholarship amount for undergraduate and postgraduate students?
The scholarship amount increases for UG and PG students, depending on the stream of study.
Course
Eligibility
Amount (per month)
UG (Arts/Commerce)
60% in HS
₹1,000
UG (Science/Professional)
60% in HS
₹1,500
PG (Arts/Commerce)
53% in UG
₹2,000
PG (Science/Professional)
53% in UG
₹2,500
Provides partial support for college fees.
Encourages continuation to higher education.
Promotes inclusion in professional fields.
How much financial aid do engineering, medical, and professional course students receive?
Students pursuing technical and professional courses are offered higher stipends due to higher course fees.
Engineering (UG/PG): ₹5,000 per month.
Medical courses: ₹5,000 per month.
Polytechnic Diploma: ₹1,500 per month.
Is the Swami Vivekananda scholarship amount given monthly or annually?
Though awarded monthly, the disbursement is made through direct bank transfer at intervals.
Transferred via DBT system.
Credited in beneficiary’s account.
May be released quarterly or annually.
How can I apply for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship Registration Process is fully online. Students must fill out the SVMCM Scholarship Application Form 2025-26 through the official website. Applications require accurate details and document uploads.
What is the official website to apply for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
All applications are accepted only on the official portal managed by the West Bengal Government.
Contains registration, renewal, and tracking options.
Also provides updated notifications.
What are the documents required for the Swami Vivekananda scholarship application process??
Applicants must keep scanned documents ready for online submission. These documents required for the Swami Vivekananda scholarship serve as proof of eligibility and authenticity.
Mark sheets of last qualifying exam.
Admission receipt of current course.
Family income certificate.
Domicile proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID).
Bank passbook (1st page).
Photograph and signature.
What are the steps to register and submit the application online?
The process involves five steps – registration, login, form fill-up, document upload, and submission.
Register online to generate Applicant ID.
Login and complete personal, academic, and bank details.
Upload scanned documents in PDF/JPEG.
Submit the application and download slip.
Is there an offline application process available?
Currently, the scholarship does not accept offline forms. Applications must be completed online only.
No physical forms accepted.
No hard copies required.
Support available through online helpdesk.
When is the last date to apply for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship 2026?
Knowing the deadlines is very important because missing them could mean losing out on the scholarship for an entire academic year. The last date of the Swami Vivekananda scholarship may vary by year. The application window usually opens after board and university results are declared. Students must regularly check the portal for the latest dates and notifications to avoid delays.
What is the usual application timeline every year?
The application dates generally follow the academic calendar of West Bengal institutions. Students should plan in advance so that they can submit all documents on time.
Forms usually open in July–August.
Deadlines mostly fall around October–November.
Results and disbursements follow in subsequent months.
Can the deadline be extended for applications?
The government sometimes extends the deadline if there are technical glitches or large numbers of pending applications. However, this should not be relied upon.
Extensions are rare and situation-based.
Announcements are made on the official website.
Students must still aim to apply early.
How is the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship selection process carried out?
The selection process is transparent and merit-based. The main aim is to ensure the scholarship goes to the most deserving candidates. Both academic excellence and financial background are considered, ensuring that the aid reaches students who genuinely need it.
On what basis are students shortlisted for the Swami Vivekananda scholarship?
The shortlisting process the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship involves strict checks on academic and financial eligibility. Candidates are ranked on merit.
Academic marks from the last qualifying exam.
Annual family income under ₹2,50,000.
Verification of uploaded documents.
Is there any merit list published for selected candidates?
Yes, a merit list is prepared by the authorities to ensure transparency. This allows students to verify their selection status.
Merit list available on the portal.
Based on marks and category criteria.
Regularly updated after verification.
How are tie-breaker cases resolved if students have the same marks?
If multiple students secure the same marks, priority is given based on income. This ensures fairness in awarding scholarships.
Lower family income gets higher priority.
Further tie-breaks may consider date of birth.
Ensures equal chance for all meritorious students.
How can I check the status of my Swami Vivekananda Scholarship application?
After applying, students are naturally eager to know whether their application has been accepted or rejected. The online portal provides a simple way to track status, helping applicants stay informed about progress and take corrective action if required.
How do I track whether my application is approved or rejected?
Applicants can log in with their ID and password to monitor application updates.
Visit official website and login.
Click on View Application/Track Status.
Status shows approval, pending, or rejection.
How long does it take for the application status to get updated?
The time taken depends on document verification and departmental processing. Normally, updates appear within a few weeks.
Usually updated in 2–3 weeks.
May take longer if documents are under scrutiny.
Students should check portal regularly.
How is the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship amount disbursed?
Disbursement is done through a secure and transparent process to ensure no student faces financial irregularities. Payments are credited directly to the student’s bank account to prevent delays and eliminate intermediaries.
When will I receive the scholarship money after approval?
After final approval, the money is transferred within a few months. Students must ensure their bank details are correct.
Usually released within 2–3 months.
May depend on government budget releases.
Faster for early applicants.
Is the scholarship credited directly to the student’s bank account?
Yes, the scheme uses the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method for full transparency.
Money goes straight to beneficiary account.
No middleman involved.
Helps avoid corruption and delays.
What happens if the scholarship payment is delayed?
In rare cases, payments may get delayed due to technical or administrative issues. Students can raise queries if required.
Contact institution’s scholarship cell.
Use online helpdesk for assistance.
Keep checking updated notifications.
How can I renew my Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
Renewal is crucial for students who continue the same course for multiple years. Without renewal, financial aid will stop after the first year. The renewal process ensures continuity of benefits for students who maintain good academic records.
What are the eligibility conditions for renewal?
Renewal is based on consistent academic performance. Students must pass in all semesters without backlogs.
Minimum 60% marks at UG level.
Minimum 50% marks at PG level.
Must pass in first attempt.
What documents are required for renewal?
Fresh documents are required each year to confirm academic progress and admission.
Previous semester/year marksheet.
Admission receipt for next class.
Updated bank details (if changed).
What steps should I follow for the renewal application?
The renewal process is similar to fresh registration but with fewer steps.
Login using old Applicant ID.
Select renewal option.
Upload new marksheets and documents.
Submit within deadline.
What happens if I fail to apply for renewal on time?
Failure to renew within deadlines may cause cancellation of benefits.
Scholarship may be permanently discontinued.
No provision for late applications.
Students must apply within one month of admission.
What are the benefits of the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
The scholarship not only reduces financial pressure but also motivates students to achieve higher goals. It is a key enabler for many families who would otherwise struggle to support education costs.
How does the scholarship help students financially?
It provides monthly financial support that can cover part of tuition, hostel, or study materials.
Reduces dependence on loans.
Covers essential educational expenses.
Supports continued education without breaks.
Does the scholarship support higher education opportunities?
Yes, the scheme encourages students to pursue postgraduate and research-level studies.
Helps in pursuing advanced education.
Supports technical/professional courses.
Promotes inclusive development.
Can scholarship holders also apply for other scholarships?
In most cases, students cannot hold two government scholarships simultaneously.
Cannot avail both central and state scholarships.
Exception: one-time grants may be allowed.
Must declare if receiving another scholarship.
What are the common reasons for Swami Vivekananda Scholarship rejection?
Many applications get rejected due to avoidable errors. Knowing these reasons helps applicants avoid mistakes and ensures smooth approval of their forms.
Can wrong or mismatched documents lead to rejection?
Yes, incorrect or mismatched information is a common reason for rejection.
Name or marks mismatch with records.
Uploading unclear or invalid documents.
Forged certificates may lead to disqualification.
What if my family income exceeds the limit after applying?
If family income is found to be above the prescribed limit, the application will be rejected.
Must submit valid income proof.
False claims lead to cancellation.
Benefits may have to be refunded.
How can I avoid mistakes during the application process?
Careful submission of accurate information is the key to success.
Double-check all documents before upload.
Enter correct bank details.
Apply well before deadlines to avoid errors.
What is the future of the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship scheme?
The scholarship has already benefitted lakhs of students across West Bengal. The government continues to expand the scheme and increase the support amounts to match rising educational costs. It is expected to play an even bigger role in shaping the academic future of the state.
Are there any recent updates or policy changes in the scholarship scheme?
The scheme has been digitized for efficiency and faster processing.
Online-only applications.
Direct Benefit Transfer introduced.
Expansion to cover more students.
Will the scholarship amount increase in upcoming years?
The government has gradually raised the Swami Vivekananda scholarship amounts, and further hikes may be introduced.
Amounts revised in 2016.
Likely to increase with inflation.
Higher support for professional courses expected.
How is the government planning to expand the scheme?
The scheme may expand to include more courses and larger numbers of students.
Plans to cover new research fields.
More focus on female education (Kanyashree K3).
Enhanced monitoring for transparency.
Conclusion
The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship is a crucial initiative for students in West Bengal who are academically bright but financially weak. From higher secondary to Ph.D., it ensures that no deserving student is deprived of education due to lack of funds. With a transparent online process, timely disbursement, and structured renewal system, the scheme continues to grow stronger every year. Eligible students must complete the SVMCM Scholarship Application Form 2025-26 within deadlines and secure their future. This scheme not only supports individuals but also contributes to building an educated and empowered society, true to the vision of Swami Vivekananda.
Can diploma students apply for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
Yes, students pursuing polytechnic or diploma courses after class 10 or 12 are eligible. They must meet the academic percentage criteria and income limit.
Is there any age limit for applying to the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship?
No specific upper age limit is prescribed. Eligibility is purely based on the last qualifying exam marks and income criteria.
Can students studying in private colleges apply for this scholarship?
Yes, students in both government and private institutions recognized by West Bengal government can apply, provided their college is registered on the SVMCM portal.
Is the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship only for West Bengal residents?
Yes, only permanent residents of West Bengal are eligible. Proof of domicile, such as ration card or voter ID, is mandatory.
Can I edit my Swami Vivekananda Scholarship application after submission?
To be eligible for the Swami Vivekananda scholarship, the candidates are required to obtain at least 60% aggregate marks in the qualifying exam. These may differ according to the course you choose
What should I do if I forget my applicant ID or password?
You can reset it through the "Forgot Password" option on the portal using your registered mobile number and email ID.
What is the percentage of scholarship marks for SVMCM
No, the process is completely online. However, you may need to submit a printout to your institution if asked during verification.
Can a student who has a gap year apply for the scholarship?
Yes, but only if the gap is officially documented and the student is still within the qualifying stage of education.
How do I update my bank details if they change after application?
Students can update bank details during renewal or by contacting the scholarship helpdesk with valid proof of the new account.
Is there a helpline or support system for SVMCM applicants?
Yes, the SVMCM portal has a dedicated Helpdesk section with contact numbers and email IDs for technical or eligibility queries.
Can I track my scholarship disbursement through PFMS?
Yes, once the scholarship is approved, students can track payment status on the PFMS (Public Financial Management System) portal.
Can I get K3 and SVMCM scholarship together?
No, it is not possible to receive both Kanyashree K3 scholarships and the SVMCM (Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Scholarship) together, as the SVCM does not allow the candidates to benefit from any other central or state governmental scholarship for the same course of study.
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2866 articles published
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