Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana 2026 - Free Coaching Scheme for SC/ST Students

Odisha government runs Chhatra Protsahan Yojana through the ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department to give free coaching for medical and engineering entrance exams to ST and SC students of the state. Around 320 ST and SC students get this free coaching every year across 7 centres of excellence.

Scheme started on 4 October 2021 under the earlier state government and continues to run under the current Odisha government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. This article covers eligibility, documents, selection process and how students get picked for this free coaching scheme.

What is Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana

Chhatra Protsahan Yojana gives free coaching for medical and engineering entrance exams to SC and ST students studying in schools run by the ST & SC Development Department. Training agencies selected by the department provide this coaching at 7 Centres of Excellence set up inside department-run schools across the state, so that talented SC/ST students from tribal and rural pockets get the same shot at entrance exams as students who can afford private coaching.

Eligibility Criteria for Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana

Following conditions must be met to get benefits of Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana.

• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha state.
• Student must belong to scheduled caste (SC) or scheduled tribe (ST) category.
• Candidate must have secured merit in class 10th board exams.
• Student must have passed matric from a school run by the ST & SC Development (SSD) Department and cleared the selection test held for these students.

Documents Required for Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana

Keep these documents ready at the time of selection process.

• Residence certificate showing Odisha as permanent address.
• Caste certificate proving SC or ST category.
• Class 10th marksheet.
• Selection test result card issued by the department.

Selection Process for Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana

Students for this free coaching are picked on the basis of class 10 merit and a selection test held among students who passed matric from SSD high schools. ST & SC Development Department currently runs 62 higher secondary schools across 14 districts of the state. More than 30,000 ST and SC students appear for the matriculation exam every year from these schools, and those with good merit who clear the selection test get a seat in this coaching programme.

Detail	Information
Scheme Name	Chhatra Protsahan Yojana
State	Odisha
Launched On	4 October 2021
Department	ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department
Beneficiaries	Around 320 SC/ST students every year
Coaching Centres	7 Centres of Excellence in department-run schools
Selection Basis	Class 10 merit and selection test
Official Website	stsc.odisha.gov.in

How Students Get Selected for Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana

There is no separate public online application form for Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana even in 2026. Selection happens through the ST & SC Development Department's own high schools, based on class 10 results and an internal selection test conducted among students of these SSD schools. Students studying in these department-run schools should stay in touch with their school administration for selection test dates. For official notices, resolutions and tenders related to this scheme, department keeps updating its website at stsc.odisha.gov.in.

Students looking for other education support options in Odisha can also check the Odisha state scholarship portal, which covers scholarships for school and college students across categories.

Benefit of Odisha Free Coaching Scheme

Odisha Free Coaching Scheme was made keeping in mind students living in tribal pockets who could not get good coaching due to lack of access. Department signed agreements with coaching agencies for this programme, and these agencies provide on-site medical and engineering entrance coaching and preparatory training to selected ST/SC students at the 7 Centres of Excellence.

FAQ's

Is Odisha Chhatra Protsahan Yojana still running in 2026

Yes, scheme continues under ST & SC Development Department and is not a one-time programme. It runs every year for students of department-run high schools.

Can any SC or ST student from Odisha apply for this coaching directly

No. Only students studying in ST & SC Development Department's own SSD high schools who clear class 10 with merit and pass the selection test are eligible.

How many students benefit from this scheme every year

Around 320 ST and SC students get free coaching every year across 7 Centres of Excellence set up in department-run schools.

Source / Reference Link: https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-odisha-government-launches-scheme-to-provide-free-coaching-to-sc-st-students-govt-education-initiative-news-2914098, stsc.odisha.gov.in