Thousands of Students Could Be Eligible for This West Bengal Scholarship-Are You One of Them?

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Aug 04, 2026 1,700 Views

The West Bengal government has opened applications for the Chief Minister Scholarship 2026-27 (Nabanna Scholarship). Designed for economically disadvantaged students with specific academic scores and a family income under ₹1,20,000, the scheme provides direct annual financial assistance of up to ₹12,000 to sustain higher education across the state.

KOLKATA — The Government of West Bengal has officially opened the application window for the West Bengal Chief Minister Scholarship 2026-27, widely known as the Nabanna Scholarship. Administered through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), the program is designed to support students across the state who face economic barriers while pursuing higher education.

The initiative targets students enrolled in institutions within West Bengal after successfully passing their Madhyamik (Class 10), Higher Secondary (Class 12), or undergraduate examinations. By providing crucial fiscal support, the state aims to ensure that financial hardship does not force deserving individuals to discontinue their studies.

Eligibility Criteria and Financial Support

To qualify for the West Bengal Chief Minister Scholarship 2026-27, applicants must meet specific academic and financial benchmarks established by the CMRF Cell. Candidates must be permanent residents of West Bengal and studying within the state.

The program uniquely caters to hardworking students by setting clear score brackets:

Higher Secondary Level: Applicants must have scored between 50% and 60% aggregate marks in their Madhyamik examination.
Undergraduate Level: Candidates must have secured between 50% and 60% aggregate marks in their Higher Secondary examination.
Postgraduate Level: Students need between 50% and 53% aggregate marks in their undergraduate degree.

Additionally, the applicant's total annual family income must not exceed ₹1,20,000. Selected students receive financial grants ranging between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 per academic year, which is credited directly to their bank accounts through direct benefit transfer (DBT). Recipients must not be concurrent beneficiaries of any other government or non-government scholarship for the same academic level.

Application Process and Verification

Eligible students can submit their applications through both online and offline channels. The digital registration process requires candidates to visit the official CMRF portal, create an account using a valid mobile number, and complete the multi-step application form by uploading mandatory documents.

Required documentation includes a prayer letter addressed to the Chief Minister, an MLA or MP recommendation letter, mark sheets of qualifying examinations, a current fee receipt, and bank account details. Officials noted that applications are processed continuously throughout the year, allowing students flexibility as academic sessions progress.

Official Sources Section

Information regarding the scholarship guidelines, eligibility, and application procedures is based on official updates from:

Quote Section

According to officials administering the Chief Minister's Relief Fund:

"The scholarship framework is structured to bridge the gap for students who demonstrate academic dedication despite financial limitations, ensuring that economic constraints do not impede regional educational advancement."

Why It Matters

For thousands of low-income families across West Bengal, the scholarship serves as a vital financial safety net. By covering essential expenses such as tuition fees and study materials, the program alleviates immediate monetary stress, empowering youth to complete their education and improve their long-term employment prospects.

Key Facts at a Glance

Scheme Name: West Bengal Chief Minister Scholarship 2026-27 (Nabanna Scholarship).
Income Ceiling: Maximum annual family income capped at ₹1,20,000.
Financial Assistance: Up to ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 per annum disbursed directly to student bank accounts.
Application Window: Open continuously throughout the academic year via the official portal.

FAQ Section

Who is eligible to apply for the West Bengal Chief Minister Scholarship 2026-27?

Permanent residents of West Bengal studying within the state who have passed Class 10, Class 12, or graduation with specific percentage criteria and a family income under ₹1,20,000 are eligible.

How much financial aid is provided under the scheme?

Selected students receive between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 per academic year, depending on their course of study.

Can students receiving other scholarships apply?

No, applicants must not be recipients of any other central or state government or non-government scholarship for the same course level.

How can students submit their applications?

Applications can be submitted online through the official CMRF website or offline by mailing the required physical documents to the Chief Minister's Office in Howrah.

Source: Chief Minister's Relief Fund, Govt of West Bengal, Government of West Bengal Portal