Over 120 Odisha Students Selected for Reliance Foundation Scholarships 2025–26

Bhubaneswar, Jan 10 : As many as 127 undergraduate and postgraduate students from Odisha have been selected for the prestigious Reliance Foundation Scholarships for the academic year 2025–26, the Foundation announced on Friday.

The Odisha scholars are part of a nationwide cohort of 5,100 students chosen from more than 1.25 lakh applicants across India. The selected scholars represent 15,544 institutions spread over 28 states and four Union Territories, highlighting the pan-India reach of the programme.

The 2025–26 cohort aligns with Reliance Foundation’s enhanced commitment announced in 2022 by Chairperson Ms Nita Ambani to award 50,000 scholarships over a 10-year period. The initiative is inspired by the vision of Dhirubhai Ambani and aims to support meritorious students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Under the scheme, undergraduate scholars will receive financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh, while postgraduate scholars will be awarded grants of up to Rs 6 lakh. In addition to monetary support, scholars will benefit from structured mentoring, leadership development programmes and access to a global alumni network.

The selection follows a merit-cum-means approach, with 83 per cent of the scholars coming from households with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh. The cohort also reflects strong representation of women and students with disabilities.

Among the selected candidates are 100 postgraduate scholars who are pursuing advanced studies in ‘future-ready’ disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Renewable Energy and Life Sciences. These scholars are recognised as representing some of the finest scientific and technological talent in the country.

Reliance Foundation stated that the highly competitive selection process underscores the depth of talent across India and reaffirms its long-term commitment to nurturing future leaders through education and opportunity.