The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship, officially known as the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship (SVMCM), is one of the most popular and impactful scholarship programs in West Bengal. Designed to assist meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds, this scholarship has been instrumental in enabling thousands of students to continue their higher education without the burden of financial stress. Named after the great Indian philosopher and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, the scholarship promotes not only academic excellence but also the values of self-reliance and dedication to knowledge.
Objective of the Scholarship
The primary objective of the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to bright and deserving students of West Bengal who are unable to pursue higher studies due to economic hardship. It aims to support students at every academic level—starting from Class 11 up to postgraduate and doctoral studies.
This scholarship embodies the vision of Swami Vivekananda, who believed that education is the foundation for building a strong nation and empowering youth. By removing the financial barrier, the SVMCM scholarship opens doors for aspiring students to achieve academic success and build a better future.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship, students must meet certain academic and income-related criteria:
1. Domicile:
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The applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal.
2. Academic Qualification:
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For Higher Secondary Level: Minimum 60% marks in Class 10.
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For UG Level: Minimum 60% marks in Class 12.
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For PG Level: Minimum 53% marks in General Courses or 55% in Honours Subjects.
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For Kanyashree (K3) applicants: Must be a recipient of Kanyashree (K2) and enrolled in a PG course.
3. Family Income:
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The annual family income of the applicant must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
Meeting these criteria is essential for both fresh and renewal applicants.
Courses Covered
The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship covers a wide range of courses, including:
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Higher Secondary Education (Class XI and XII)
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Undergraduate Degrees (BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, etc.)
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Postgraduate Degrees (MA, MSc, MCom, MTech, etc.)
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Professional Courses (MBBS, B.Ed, Nursing, Law, Engineering, etc.)
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Diploma and Polytechnic Courses
This wide scope ensures that deserving students from diverse academic backgrounds can benefit from the scheme.
Amount of Scholarship
The scholarship amount varies depending on the level and nature of the course:
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Higher Secondary (HS): ₹1,000 per month
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UG (Arts/Commerce): ₹1,000 per month
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UG (Science): ₹1,500 per month
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UG (Professional Courses): ₹5,000 per month
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PG (Arts/Commerce): ₹2,000 per month
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PG (Science): ₹2,500 per month
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PG (Professional Courses): ₹5,000 per month
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Kanyashree (K3): ₹2,500 – ₹5,000 per month
These amounts are generally disbursed directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
How to Apply
The application process for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship is fully online:
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Visit the official website: https://svmcm.wbhed.gov.in
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Register as a new applicant.
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Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and bank details.
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Upload required documents:
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Marksheet of last exam passed
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Income certificate
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Domicile certificate
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Bank passbook
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Recent photograph
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Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Note: Students must ensure that all the documents are clearly scanned and meet the prescribed format.
Renewal of Scholarship
Students who have received the scholarship in previous years must renew it every academic session by:
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Maintaining the required academic performance (minimum 60% for HS/UG and 50% for PG).
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Submitting the renewal application with updated marksheets and documents.
Timely renewal is crucial to continue receiving the scholarship without interruption.
Important Dates
While the dates may vary slightly each year, typically:
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Fresh Applications: August to November
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Renewal Applications: August to December
Students should regularly check the official portal for updates and deadlines.
Benefits of the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship
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Financial Relief: It significantly reduces the burden of tuition fees and academic expenses.
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Promotes Education: Motivates students to pursue higher education without dropping out due to financial issues.
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Online Convenience: Entire application process is online, transparent, and quick.
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Merit Recognition: Encourages meritorious students to maintain high academic standards.
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Direct Bank Transfer: Ensures timely and secure delivery of funds.
Swami Vivekananda’s Vision in Today’s Context
Swami Vivekananda emphasized education as the means of national development. His scholarship scheme reflects his ideology of helping the youth become self-reliant and educated. In today’s competitive world, schemes like SVMCM ensure that no deserving student is left behind due to lack of money.
By supporting lakhs of students each year, the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship strengthens the roots of the Indian education system, especially in West Bengal. It ensures equity, access, and quality in education for all.
Conclusion
The Swami Vivekananda Scholarship is a blessing for thousands of students across West Bengal. It not only encourages academic brilliance but also provides the financial support that many students desperately need. With its broad coverage, user-friendly online system, and generous scholarship amounts, it stands as one of the most impactful state-run scholarship programs in India.
If you are a bright student facing financial constraints, don’t miss the opportunity. Apply for the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship today and take a confident step towards achieving your dreams.
