Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives. However, financial constraints often become a major obstacle for students aspiring to achieve their dreams. To support students in their academic journey, both the Government of Bihar and private organizations have introduced numerous scholarships. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance, encourage higher education, and promote merit and talent among students. In this article, we will explore the top free scholarships in Bihar that every student should know about in 2025. 1. Bihar Merit Scholarship Overview: The Bihar Merit Scholarship is designed to reward meritorious students from economically weaker sections of society. It helps them continue their education without financial hurdles. Eligibility Criteria: Must be a permanent resident of Bihar. Students must have passed the previous examination with high marks. Income criteria may apply for some merit-cum-means scholarships. Benefits: Provides financial assistance for tuition fees and educational expenses. Encourages students to maintain high academic standards. How to Apply: Applications are generally available on the official Bihar education portal. Students need to submit academic records, identity proof, and income certificates. 2. Bihar Post Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC Students Overview: This scholarship is specifically for students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. It aims to support students pursuing post-matric education. Eligibility Criteria: Belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories. Must be enrolled in a post-matric course in Bihar. Family income should be within the prescribed limit. Benefits: Covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and other academic expenses. Reduces dropout rates among marginalized communities. How to Apply: Applications can be submitted online on the Bihar government scholarship portal. Required documents include caste certificate, income certificate, and admission proof. 3. Bihar Vikramaditya Scholarship Overview: Named after the great king Vikramaditya, this scholarship aims to promote excellence in science and technology fields among Bihar students. Eligibility Criteria: Must be a Bihar resident. Students must have secured admission in technical or science courses. Merit-based selection. Benefits: Provides financial support for tuition, books, and project work. Offers mentorship opportunities and exposure to research programs. How to Apply: Visit the official Bihar education scholarship portal. Submit academic records and course admission proof. 4. Bihar Minority Scholarship Overview: The Bihar Minority Scholarship is aimed at promoting education among minority communities such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Parsis. Eligibility Criteria: Must belong to a recognized minority community. Permanent resident of Bihar. Admission in recognized institutions. Benefits: Covers tuition fees, books, and other educational costs. Helps reduce educational disparity among minority students. How to Apply: Applications are accepted online via the Bihar Minority Welfare Department portal. Submit community certificate, income certificate, and admission proof. 5. Kanya Utthan Scholarship for Girls Overview: The Government of Bihar encourages girl child education through the Kanya Utthan Scholarship. The goal is to reduce gender disparity in education. Eligibility Criteria: Female students from Bihar. Admission in recognized schools or colleges. Family income criteria may apply. Benefits: Financial assistance for school and college education. Promotes higher education for girls in rural areas. How to Apply: Applications can be filled online on the official scholarship portal. Required documents include ID proof, income certificate, and school/college admission proof. 6. Chief Minister’s Scholarship Scheme Overview: The Chief Minister’s Scholarship is a prestigious program designed to support top-performing students in Bihar. Eligibility Criteria: Must be a resident of Bihar. High academic performance in state or national-level exams. Family income within prescribed limits. Benefits: Provides substantial financial assistance for higher education. Encourages students to aim for national and international academic excellence. How to Apply: Official applications are released annually on the Bihar government education portal. Academic certificates, income proof, and other supporting documents are required. 7. Post-Matric Scholarship for Economically Backward Class (EBC) Students Overview: This scholarship is aimed at students from economically weaker sections, regardless of caste. It supports post-matric education across Bihar. Eligibility Criteria: Must belong to an EBC category. Family income below a specified threshold. Enrollment in recognized post-matric courses. Benefits: Covers tuition fees and other academic expenses. Ensures access to education for students facing economic hardship. How to Apply: Applications are submitted online via the Bihar Education Scholarship Portal. Income certificate and admission proof are mandatory. 8. National Talent Search Scholarship (NTSE Bihar) Overview: The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) offers scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic talent. Bihar students can apply for this prestigious scholarship at the state level. Eligibility Criteria: Students studying in Class 10 in recognized Bihar schools. Excellent performance in state-level NTSE exams. Benefits: Financial support for higher education. Recognition at the national level. How to Apply: Apply through the Bihar State Education Board. Requires academic records and exam results. 9. National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Bihar Overview: The NMMS is a national-level scholarship aimed at encouraging meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds to continue their education beyond Class 8. Eligibility Criteria: Students in Class 8 from recognized schools in Bihar. Family income below ₹1.5 lakh per annum. Merit-based selection. Benefits: Monthly scholarship for students in Classes 9 to 12. Promotes academic excellence and reduces dropout rates. How to Apply: Apply online through the Bihar School Examination Board portal. Required documents include income proof, school ID, and academic records. 10. Swami Vivekananda Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship Overview: Though primarily a central scheme, Bihar students are eligible for this scholarship aimed at meritorious students pursuing professional and technical courses.