Mathematics has always been a subject of intrigue, challenge, and opportunity for students across India. Recognizing the talent and potential of meritorious students in the field of mathematics, the Government of Odisha has introduced the Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship (PSMTS) 2025-26. This scholarship, named after the legendary astronomer and mathematician Pathani Samanta, aims to reward outstanding students of Odisha studying in Higher Secondary Schools (Class XI and XII) affiliated with the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), who have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in mathematics, particularly in the Odia medium. By providing financial assistance and recognition, the scholarship seeks to encourage young students to pursue excellence in mathematics while reducing financial constraints and enhancing educational opportunities.
Important Dates for Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship 2025-26
The timeline for the Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship is structured to ensure proper application, verification, and award distribution. Students and institutions must adhere to these deadlines for smooth processing:
- Opening of Online Application Portal: 26th September 2025
- Last Date for Submission of Online Application by Students: 15th November 2025
- Last Date for Validation of Student Records by Principals/Heads of Institutions: 21st November 2025
These dates are crucial for applicants to ensure eligibility and inclusion in the merit-based selection process.
Objectives of the Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship
The Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship is designed with multiple objectives to promote both academic excellence and social development:
- Encourage Mathematical Excellence: Reward students with strong aptitude and performance in mathematics.
- Financial Support for Students: Provide monetary assistance to support educational needs and reduce financial burden.
- Promote Odia Medium Education: Specifically target students studying mathematics in the Odia medium, fostering regional educational inclusivity.
- Merit Recognition: Identify and reward the top-performing students in mathematics across Higher Secondary Schools in Odisha.
- Motivate Continued Studies: Encourage meritorious students to pursue higher studies in mathematics and related fields.
By achieving these objectives, the scholarship contributes to both individual student development and the overall advancement of mathematical education in the state.
Key Features of the Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship
The Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship incorporates a range of features that make it unique and beneficial for eligible students:
- Eligibility for Odia Medium Students: The scheme is specifically available to students enrolled in Odia medium Higher Secondary Schools affiliated with CHSE Odisha.
- Merit-Based Selection: Students are selected based on aggregate marks and mathematics scores in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination.
- No Income Criteria: There is no restriction on parental income, ensuring that all meritorious students have the opportunity to apply.
- Online Application and Validation: The scholarship is fully digital, with students submitting applications online, and school authorities validating records.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Scholarship funds are directly transferred to the bank accounts of awardees, ensuring timely and secure disbursement.
- Top 1000 Students: Only the top 1000 students in terms of merit across Odisha are selected, ensuring competitive recognition.
- Renewable Scholarship: Students continuing to Class XII and maintaining eligibility criteria can renew the scholarship for the following academic year.
These features collectively make the PSMTS a robust scholarship scheme targeting academic merit while promoting fairness and transparency.
Scholarship Amount
The Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship provides a substantial financial incentive to recognize and support meritorious students:
- Number of Scholarships: 1000 students per academic year
- Scholarship Amount: ₹5,000 per student per year
- Duration: 10 months per academic year
- Mode of Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the bank account of the student, jointly held with a parent
The scholarship amount is designed to support students in acquiring educational materials, attending coaching, or covering other academic expenses related to their studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:
- Must be studying in Class XI or XII in a Higher Secondary School affiliated with CHSE, Odisha.
- Must be enrolled in Odia medium institutions, including Government, Aided, or Recognized Schools.
- Must have demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, as assessed through aggregate marks and mathematics scores in the HSC examination.
- Must appear in the top 2008 HSC examination candidates, as provided by the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, for online application eligibility.
- Students can hold multiple scholarships simultaneously, including PSMTS.
This eligibility ensures that the scholarship targets high-performing mathematics students while promoting academic merit and opportunity.
Reservation Policy
While the Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship does not explicitly define a quota-based reservation system, the selection is purely merit-based. Students are selected from the top 2008 HSC examination candidates, and the final 1000 scholarship awards are determined through aggregate marks and mathematics scores, ensuring fairness and competition among applicants.
Distribution of Scholarships
The distribution process for the Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship involves multiple steps:
- Top 2008 Candidates List: The Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, identifies the top 2008 HSC examination candidates eligible to apply.
- School Verification: The concerned Higher Secondary School validates the student’s personal, academic, and bank details.
- Merit-Based Selection: Based on aggregate and mathematics marks, 1000 students are selected for the scholarship.
- DBT Transfer: The scholarship amount is directly credited to the student’s joint bank account with a parent, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
This structured distribution guarantees that only the most meritorious students receive the scholarship while maintaining accountability at every level.
Application Process for Pathani Samanta Mathematics Talent Scholarship
The application process for the PSMTS is fully digital, streamlined, and requires strict adherence to timelines and documentation. Below is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Online Registration
- Eligible students (top 2008 HSC candidates) must register on the State Scholarship Portal.
- Students enter their Aadhaar number and proceed with authentication.
Step 2: Login Credentials
- Registered students receive their User ID and password on the registered mobile/email.
- Use these credentials to log in and start the application.
Step 3: Fill in Application Details
- Enter personal details (name, address, Aadhaar number).
- Enter academic details (class, school, marks in HSC).
- Provide bank account information (joint account with a parent, bank name, IFSC code, account number).
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Mark sheet and certificate of last qualifying examination (HSC).
- Aadhaar Card of the student.
- Bank passbook first page with account details.
- College/School ID card or equivalent proof of enrollment.
Step 5: Save and Preview
- Save the form as draft or proceed to next stage.
- Preview all information carefully before submission.
- Download and keep a copy for future reference.
Step 6: Validation by School Authorities
- Principals or Heads of Higher Secondary Schools must validate the student application, including bank account details and academic information.
- Only validated applications are considered for selection.
Step 7: Final Selection
- Merit lists are prepared based on aggregate marks and mathematics scores in HSC exams.
- Tie cases are resolved based on performance in the Mathematics component.
Step 8: Scholarship Disbursement
- Approved candidates receive the scholarship via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account.
- Students must maintain enrollment and academic performance to be eligible for renewal in Class XII.
Documents Required
Students applying for the PSMTS must prepare and upload the following documents:
- Mark Sheets & Certificate of last qualifying examination (HSC).
- Aadhaar Card of the student for authentication.
- Bank Account Details (first page of joint account passbook).
- College/School ID Card or equivalent proof of enrollment.
Maintaining accurate documents is critical for eligibility and verification.
Roles and Responsibilities
Higher Secondary Schools
- Ensure authenticity of student records and bank details.
- Validate and submit online applications within the prescribed timeline.
- Authenticate renewals for Class XII students.
OCAC (Odisha Computer Application Center)
- Provide technical support for online applications.
- Share login credentials for students without Aadhaar.
- Consolidate validated applications and submit merit lists to DHSE.
Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE)
- Publish guidelines and application instructions.
- Sanction scholarships and transfer funds through DBT.
- Monitor renewal and compliance of scholarship recipients.
Duration and Renewal of Scholarship
- The scholarship is awarded for 10 months per academic year.
- Students promoted to Class XII can renew the scholarship subject to validation by the school authorities.
- Discontinuation or failure to qualify for promotion results in cancellation of scholarship.
This ensures that only committed and academically performing students continue to benefit.
