Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Vidya Yojana, launched on June 26, 2025, aims to empower rural girl students by providing scholarships of up to ₹15,000 for higher education. Targeting girls from economically weaker sections, the scheme promotes gender equality and reduces dropout rates. Applications are open via the e-Kalyan portal, with over 50,000 girls expected to benefit in 2025-26.
Bihar Launches Scholarship Scheme to Uplift Rural Girl Students
On June 26, 2025, the Bihar government rolled out the Mukhyamantri Vidya Yojana, a transformative scholarship program designed to support rural girl students in pursuing higher education. Announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the scheme targets girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in rural areas, offering financial assistance to ensure access to quality education and reduce dropout rates.
Under the Mukhyamantri Vidya Yojana, eligible girl students who have completed Class 10 or Class 12 from Bihar Board-affiliated schools can receive scholarships ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, depending on their academic level and performance. The initiative is part of the state’s broader vision to promote gender equality and empower young women through education. According to official statements, the scheme is expected to benefit over 50,000 rural girls in the financial year 2025-26, with a budget allocation of ₹100 crore.
The application process is streamlined through the e-Kalyan Bihar Scholarship Portal, a digital platform managed by the Department of Education. Girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families or those with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh are eligible to apply. The portal, which also hosts other schemes like the Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana, ensures transparency and ease of access. Applicants need to submit documents such as Aadhaar cards, income certificates, and academic records. The deadline for applications for the 2025-26 academic session is August 15, 2025.
Officials from the Education Department highlighted that the scheme addresses key barriers faced by rural girls, including financial constraints and societal pressures that often lead to early marriages. By providing direct financial aid, the program aims to encourage girls to pursue intermediate and undergraduate studies, fostering self-reliance and career opportunities. In its pilot phase, the scheme has already garnered significant interest, with over 10,000 applications received within the first week of its launch.
The Mukhyamantri Vidya Yojana also aligns with national initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, emphasizing the importance of educating girls to improve the state’s gender ratio and literacy rates. Data from the Bihar Economic Survey 2024-25 indicates that the female literacy rate in rural Bihar stands at 61.8%, significantly lower than urban areas. The government hopes this scheme will bridge the gap by incentivizing education for girls in remote regions.
To ensure effective implementation, the state has set up district-level monitoring committees to oversee disbursements and verify applications. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being conducted in rural areas to inform families about the scheme’s benefits. Education Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary stated that the initiative is a step toward making Bihar’s rural girls “self-sufficient and empowered contributors to society.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from official Bihar government announcements, the e-Kalyan Bihar Scholarship Portal, and related reports published on June 26, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.