You scored 55% in your Higher Secondary exam. The big merit scholarships want 60% or above. Your family income is modest, tuition fees are due, and you are wondering whether any government support exists for students in your exact position. That is precisely the gap the Nabanna Scholarship was created to fill. Officially called the CMRF WB Financial Assistance for Education, this scheme is run under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and covers Higher Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate students studying within West Bengal. This guide covers who qualifies, how much you can expect, the exact application steps on the CMRF portal, and how to track your status after submitting.
What Is the Nabanna Scholarship?
The scheme takes its name from the state secretariat building in Howrah where the fund is administered. You may see it called the CMRF Nabanna Scholarship, the Chief Minister Nabanna Scholarship, or — if you are in North Bengal — the Uttar Kanya Scholarship. All refer to the same programme under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Most state scholarships reward top rankers. This one deliberately targets the middle band. Students who score 60% or above are generally redirected to the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship. The Nabanna Scholarship exists for those in the 50%–60% range who still need help paying for college.
The financial assistance is commonly reported at ₹10,000 per year for most courses, with some sources indicating ₹12,000 per year for professional undergraduate courses such as Engineering, Pharmacy, and Medical. The official CMRF portal does not publish a universal fixed amount, so confirm the figure applicable to your course through the portal or your institution before budgeting around it.
Nabanna Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026
The rules have remained consistent across recent years, including the WB Nabanna Scholarship 2023 cycle. To qualify, you must meet all of the following:
- Domicile: Permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Institution: Studying at an institution located within West Bengal, after passing Secondary, Higher Secondary, or Undergraduate examinations from a recognised Board, Council, or University in the state.
- Marks requirement:
- Higher Secondary level (after Madhyamik): 50% or above but below 60% aggregate.
- Undergraduate level (after Higher Secondary): 50% or above but below 60% aggregate.
- Postgraduate level (after Graduation): 50% or above but below 53% aggregate in the Undergraduate examination.
- Income limit: Annual family income not exceeding ₹1,20,000.
- No dual scholarship: You cannot be receiving any other government or non-government scholarship or stipend for the same stage of study.
- Registration frequency: One registration per 365-day period.
Marks from regular enrolment are generally what counts here. If your course or institution falls in a grey area, your college office can confirm whether it is covered.
Nabanna Scholarship Amount
The widely reported figure is ₹10,000 per academic year across Higher Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate levels. Professional courses may receive ₹12,000 per year. Because the official CMRF education-assistance page does not list a single universal amount, treat these as commonly cited figures rather than guaranteed disbursements. Check the official portal or ask your institution for the current amount applicable to your course.
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How to Apply for Nabanna Scholarship Online
The application is primarily online through the CMRF portal, with an offline submission option that is increasingly less preferred. Here is the process, along with the pitfalls that trip people up.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to cmrf.wb.gov.in. This is the dedicated portal for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, including educational assistance.
Step 2: Register as a New User
Click the registration option and sign up using your mobile number. You will receive an OTP for verification. Complete the registration with your basic details.
Pitfall: If the OTP does not arrive, do not keep clicking “resend” repeatedly. Wait a few minutes, check that your mobile number is entered correctly, and ensure your phone has network coverage. If it still fails, try again after some time or use a different mobile number if the portal allows it.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Log in and navigate to the “Financial Assistance for Education” section. Enter your personal details, academic information (including your qualifying examination marks), bank account details, and other required fields. Every field must match your documents exactly.
Pitfall: Entering marks incorrectly or using a different spelling of your name than what appears on your mark sheet can cause rejection later. Cross-check before proceeding.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Scan and upload the required documents as specified on the portal. Keep file sizes within the limits mentioned — oversized files are a common reason uploads fail. The full document list is in the next section.
Step 5: Submit Within 90 Days
Once you register, you have 90 days to complete and submit your application with all documents. This window is strict. Applications submitted after it may not be accepted.
Pitfall: Portal sessions can time out during long uploads. Save your progress where possible, or keep all documents ready in a folder before you start so you can move through the steps quickly.
Step 6: Offline Submission (Optional)
Some applicants submit a hard copy with all documents to the Chief Minister’s Office at Nabanna, 325 Sarat Chatterjee Road, Howrah – 711102, or to the Uttar Kanya office in Jalpaiguri for North Bengal students. The online route is generally faster and more trackable.
Documents Required for Nabanna Scholarship
Keep the following ready before you begin the application:
- Prayer letter addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, signed by you, with complete address, mobile number, and email ID.
- Recommendation letter from your local MLA or MP supporting the request.
- Family income certificate issued by a competent authority — District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Officer, Block Development Officer, or a Group-A government officer.
- Copies of mark sheets of all previous examinations passed.
- Self-declaration letter mentioning your current course, year/semester, and whether you receive any other scholarship or aid. This must be countersigned by the head of your institution.
- Bank account details — IFSC code, branch name, account number, bank name — plus a photocopy of the passbook.
- Copy of admission/tuition fee receipt.
- ID and address proof (Aadhaar card or voter ID).
- Passport-size photograph.
- Your mobile number for contact.
All photocopies should be attested by a Group-A government officer. For JEE or equivalent courses, additional documents such as rank card and allotment letter may be required.
How to Check Nabanna Scholarship Status
After submitting, track your application through the official CMRF portal:
- Visit cmrf.wb.gov.in.
- Look for the “Application Status” or “Check Application Status” option on the homepage.
- Enter your registration details — mobile number and security code, or your application reference number.
- Your current status will appear on screen.
If you submitted offline, you should have received an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number. Use that for enquiries. For queries, the CMRF helpline numbers commonly listed are 033-2253 5335 and 033-2253 5460, with wbcmrfedu2020@gmail.com for education-related matters. The general CMRF email id is cm@wb.gov.in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 90-day deadline: After registration, the clock starts. Do not sit on the application.
- Incorrect bank details: Ensure your account is active and the IFSC code is correct. Funds are transferred directly to the student’s account.
- Incomplete income certificate: A self-declaration is not sufficient. The certificate must come from a competent authority.
- Missing MLA/MP recommendation: This is mandatory. Start obtaining it early — it can take time.
- Applying while already receiving another scholarship: Dual benefits for the same stage of study are not allowed.
- Registering more than once within 365 days: The system permits only one registration per year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for the Nabanna Scholarship 2026?
There is no fixed annual deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Since funds are limited and processing takes time, apply as early as possible in the academic session. Some sources suggest aiming for submission by 31 December of the academic year.
Q2: Can I apply if my marks are above 60%?
No. This scholarship is for students who scored 50% or above but below 60% in their qualifying examination. If you scored 60% or above, look into the Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means Scholarship or other state schemes.
Q3: What is the Nabanna Scholarship amount for 2026?
The commonly reported amount is ₹10,000 per year, with some professional courses possibly receiving ₹12,000 per year. Check the official CMRF portal for the current applicable amount for your course.
Q4: How can I check my Nabanna Scholarship status?
Visit cmrf.wb.gov.in and use the “Application Status” option. Enter your mobile number and security code or application reference number to view your status.
Q5: What is the percentage requirement for the Nabanna Scholarship in 2023 and 2026?
The requirement has remained 50% to below 60% for Higher Secondary and Undergraduate levels, and 50% to below 53% for Postgraduate level.
Q6: Is there a separate Nabanna Scholarship website for North Bengal?
The scheme is commonly known as Uttar Kanya Scholarship in North Bengal. Eligibility and process are largely the same, but North Bengal students may submit applications to the Uttar Kanya office in Jalpaiguri. The central portal remains cmrf.wb.gov.in.
A Final Word
If your application status stays unchanged for several weeks after submission, do not assume it has been rejected. Processing times vary, and offline verification of income certificates and recommendation letters can add delays. Check the portal periodically, and if nothing changes after a reasonable wait, follow up through the helpline with your reference number rather than submitting a fresh application — duplicate registrations within 365 days can complicate your case. For any Aadhaar-related queries during the documentation process, the UIDAI portal at uidai.gov.in is the authoritative source.
