The Government of Assam provides financial assistance to meritorious students belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Most Other Backward Classes (MOBC) communities through the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award. This scholarship is often referred to simply as the "Assam OBC Scholarship" by students and is one of the most sought-after state-level merit-cum-means scholarships.
This article provides a complete, in-depth guide to the scheme for the 2026-27 academic year. It covers the eligibility criteria, income limits, application process, list of eligible OBC and MOBC sub-castes recognized by the Assam government, required documents, award amounts, renewal process, and frequently asked questions. The information presented here is based on official government orders and notifications issued by the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (WPT&BC) Department, Assam.
About Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award – The Assam OBC Scholarship
The Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award is named after the renowned Assamese litterateur, historian, and educationist from Assam. The scheme was first launched in 2005-06 by the Government of Assam to encourage meritorious students belonging to OBC and MOBC communities to pursue higher education. The scholarship is administered by the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (WPT&BC) Department, Government of Assam.
The award is provided to students who have passed their HSLC (Class 10) or Higher Secondary (Class 12) examinations with high marks and are pursuing higher studies in recognized institutions within or outside Assam. However, there is a strict condition: students availing this award cannot avail any other government scholarship simultaneously. The award is also sometimes called the "Scooter Scheme" because earlier, the award included a scooter for top-ranking students, though the current structure focuses on financial assistance.
The scheme is considered one of the most prestigious state-level scholarships for OBC/MOBC students in Assam.
Assam OBC Scholarship 2026-27: Eligibility & Application Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award |
| Commonly Known As | Assam OBC Scholarship / OBC Scooter Scheme |
| Administered By | Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (WPT & BC) Department, Assam |
| Launched In | 2005-06 |
| Category | Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for OBC and MOBC students |
| Annual Family Income Limit | Below ₹4.5 lakh (for most categories; some sources mention ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh depending on the specific award type) |
| Educational Levels Covered | HSLC passed students (for further studies), HS passed students (for graduation), Graduation passed students (for PG and professional courses) |
| Mode of Application | wptbc.assam.gov.in |
| Mode of Transfer | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account |
| Maximum Award Amount | ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per year (varies by course) |
| Official Website | wptbc.assam.gov.in |
Assam OBC Scholarship Amount 2026-27: ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 – Complete Award Structure
The scheme offers different types of awards based on the level of education and the marks obtained in the qualifying examination. The awards are broadly categorized as follows:
A. For Students who have passed HSLC (Class 10) Examination: Students who secure 60% or above marks in HSLC are eligible for a one-time grant of ₹15,000 per year for pursuing higher secondary education (Class 11 and 12) in a recognized institution.
B. For Students who have passed Higher Secondary (Class 12) Examination: Students who secure 60% or above marks in HS or equivalent are eligible for a one-time grant of ₹18,000 per year for pursuing graduation (BA, BSc, BCom) in a recognized college or university.
C. For Students pursuing Professional/Technical Courses: Students who have secured 60% or above marks in their qualifying examination and are pursuing professional courses like Engineering, Medical, Law, B.Ed., etc., are eligible for a grant of up to ₹25,000 per year.
D. Special Merit Award (Top Ranks): The top 10 rank holders in HSLC and HS examinations from the OBC/MOBC community are awarded special one-time cash prizes of ₹50,000 each.
All awards are disbursed through DBT directly to the bank account of the student. The scholarship is provided for a maximum duration of the course, subject to satisfactory academic performance each year.
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply for Assam OBC Scholarship?
The eligibility criteria for the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award are strictly defined. Applicants must satisfy all the conditions listed below.
Basic Eligibility Conditions:
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Assam. A valid Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) or domicile certificate is required.
- The applicant must belong to the OBC or MOBC community as recognized by the Government of Assam. The list of recognized OBC/MOBC sub-castes is provided in a separate table below.
- The applicant must have passed the HSLC or Higher Secondary (or equivalent) examination from a recognized board or council.
- The applicant must have secured at least 60% marks in the qualifying examination. However, for SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks are relaxed to 55%.
- The annual family income must be below the prescribed limit. For most categories, the income limit is ₹4.5 lakh per annum. For professional courses, the income limit may be ₹6 lakh in some cases.
- The applicant must be pursuing higher studies in a recognized institution – either within Assam or outside Assam.
- The applicant must not be availing any other government scholarship or financial assistance from any other source.
Exclusion Criteria – Who Cannot Apply?
The following categories of students are specifically excluded from the scheme:
- Students who belong to SC, ST, or General categories (non-OBC/MOBC) are not eligible.
- Students whose annual family income exceeds the prescribed limit.
- Students who are already availing any other government scholarship (including the Nijut Moina/Nijut Babu schemes).
- Students pursuing courses through distance education or correspondence mode are not eligible.
- Students who have failed in any subject in the qualifying examination.
Complete List of OBC and MOBC Sub-Castes Recognized by Government of Assam
To apply for the Assam OBC Scholarship, the applicant's sub-caste must fall under the OBC or MOBC list approved by the Government of Assam. The following table lists the recognized sub-castes as per official government notifications:
| Sl No. | Name of Caste/Community | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahom | OBC |
| 2 | Bania (Sunar, Karmakar, Swarnakar) | MOBC |
| 3 | Barai (Tamuli) | MOBC |
| 4 | Barman (Koch, Rajbanshi) | MOBC |
| 5 | Bhumij (Bhumij, Bhumij Mali) | MOBC |
| 6 | Chutia (Chutia, Chutiya, Digholia Chutia, Julhia Chutia) | MOBC |
| 7 | Das (Namdas, Kumar Das, Tati, Tantubai) | MOBC |
| 8 | Dewan, Borah, Phukan (Kalita, Kalita Borah) | OBC |
| 9 | Dholoi (Rajbongshi, Rajbonshi, Hajong) | MOBC |
| 10 | Dhunia (Chik, Chik Bora, Dhekeri Bora) | MOBC |
| 11 | Ganak (Daivagya, Upadhyaya) | MOBC |
| 12 | Goala (Gope, Sadgope) | OBC |
| 13 | Goldsmith (Sonari, Bania) | MOBC |
| 14 | Goria, Moria, Desi, Jolah (Assamese Muslims) | OBC |
| 15 | Hira (Hira, Hira Jalia) | MOBC |
| 16 | Jalia Kaibarta (Jalia, Kaibarta, Bania) | MOBC |
| 17 | Jhalo, Malo, Malakar, Mala | MOBC |
| 18 | Kalar, Karmakar | MOBC |
| 19 | Kamrupi Das (Namdas, Tati, Tantubai) | MOBC |
| 20 | Kamar (Kamari, Bania) | MOBC |
| 21 | Karbi | MOBC |
| 22 | Keot (Keyot, Kaibarta, Jalia Kaibarta) | MOBC |
| 23 | Khan, Malik, Mian (Assamese Muslims) | OBC |
| 24 | Koch (Rajbongshi, Koch, Kachari, Madahi) | MOBC |
| 25 | Konch (Rajbongshi, Koch) | MOBC |
| 26 | Kurmi (Kudmi, Kurmi, Pal, Bania, Koiri) | MOBC |
| 27 | Kusum, Kumbhkar, Kumar (Hira, Hira Jalia) | MOBC |
| 28 | Lohar (Saikia, Karmakar) | MOBC |
| 29 | Madahi (Rajbongshi, Koch) | MOBC |
| 30 | Mahara (Mahara, Koiri, Kurmi) | MOBC |
| 31 | Mahimal | MOBC |
| 32 | Mali (Bania, Mali, Phulmali) | MOBC |
| 33 | Mech (Mech, Mech Kachari) | MOBC |
| 34 | Modok (Modak, Das, Bania) | MOBC |
| 35 | Muchi (Soubdhikar, Rabidas, Pasi, Chamar, Mochi, Rishi) | MOBC |
| 36 | Namasudra (Namasudra, Bania, Malakar) | MOBC |
| 37 | Napit (Napit, Hajam, Sen) | MOBC |
| 38 | Nath (Jogi, Dashnami, Yogi) | OBC |
| 39 | Nur, Fakir, Syed (Assamese Muslims) | OBC |
| 40 | Patni | MOBC |
| 41 | Pod (Namasudra, Pod, Bania) | MOBC |
| 42 | Rajbanshi (Rajbongshi) | MOBC |
| 43 | Saniyal (Sanial, Bania) | MOBC |
| 44 | Sutradhar (Sutradhar, Das, Khanikar) | MOBC |
| 45 | Tea Tribes Adivasi | OBC |
| 46 | Teli (Teli, Ranikar) | MOBC |
Source: Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes (WPT and BC) Department, Government of Assam.
District-Wise Distribution of OBC and MOBC Population
As per the Assam government's categorization, the OBC and MOBC population is spread across all districts. The following districts have significant OBC and MOBC populations eligible for the scholarship: Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar, Darrang, Dhubri, Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Jorhat, Kamrup, Karimganj, Lakhimpur, Morigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, Udalguri, and others.
Documents Required for Assam OBC Scholarship 2026-27
Applicants need to upload scanned copies of the following documents while filling the online application form. The documents must be self-attested and clear. File sizes should be within the prescribed limits (usually 200 KB to 500 KB).
| Document Type | Specific Requirement |
|---|---|
| Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) | Proof of permanent residency in Assam. Issued by the Deputy Commissioner or SDO of the district. |
| OBC/MOBC Caste Certificate | Issued by the competent authority (DC, SDO, or Circle Officer). Must mention the specific sub-caste as per the government list. |
| Income Certificate | Issued by the competent authority. Must clearly state that the annual family income is below ₹4.5 lakh (or the applicable limit). |
| Mark Sheets of Qualifying Examination | HSLC or HS mark sheets showing the percentage of marks obtained. For renewal applications, previous year's mark sheets are required. |
| Pass Certificate of Qualifying Examination | HSLC or HS pass certificate issued by the board. |
| Admission Certificate | Proof of current enrolment in the institution (college or university). Issued by the Head of the Institution. |
| Bank Passbook | First page showing the applicant's name, account number, and IFSC code. The account must be in the student's name and should be Aadhaar-linked for DBT. |
| Aadhaar Card | For identity verification and linking with DBT. |
| Passport Size Photograph | Recent colour photograph (usually 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm). |
| Voter ID Card (Optional) | Additional proof of address and age. |
For Renewal/Fresh Students: Students who have already received the award in the previous year need to submit a renewal application along with the mark sheet of the previous year's examination to prove that they have passed all subjects and maintained satisfactory academic progress.
How to Apply for Assam OBC Scholarship – Step by Step
The application process for the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award is fully online. Students need to apply through the official portal of the WPT&BC Department. Here is the complete step-by-step procedure for the 2026-27 academic year:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official portal of the Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes Department, Assam: http://wptbc.assam.gov.in.
- Click on "Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award" or "Online Application": Look for the link related to the OBC Scholarship on the homepage. It may also be listed under "Scholarships" or "Online Services".
- Register as a New User: If you are a first-time applicant, click on "New Registration". Enter your basic details – name, date of birth, mobile number, email ID, and Aadhaar number. Create a password and submit the form. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number for verification.
- Login to Your Account: After successful registration, log in using your mobile number or email ID and password.
- Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in all the required details:
- Personal Information – name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, gender, category (OBC/MOBC), sub-caste
- Contact Information – permanent address, correspondence address, mobile number, email ID
- Educational Details – name of qualifying examination, board/university, year of passing, marks obtained, percentage
- Current Course Details – name of course, year of admission, name of college/university, address of institution
- Bank Account Details – account number, IFSC code, bank name, branch name. Ensure the account is in the student's name and linked to Aadhaar.
- Income Details – annual family income from all sources
- Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of all the documents listed above. Ensure the file size is within the prescribed limit (usually 200 KB to 500 KB per file). Accepted file formats are JPG, JPEG, or PDF.
- Preview the Application: Before final submission, preview the entire application form. Check every detail carefully – especially name spelling, bank account number, and IFSC code. Any mistake can lead to rejection or payment failure.
- Submit the Application: After confirming that all details are correct, click on "Submit". Once submitted, no changes can be made.
- Download Acknowledgement: After successful submission, an acknowledgement receipt or application number will be generated. Download it and take a printout for future reference.
- Track Application Status: You can track the status of your application by logging into the portal and clicking on "Track Application". The status will show as "Pending", "Under Verification", "Approved", "Rejected", or "Disbursed".
Important Notes for Applicants:
- The application window usually opens in July or August every year. The last date is typically in September or October. Candidates should regularly check the official website for notifications.
- Applications submitted after the last date are not entertained. There is no provision for late submission.
- Incomplete applications (missing documents or incorrect details) will be rejected without any intimation.
- Do not pay any money to any agent or middleman for assistance. The application process is completely free.
District-Wise Contact Information for Verification
Applications are verified at multiple levels – first by the educational institution, then by the District Level Committee, and finally by the State Level Committee. The following officials are involved in the verification process:
| District | Verifying Authority | Contact Office |
|---|---|---|
| Barpeta | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Barpeta |
| Bongaigaon | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Bongaigaon |
| Cachar | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Silchar |
| Darrang | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Mangaldoi |
| Dibrugarh | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dibrugarh |
| Goalpara | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara |
| Jorhat | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jorhat |
| Kamrup | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Amingaon |
| Kamrup Metro | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Guwahati |
| Karimganj | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Karimganj |
| Lakhimpur | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, North Lakhimpur |
| Morigaon | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Morigaon |
| Nagaon | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Nagaon |
| Nalbari | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Nalbari |
| Sivasagar | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Sivasagar |
| Sonitpur | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Tezpur |
| Tinsukia | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Tinsukia |
| Udalguri | District Welfare Officer | Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Udalguri |
Important Dates for Assam OBC Scholarship 2026-27 (Tentative)
The following dates are based on previous years' schedules. The official notification for 2026-27 is yet to be released. Candidates are advised to check the official website regularly for updates.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date for Online Application | September/October 2026 (Tentative) |
| Last Date for Document Submission at Institution | 15 days after the online application deadline (Tentative) |
| District Level Committee Verification | October–November 2026 (Tentative) |
| State Level Committee Approval | December 2026–January 2027 (Tentative) |
| Scholarship Disbursal through DBT | January–March 2027 (Tentative) |
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Ensure Aadhaar Seeding: The bank account linked to the scholarship must be Aadhaar-seeded for DBT. Without this, the payment will fail. Visit your bank branch to link your Aadhaar card to your bank account before applying.
- Keep Documents Ready: Before starting the online application, keep all required documents scanned and ready. This will save time and reduce errors.
- Check Category List: Make sure your sub-caste is included in the official OBC/MOBC list of the Assam government. If your sub-caste is not listed, you are not eligible for this scholarship.
- Income Certificate Validity: The income certificate should be issued within the last one year. An expired certificate will lead to rejection.
- No Multiple Scholarships: If you are already availing any other government scholarship (including Nijut Moina, Nijut Babu, or any central scholarship), you cannot apply for this scholarship. Choose one scholarship that best suits your needs.
- Application Correction: Once the application is submitted, no corrections are possible. Therefore, fill the form very carefully. Double-check your name, date of birth, bank account number, and IFSC code.
- Grievance Redressal: If your application is rejected or payment is delayed, you can file a grievance on the official portal or contact the District Welfare Officer. You can also file an RTI (Right to Information) request to know the exact reason for rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Assam OBC Scholarship called officially?
The official name of the Assam OBC Scholarship is the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award. It is also sometimes referred to as the OBC Scooter Scheme.
Who is eligible for the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award?
Permanent residents of Assam belonging to OBC or MOBC communities, who have passed HSLC or Higher Secondary with at least 60% marks, and whose annual family income is below ₹4.5 lakh, are eligible to apply for this award.
What is the income limit for the Assam OBC Scholarship?
The annual family income must be below ₹4.5 lakh for most categories. For some professional courses, the income limit may be ₹6 lakh. Check the official notification for the exact income limit applicable to your course.
How much money do OBC students get under this scholarship?
The award amount varies: ₹15,000 per year for HSLC passed students pursuing HS, ₹18,000 per year for HS passed students pursuing graduation, and up to ₹25,000 per year for professional courses. Top 10 rank holders receive a one-time award of ₹50,000.
What is the minimum percentage required to apply?
Applicants must have secured at least 60% marks in the qualifying examination (HSLC or Higher Secondary). For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks are relaxed to 55%.
What is the official website to apply for the Assam OBC Scholarship?
The official website is http://wptbc.assam.gov.in. Applications are accepted online through this portal only.
Can OBC students from private colleges apply?
Yes, OBC students from recognized private colleges are eligible, provided the college is approved by the relevant university and the student meets all other eligibility criteria (income, marks, etc.).
Can I apply if I am already receiving the Nijut Moina scholarship?
No. Students availing any other government scholarship (including Nijut Moina, Nijut Babu, or any central scholarship) are not eligible for the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award. You can only receive one government scholarship at a time.
What documents are required for the OBC scholarship?
Required documents include: PRC (permanent resident certificate), OBC/MOBC caste certificate, income certificate, HSLC/HS mark sheets, admission certificate, bank passbook, Aadhaar card, and passport size photograph.
When does the online application start for 2026-27?
The online application for the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award typically starts in July or August every year. The exact dates will be announced on the official website wptbc.assam.gov.in. Candidates are advised to check the website regularly.
How can I check my application status?
Login to the official portal using your registered mobile number and password. Click on "Track Application" or "Application Status". The current status (Pending, Under Verification, Approved, Rejected, Disbursed) will be displayed.
What is the last date for OBC scholarship application 2026?
The exact last date for the 2026-27 academic year has not been announced yet. Based on previous years, the deadline is usually in September or October. Keep checking the official website for the official notification.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am studying outside Assam?
Yes. Students who are permanent residents of Assam and are pursuing higher studies in recognized institutions outside Assam are also eligible to apply for the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award.
Important Links
- Official Portal – WPT and BC Department, Assam: http://wptbc.assam.gov.in
- Online Application Link: Click Here to Apply Online (active during application period)
- Scheme Guidelines (PDF): Available on WPT and BC Portal
- List of Eligible OBC/MOBC Sub-Castes (PDF): Available on the WPT and BC website
- District Welfare Officer Contact Numbers: Available on the official website under "Contact Us"
