IMA Odisha PG Scholarship 2026: Apply by Feb 10 for Science & Biotech

The Institute of Mathematics and Applications (IMA), under the Science & Technology Department, Govt. of Odisha, has announced the P. G. Meritorious Scholarship in Science, Mathematics and Biotechnology for the academic session 2025-26. This scholarship program aims to support meritorious students pursuing Post Graduate studies in various scientific disciplines. Eligible candidates, who are in their first year of a regular PG course, can apply by February 10, 2026, and will undergo a written test on February 22, 2026.

Scholarship Overview

Courses & Specializations

The scholarship is available for Post Graduate students enrolled in the first year of a regular course in the following disciplines:

• Physical Science
• Chemical Science
• Biological Science
• Mathematical Science
• Earth & Geological Science
• Computer Science
• Biotechnology/Bio-informatics

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible for the scholarship:

• Residency: Applicant must be a permanent resident or domicile of Odisha.
• Educational Qualification: Must have passed a regular full-time Bachelor’s Degree Examination with first-class honours or its equivalent from a Government recognized University/College/Institute.
• Current Enrollment: The candidate must be in the 1st year of the concerned P.G. regular course for the session 2025-26.
• PG Program: Must be pursuing a two-year full-time/regular mode of Post-Graduation studies in any of the specified branches in any Government University/College/Institution recognized by the Government of Odisha/Government of India.
• Exclusivity: This will be the sole scholarship availed by the candidate during their Post-Graduate course. Scholarship is not admissible for those already receiving other financial assistance from any government source.
• Income Limit (for self-financing courses): For applicants admitted to self-financing Post Graduate courses in Government recognized colleges/institutions/universities in the State, parents’ income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 6.00 lakh per annum.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the IMA Odisha PG Meritorious Scholarship:

1. Review Guidelines: Visit the official website iomaorissa.ac.in or the portal of S&T Deptt., Govt. of Odisha, to thoroughly read the scholarship guidelines, including Appendix-I.
2. Download Application Form: Obtain the prescribed application form (Appendix-I of the guidelines). Ensure you use only the official format, as other formats will not be considered.
3. Fill Application: Complete the application form accurately with all required details.
4. Attach Documents: Gather all necessary documents (as specified in the guidelines) and attach them to the filled application form.
5. Dispatch Application: Send the filled application along with the required documents to the Director, Institute of Mathematics and Applications, Bhubaneswar-751029.
6. Mode of Dispatch: Applications must be sent by Registered Post or Speed Post. Applications sent by courier will not be accepted.
7. Submission Deadline: Ensure your application reaches the institute by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
8. Re-application Note: Candidates who previously applied as per advertisement ref. no. IMA/79/1114/2025 (dtd. 03/09/2025) & extension notification no. IMA/79/1351/2025 (dtd. 04/11/2025) do not need to apply again. However, candidates whose applications were rejected vide notification no. IMA/79/1561/2025 (dtd. 26/12/2025) may re-apply.

Important Dates

Selection Process

The selection of meritorious candidates for the scholarship will be based on a Written Test.

Written Test Details

• Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
• Duration: 2 hours
• Content: The syllabus and pattern for the written test will be detailed in the official guidelines (Appendix-I). Candidates are advised to thoroughly review these guidelines for preparation.

Required Documents

While the specific list is mentioned in Appendix-I of the guidelines, typically, for such scholarships, candidates are required to submit self-attested photocopies of the following documents along with the application form:

• Filled Application Form (Prescribed Format)
• Proof of Permanent Residence/Domicile of Odisha (e.g., Domicile Certificate)
• Bachelor’s Degree Mark Sheets and Certificates (showing First Class Honours/Equivalent)
• Proof of Admission/Enrollment in 1st year of PG regular course for 2025-26 session (e.g., Admission Letter, Fee Receipt)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable, for reservation benefits)
• Income Certificate (for self-financing course applicants, not exceeding Rs. 6.00 lakh per annum)
• Aadhaar Card or other valid ID proof
• Passport size photographs
• Any other documents as specified in the official guidelines.

Always refer to the official guidelines (Appendix-I) for the exact and complete list of required documents.

Scholarship Benefits & Terms

The scholarship aims to support meritorious students in their Post Graduate studies. While the specific scholarship amount is not detailed in this notification, it is clarified that:

• The scholarship will be the single financial assistance a candidate can avail during their PG course.
• It is not open to candidates already receiving other government financial aid.
• An annual parental income limit of Rs. 6.00 lakh applies to candidates admitted to self-financing PG courses in government-recognized institutions.

Career Prospects After PG in Science & Biotechnology

Pursuing a Post Graduate degree in Science, Mathematics, or Biotechnology opens up a wide array of career opportunities in both government and private sectors. Graduates can look forward to roles in:

• Research & Development: Scientists, Research Associates in universities, government labs (e.g., CSIR, ICMR, DRDO), and private pharma/biotech companies.
• Academia: Lecturers, Assistant Professors in colleges and universities after qualifying NET/SET exams.
• Industry: Quality Control, Production, Data Analysis, Software Development (for Computer Science/Mathematics), Bioinformatics Specialists, Clinical Research, Environmental Science.
• Government Jobs: Opportunities in various ministries, departments, and public sector undertakings requiring scientific expertise.
• Higher Studies: Pursuing PhDs and post-doctoral research both in India and abroad.

The strong foundation provided by these PG courses, coupled with a scholarship, can significantly boost a student’s academic and professional journey.

Preparation Tips for Written Test

To excel in the IMA Odisha PG Scholarship Written Test, consider the following preparation strategies:

Understand the Syllabus

• Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus provided in the official guidelines (Appendix-I). Identify core subjects and topics relevant to your PG discipline.

Revise Core Concepts

• Focus on strengthening your fundamental concepts from your Bachelor’s degree, especially in your chosen science, mathematics, or biotechnology field.

Practice Previous Year Papers

• If available, solving previous year question papers can give you an idea of the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level.

Time Management

• Develop a study schedule that allocates sufficient time to all subjects. During the exam, manage your time effectively to attempt all sections.

Stay Updated

• For general science and current affairs (if part of the syllabus), keep abreast of recent developments in your field and broader scientific advancements.

Mock Tests

• Take mock tests to simulate exam conditions, improve speed, and identify areas that need more attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is eligible for the IMA Odisha PG Meritorious Scholarship?

A1: Applicants must be permanent residents of Odisha, have passed their Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours, and currently be in the first year of a regular PG course for the 2025-26 session in one of the specified science, mathematics, or biotechnology disciplines.

Q2: Can I apply if I am already receiving another scholarship?

A2: No, this scholarship is the single scholarship a candidate can avail during their Post-Graduate course. It is not admissible if you are already receiving other financial assistance from the government.

Q3: Is there an application fee for this scholarship?

A3: The official notification does not mention any application fee. Candidates should refer to the detailed guidelines on the official website for confirmation.

Q4: What is the last date to submit the application?

A4: The last date for applications to reach the Director, Institute of Mathematics and Applications, Bhubaneswar-751029, is Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Q5: How will candidates be selected for the scholarship?

A5: Candidates will be selected based on their performance in a Written Test scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Q6: What if I applied earlier for this scholarship?

A6: Candidates who applied as per earlier advertisements (ref. no. IMA/79/1114/2025 & IMA/79/1351/2025) do not need to apply again. However, those whose applications were rejected (vide ref. no. IMA/79/1561/2025) may apply again.

Q7: Where can I find the application form and detailed guidelines?

A7: The application form (Appendix-I) and detailed guidelines are available on the official website iomaorissa.ac.in or the portal of the S&T Deptt., Govt. of Odisha.

Q8: What is the parental income limit for the scholarship?

A8: For applicants admitted to self-financing Post Graduate courses, the parents’ income from all sources must not exceed Rs. 6.00 lakh per annum.