What You'll Learn
- ✓ Complete K1, K2, K3 scholarship breakdown with amounts
- ✓ Step-by-step online application process for 2026
- ✓ Required documents checklist for Kanyashree
- ✓ How to check application and payment status online
What is Kanyashree Prakalpa?
Kanyashree Prakalpa is a flagship conditional cash transfer scheme launched by the Government of West Bengal in 2013 under the Department of Women Development and Social Welfare. The scheme aims to improve the status and wellbeing of adolescent girls from economically weaker families by ensuring they stay in school and delay their marriage until at least age 18.
The scheme is internationally recognized — it received the United Nations Public Service Award in 2017 from the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), and has been cited by UNICEF as a model intervention for preventing child marriage through education-linked cash transfers.
As of 2026, the official Kanyashree portal reports over 3.54 crore enrolled applications with nearly 3.49 crore sanctioned. The scheme has empowered over 98.75 lakh unique girl beneficiaries across 18,183 registered institutions in West Bengal. Total budget expenditure since launch has crossed ₹7,000 crore, making it one of India's largest girl-child welfare initiatives.
Kanyashree K1, K2, K3 — Complete Breakdown 2026
The Kanyashree Prakalpa is divided into three components — K1 (Annual Scholarship), K2 (One-Time Grant), and K3 (Postgraduate Scholarship). Each tier targets a different age group and educational stage.
| Component | Age Group | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| K1 — Annual Scholarship | 13 to 18 years | ₹750 per year | Enrolled in Class VIII-XII, unmarried |
| K2 — One-Time Grant | 18 to 19 years | ₹25,000 one-time | Unmarried, continuing education/vocational training |
| K3 — PG Scholarship | Above 18 years | Up to ₹60,000 total | K2 beneficiary, enrolled in postgraduate course |
K1 — Annual Scholarship (₹750/year)
K1 is the entry-level scholarship for unmarried girl students aged 13 to 18 years who are regularly attending an educational institution (Class VIII to XII or equivalent). The annual scholarship amount is ₹750, which is directly transferred to the student's bank account. There is no upper limit on K1 — once registered, the girl receives this amount every year until she turns 18, as long as she stays enrolled in school and remains unmarried.
K2 — One-Time Grant (₹25,000)
K2 is a substantial one-time grant of ₹25,000 provided to girls who turn 18 while remaining unmarried and continuing their education (or vocational/sports training). This is not automatic — girls must separately apply using Form K2 through their current institution. The grant is designed as a financial incentive to delay marriage until adulthood.
K3 — Postgraduate Scholarship (Up to ₹60,000)
K3 is the newest tier aimed at K2 beneficiaries pursuing postgraduate education. Eligible girls can receive up to ₹60,000 — typically ₹2,000/month for Science/Arts streams and higher amounts for professional courses. K3 applications are processed through the SVMCM (Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means) portal at svmcm.wb.gov.in.
Kanyashree Eligibility Criteria 2026
Mandatory Eligibility:
- ✓ Must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
- ✓ Must be an unmarried girl
- ✓ Age 13-19 years (varies by component)
- ✓ Enrolled in and regularly attending a government-recognized educational institution
- ✓ Family annual income ≤ ₹1,20,000
Income Limit Relaxation: The ₹1.2 lakh annual family income ceiling is waived for:
- Girls with 40% or more physical disability
- Girls who have lost both parents
- Girls residing in government-run juvenile justice homes
Annapurna Bhandar Yojana 2026: Online Apply Kaise Kare, Portal Launch Date, Documents & Eligibility
Documents Required for Kanyashree Application
Applicants must submit self-attested photocopies of the following documents. Keep originals ready for verification by your school or college.
| Document | Purpose | Required For |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Age proof | K1, K2, K3 |
| Income Certificate | Family income verification | K1, K2 |
| Parent/Guardian Voter ID | Residence proof | K1, K2 |
| Unmarried Declaration | Self-declaration | K1, K2 |
| Enrolment Certificate | Proof of current admission | K1, K2, K3 |
| Bank Passbook Copy | DBT transfer verification | K1, K2, K3 |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification | K1, K2, K3 |
How to Apply for Kanyashree Prakalpa Online — Step-by-Step
Kanyashree applications are processed through your school or college, not directly by students online. However, the institution uploads your application on the official portal. Here is the complete process:
Step 1: Visit your school, college, or vocational training institute.
Step 2: Collect the K1 Form (Annual Scholarship) or K2 Form (One-Time Grant) from the institution office.
Step 3: Fill the form with accurate personal details — name, date of birth, parent details, address, bank account number, IFSC code.
Step 4: Attach self-attested copies of all required documents.
Step 5: Submit the completed form to the Head of Institution for verification.
Step 6: The institution verifies your documents and uploads your application on the Kanyashree Online 9.0 portal (admin-kanyashree.wb.gov.in).
Step 7: You receive a 20-digit unique Application ID — save this carefully for future status tracking.
For K3 (Postgraduate Scholarship) Application
K3 is processed through the SVMCM (Swami Vivekananda Merit cum Means) portal. Visit svmcm.wb.gov.in, register with your K2 beneficiary details, and apply for the postgraduate scholarship. K2 to K3 upgrade is not automatic — you must explicitly apply on the SVMCM portal.
Kanyashree Application Status Check Online
Once your school or college has uploaded your application, you can track its progress and payment status online. Here is the exact process:
• Step 1: Go to wbkanyashree.gov.in
• Step 2: Click on Track Application on the homepage
• Step 3: Select the Year (e.g., 2025-2026) and Type of Scheme (K1 or K2)
• Step 4: Enter your 20-digit Application ID
• Step 5: Enter your Date of Birth and the Captcha Code
• Step 6: Click Track Application Status
The status page will show your application status, sanction status, and payment details including FTO (Fund Transfer Order) generation and the date of DBT credit to your bank account.
Kanyashree Prakalpa — Benefits and Impact
The Kanyashree scheme has delivered measurable impact across West Bengal since its launch in 2013:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total enrolled applications | 3.54+ crore |
| Sanctioned applications | 3.49 crore |
| Unique girl beneficiaries | 98.75 lakh+ |
| Registered institutions | 18,183 |
| Total budget since launch | ₹7,000+ crore |
| Girls empowered | 60 lakh+ |
| International awards | UN Public Service Award 2017 |
Key Benefits Summary
- Direct Cash Transfer: All payments go directly to the girl's bank account via DBT — no middlemen
- Education Retention: The conditional cash transfer model has significantly reduced school dropout rates among adolescent girls in WB
- Child Marriage Prevention: The K2 ₹25,000 grant creates a powerful financial incentive for families to delay marriage until 18
- Career Pathway: K3 postgraduate scholarships enable higher education and professional careers for K2 beneficiaries
- Financial Inclusion: Every beneficiary must have a bank account, promoting financial literacy among adolescent girls
Kanyashree vs Other State Girl Child Schemes
How does West Bengal's Kanyashree compare with other state-level girl child schemes in India?
| Scheme | State | Key Benefit | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanyashree Prakalpa | West Bengal | ₹750/yr + ₹25,000 grant | PG scholarship + UN award |
| Ladli Laxmi Yojana | Madhya Pradesh | ₹2,000/yr + maturity | Birth-to-21 coverage |
| Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan | Bihar | ₹25,000 total grant | Stage-wise payments |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | All India | 8.2% interest savings | Tax-free maturity |
| Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree | Maharashtra | ₹5,000/yr + ₹1 lakh | Higher maturity amount |
Kanyashree stands out for its three-tier structure (annual scholarship + one-time grant + PG scholarship) and its UN-recognized child marriage prevention model. Unlike savings schemes (like Sukanya Samriddhi), Kanyashree provides immediate cash support during the crucial school-going years, making it more effective for low-income families who need current financial relief.
Conclusion
Kanyashree Prakalpa remains one of India's most successful girl-child welfare schemes, with 98 lakh+ unique beneficiaries and a budget exceeding ₹7,000 crore since 2013. For families in West Bengal with an annual income below ₹1.2 lakh, this scheme provides critical financial support through the ₹750/year K1 scholarship and the ₹25,000 K2 one-time grant.
The application process is straightforward — collect the form from your school or college, attach the required documents, and submit through your institution. After submission, track your status online at wbkanyashree.gov.in using your 20-digit Application ID. For K3 postgraduate scholarships, apply separately through the SVMCM portal.
If you face any issues with your application or payment, contact the Kanyashree toll-free helpline at 1800-345-3322 or visit your nearest Duare Sarkar Camp for in-person assistance.
Last Updated: May 31, 2026 | Source: Kanyashree Prakalpa (wbkanyashree.gov.in) — Official Portal