WB Sarathi Scheme 2026: Sabooj Sathi Cycle Status, Student Login & Updates
The West Bengal government has officially launched the Sarathi scheme, a rebranded continuation of the popular Sabooj Sathi bicycle initiative, to distribute free cycles to school students. The program aims to cover 12.59 lakh school students across the state during the 2026-27 financial year to support their education and commute.
Overview of WB Sarathi Scheme 2026
The Sarathi bicycle scheme was inaugurated by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on 29 September 2026 at Madhusudan Pal Chowdhury High School in Bhatra, Howrah. Originally known as Sabooj Sathi since its inception in 2015, the initiative has previously benefited over 1.2 crore students. Under the newly updated Sarathi framework, the distribution spans 8,228 schools across 334 blocks and 125 municipalities and municipal corporations. Key visual changes include saffron-colored cycles replacing the older blue design, accompanied by a new logo in place of the former Biswa Bangla emblem on the front basket. Additionally, every cycle undergoes a rigorous three-tier quality check covering tyres, lights, and road safety.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Sarathi (Formerly Sabooj Sathi) |
| Launched By | West Bengal Government |
| Launch Date | 29 September 2026 |
| Target Beneficiaries | 12.59 lakh students |
| Benefit | Free saffron bicycle |
| Application Mode | School verification (No student application form) |
| Main Department | Backward Classes Welfare Department |
| Official Portal | wbsaboojsathi.gov.in |
Important Dates & Timeline
The rollout of the Sarathi scheme began following its official launch announcement at the end of September 2026. Beneficiaries and school authorities can track distribution progress and complete verifications via the official portal.
| Milestone | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Scheme Launch Date | 29 September 2026 |
| Academic Year Coverage | 2026-27 Financial Year |
| Class 8 Inclusion | Starting Next Academic Year |
Eligibility Criteria for Sarathi Scheme
Beneficiaries must meet specific educational and institutional standards set by the West Bengal government to qualify for a free Sarathi cycle.
- Institutions: Must be enrolled in government, government-aided, and government-sponsored schools and madrasahs in West Bengal.
- Class Level: Currently covers students from Class 9 to Class 12. Class 8 students will be included starting from the next academic year.
- Past Benefits: Only students who have not previously received a bicycle under Sabooj Sathi are eligible. Headmasters verify past benefits during the profile audit.
- Gender: Both boys and girls are eligible to receive the cycles.
Application and Verification Process
Students are not required to fill out any separate application form to receive their Sarathi cycle. Instead, the process is managed internally by educational institutions:
- School Verification: Before distribution, the headmaster must log into the official Sarathi portal to verify each Class 9 student's profile, checking addresses, phone numbers, and any past bicycle benefits.
- Status Tracking: Beneficiaries and parents can track distribution progress online by selecting their district, block, school, phase, and class on the tracking page of the official website.
- Student Login: Enrolled students can view their personal profiles by navigating to the student corner using their applicant ID and date of birth.
- Grievance Redressal: Any complaints or issues can be registered online through the dedicated grievance submission form available on the portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sabooj Sathi scheme closed? No, the scheme is not closed. It continues under the new name Sarathi, utilizing the same official portal and school-based distribution process.
Will Class 8 students receive cycles immediately? Class 8 students are scheduled to receive cycles starting from the next academic year. For the 2026-27 period, distribution focuses on verified Class 9 students.
Do students need to submit an application form? No student application form is required. Headmasters verify student profiles directly through the institutional login on the official website.
Where can I check the status of cycle distribution? Distribution status can be checked school-wise by visiting wbsaboojsathi.gov.in and navigating to the bi-cycle distribution tracking section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sabooj Sathi scheme closed?
No, it continues to operate under the new name Sarathi, utilizing the same official portal and school-based distribution framework.
Will Class 8 students get a Sarathi cycle this year?
No, Class 8 students will be covered starting from the next academic year. Current distribution focuses on verified Class 9 students.
Do students need to fill out an application form?
Students do not fill out any forms themselves. Headmasters log in to the portal to verify student profiles before bicycles are handed over.
How can I check the cycle distribution status?
You can check the distribution status by visiting wbsaboojsathi.gov.in, selecting the district, block, school, phase, and class, and clicking search.
What is the official website for the Sarathi scheme?
The official website is wbsaboojsathi.gov.in.
Official Links
Details are compiled from official notices. Always confirm eligibility, dates and fees on the official website before applying.