Government Scholarships in Maharashtra 2026 — MahaDBT Schemes Explained
Maharashtra scholarships 2026 on MahaDBT: Shahu Maharaj fee scheme, SC/ST/OBC post-matric, girls' fee waiver, hostel allowance — who can apply and how.
Maharashtra students apply for state scholarships on one portal, MahaDBT (mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in). The main schemes cover tuition and exam fees for economically backward students, post-matric support for SC, ST, OBC, VJNT and SBC students, hostel allowances, and — since 2024-25 — full fees for eligible girls in professional courses.
Main state schemes (on MahaDBT)
| Scheme | Who it is for | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti | Economically backward (open-category) students within the income limit, in notified courses | A share of tuition and exam fees |
| Fee waiver for girls | OBC, EWS and SEBC girls with family income under ₹8 lakh in notified professional UG courses (from 2024-25) | Full tuition and exam fees |
| Post-matric scholarship for SC students | SC students from Class 11, family income up to ₹2.5 lakh | Fees + allowance (Social Justice Department) |
| Post-matric scholarship for ST students | ST students from Class 11 | Fees + allowance (Tribal Development Department) |
| OBC, VJNT and SBC schemes | Students from these categories within the income limit | Post-matric scholarship, tuition and exam fee schemes |
| Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Vasatigruh Nirvah Bhatta | Professional-course students in hostels whose parents are registered labourers or marginal farmers | Hostel maintenance allowance |
| Minority Development Department schemes | Minority students in higher and professional education | Scholarship support |
For free JEE, NEET and MHT-CET coaching, OBC, VJNT and SBC students can apply to MahaJyoti — see free government coaching.
How to Apply
- Visit mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in — Maharashtra DBT portal
- Register (Aadhaar-based) and complete your profile
- Select applicable scheme
- Upload documents — caste certificate, income certificate, domicile, marksheet
- Submit and track status
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Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
What scholarships are available in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra runs its scholarships through the MahaDBT portal: the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj fee scheme for economically backward students, post-matric scholarships and fee schemes for SC, ST, OBC, VJNT and SBC students, hostel allowances, minority schemes and the full fee waiver for eligible girls. Central schemes such as NMMS and the Central Sector Scheme are on the National Scholarship Portal.
Where do I apply for Maharashtra scholarships?
State schemes: mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in. Central schemes: scholarships.gov.in.
Is education free for girls in Maharashtra?
From 2024-25, Maharashtra pays the full tuition and exam fees of girls from OBC, EWS and SEBC categories with family income under ₹8 lakh in notified professional undergraduate courses. It is not free for every course or every girl — check the eligibility on MahaDBT.