Education is one of the biggest investments for every student. But fees, hostel expenses, books, travel, and exam charges can become a serious burden for many families. The good news is that the Government of Maharashtra and the Government of India offer several scholarship schemes for students from Maharashtra.

Whether you are studying in Class 10, Class 11, Class 12, diploma, degree, pharmacy, engineering, medical, professional courses, postgraduate courses, or planning higher education, there are multiple scholarships that may help reduce your financial pressure.

This guide explains the top government scholarships for Maharashtra students in 2026, including eligibility, benefits, required documents, application process, and important tips for students.

What Is MahaDBT Scholarship?

MahaDBT, also known as Aaple Sarkar DBT, is the official Direct Benefit Transfer portal of the Government of Maharashtra. Through this portal, eligible students can apply for scholarships, freeships, fee reimbursement schemes, hostel allowance schemes, and other education-related benefits.

The MahaDBT portal includes scholarships from different Maharashtra government departments such as:

• Social Justice and Special Assistance Department
• Tribal Development Department
• OBC, SEBC, VJNT and SBC Welfare Department
• Higher and Technical Education Department
• Minority Development Department
• School Education and Sports Department

Government Scholarships for Maharashtra Students 2026: Quick Overview

1. Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students

The Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship is one of the most important scholarships for students belonging to Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist categories in Maharashtra. It is mainly designed to help students continue higher education after Class 10.

Who Can Apply?

• Students belonging to SC or Neo-Buddhist category
• Students who are residents of Maharashtra
• Students studying after Class 10
• Students whose parental income is within the eligible limit

Benefits

• Tuition fee support
• Exam fee support
• Maintenance allowance
• Other approved educational fee support

This scholarship is useful for students pursuing diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and technical courses.

2. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students

The Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students supports students from Other Backward Classes who are studying after Class 10.

Who Can Apply?

• Students belonging to the OBC category
• Students who are residents of Maharashtra
• Students studying in a post-matric course
• Students whose family income is within the eligible limit
• Students admitted through CAP for professional courses, wherever applicable

Benefits

• Tuition fee support
• Exam fee support
• Maintenance allowance

This scholarship is especially helpful for students in professional courses such as engineering, pharmacy, polytechnic, management, and other higher education programs.

3. Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Yojna

This is one of the most popular scholarships for EBC and EWS students in Maharashtra. It mainly helps students admitted to diploma, degree, and postgraduate technical or professional courses.

Who Can Apply?

• Indian national students
• Students domiciled in Maharashtra
• Students admitted through CAP
• Students studying in approved diploma, degree, or postgraduate professional courses
• Students whose family income is within the eligible limit
• Students not receiving another conflicting scholarship or stipend

Benefits

• Tuition fee support
• Exam fee support
• Higher benefit may be available for eligible female students
• Benefit is generally transferred through Aadhaar-seeded bank account

This scholarship is highly relevant for students from open, EWS, and EBC categories who are applying for professional courses.

4. Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Vasatigruh Nirvah Bhatta Yojna

This scholarship is important for students who need support for hostel, food, residence, and living expenses while studying away from home.

Who Can Apply?

• Indian national students
• Students domiciled in Maharashtra
• Bonafide students of an approved institute
• Students admitted to professional or technical courses
• Students who have taken admission through CAP, wherever applicable
• Students whose family income is within the eligible limit

Benefits

• Food allowance
• Residence allowance
• Subsistence allowance
• Support for hostel or paying guest-related expenses

This scheme is especially helpful for students who move to cities like Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, or other education hubs for higher studies.

5. State Minority Scholarship for Higher and Professional Education

The Government of Maharashtra also offers scholarships for students from minority communities, including Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Parsi, Jain, and Jewish communities.

Who Can Apply?

• Students belonging to a recognized minority community
• Students domiciled in Maharashtra
• Students admitted to professional or technical courses
• Students whose annual family income is within the eligible limit
• Students not receiving another scholarship or stipend

Benefits

• Tuition fee support
• Exam fee support
• Financial support for higher education continuity

6. State Minority Scholarship Part II

This scholarship is for minority students studying in Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, and Education courses at graduation and postgraduate levels.

Who Can Apply?

• Minority category students
• Graduation and postgraduate students
• Students from Arts, Commerce, Science, Law, and Education streams
• Maharashtra domicile students
• Students whose family income is within the eligible limit

Benefits

• Course fee support
• Useful for non-technical higher education students

7. Eklavya Scholarship for Postgraduate Students

The Eklavya Scholarship is designed for postgraduate students from Maharashtra. It is suitable for students who want to continue higher education after graduation.

Who Can Apply?

• Students who are residents of Maharashtra
• Students pursuing postgraduate education
• Students with required marks in graduation
• Students whose family income is within the eligible limit
• Students who are not doing a full-time or part-time job

Benefits

This scholarship helps meritorious postgraduate students continue higher education with financial support.

8. Open Merit Scholarship in Junior College

This scholarship is for students studying in Class 11 and Class 12 in Maharashtra. It is a merit-based scholarship for students who have performed well in their SSC examination.

Who Can Apply?

• Class 11 students
• Class 12 students
• Students who scored well in SSC
• Students who passed SSC in the first attempt

Benefits

• Merit-based financial support
• Recognition for good academic performance

9. State Government Open Merit Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who have performed well in Class 12 and are pursuing higher education in Maharashtra.

Who Can Apply?

• Maharashtra resident students
• Students with good marks in Class 12
• Students from Arts, Commerce, Science, or Law streams

Benefits

• Merit-based scholarship support
• Helpful for students continuing higher education

10. Central Sector Scholarship for College and University Students

Apart from Maharashtra state scholarships, students can also apply for central government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal.

Who Can Apply?

This scholarship is generally for meritorious college and university students who meet the central eligibility criteria.

Benefits

• Financial support during graduation
• Financial support during postgraduate education
• Direct Benefit Transfer to eligible students

Where to Apply for Maharashtra Government Scholarships in 2026?

Most Maharashtra state scholarships are available through the MahaDBT portal. For central government scholarships, students should use the National Scholarship Portal.

• MahaDBT Portal: https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in/
• National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in/

Documents Required for Maharashtra Scholarships 2026

The exact documents may change depending on the scholarship, category, course, and department. However, most students should keep these documents ready:

• Aadhaar card
• Aadhaar-linked bank account
• Maharashtra domicile certificate
• Income certificate
• Caste certificate, if applicable
• Caste validity certificate, if applicable
• SSC marksheet
• HSC marksheet
• Previous year marksheet
• College admission receipt
• Bonafide certificate
• CAP allotment letter, if applicable
• Fee receipt
• Hostel certificate or rent agreement, if applicable
• Minority declaration, if applicable
• Gap certificate, if applicable
• Ration card or family declaration, if required

How to Apply for Government Scholarships in Maharashtra 2026

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

For Maharashtra state scholarships, visit the MahaDBT portal. For central scholarships, visit the National Scholarship Portal.

Step 2: Register as a New Applicant

Create your profile using Aadhaar, mobile number, email ID, and personal details.

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Fill in your personal information, address, education details, bank details, caste/category details, and income details carefully.

Step 4: Check Eligible Schemes

After completing your profile, the portal will show scholarships that match your eligibility.

Step 5: Select the Right Scholarship

Choose the scholarship that applies to your category, course, income group, and admission type.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload clear and valid copies of all required documents.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Review all details before final submission. Even one mismatch in name, bank account, caste certificate, or income details can delay approval.

Step 8: Track Application Status

After applying, track your application regularly through the official portal.

Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid

• Using a bank account not linked with Aadhaar
• Uploading unclear documents
• Entering wrong income details
• Selecting the wrong scheme
• Not matching name as per Aadhaar and bank records
• Missing CAP allotment document for professional courses
• Applying after the last date
• Not checking renewal requirements
• Forgetting to track the application after submission

Which Students Should Apply for Maharashtra Scholarships?

You should check scholarship eligibility if you are:

• A Class 10 student
• A Class 11 or 12 student
• A diploma student
• A D.Pharm or B.Pharm student
• An engineering student
• A medical, paramedical, nursing, or pharmacy student
• A student from SC, ST, OBC, VJNT, SBC, SEBC, EBC, EWS, or minority category
• A student studying in a professional or technical course
• A student living in a hostel or away from home
• A postgraduate student
• A student from a low-income family

Important Tips Before Applying

1. Apply only through official portals.
2. Keep your Aadhaar and bank account linked.
3. Use the same name format across Aadhaar, bank, and certificates.
4. Keep scanned documents ready before starting the form.
5. Do not wait until the last date.
6. Save your application ID and login details.
7. Track your status regularly.
8. Contact your college scholarship department if verification is pending.
9. Check renewal rules every year.
10. Do not apply for two conflicting scholarships unless the portal allows it.

Final Words

Government scholarships for Maharashtra students in 2026 can make higher education more affordable for thousands of students. From SC, OBC, minority, EBC, EWS, and merit-based scholarships to hostel allowance and central government schemes, students have many opportunities to reduce their education expenses.

The most important step is to apply early, choose the correct scheme, upload proper documents, and track your application regularly. If you are planning admission in diploma, pharmacy, engineering, medical, degree, or postgraduate courses, do not ignore scholarships. A few minutes of checking eligibility can save thousands of rupees in fees and living expenses.

FAQs: Government Scholarships for Maharashtra Students 2026