The Government of Maharashtra provides multiple scholarship schemes for students pursuing graduation (undergraduate courses) through its centralized digital platform, the MahaDBT (Maharashtra Direct Benefit Transfer) portal. These schemes are designed to support students from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged backgrounds by offering financial assistance for higher education.

The MahaDBT portal enables students to apply, track, and receive scholarship benefits directly into their bank accounts through a transparent system.

What is Maharashtra Scholarship (MahaDBT)?

MahaDBT is an official online platform launched by the Maharashtra Government to streamline the distribution of scholarships and other benefits. It ensures direct transfer of funds to students' bank accounts, reducing delays and increasing transparency.

Scholarships Available for Graduate Students

Graduating (post-matric) students in Maharashtra can apply for multiple schemes depending on their category, income, and course.

1. Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST/OBC/VJNT/SBC)

  • Applicable for students studying after Class 10 (including graduation)
  • Covers:
    • Tuition fees
    • Examination fees
    • Maintenance allowance

Key Eligibility:

  • Must be a Maharashtra domicile
  • Must belong to eligible category
  • Enrolled in a recognized course

2. Tuition Fee & Examination Fee (Freeship Scheme)

  • Covers 100% tuition and exam fees
  • Available for professional and non-professional degree courses

Income Limit:

  • Up to ₹8 lakh (varies by category)

3. Minority Scholarship (Higher & Professional Courses)

  • Applicable to minority communities (Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi)
  • Supports undergraduate and professional courses

Eligibility:

  • Income up to ₹8 lakh
  • Maharashtra domicile required
  • Admission through merit/CET

4. EBC Scholarship (Economically Backward Class)

  • Also known as Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scheme
  • Provides partial or full fee reimbursement

Eligibility:

  • Income typically below ₹8 lakh
  • Applicable to general category EWS students

5. Other Department-Based Scholarships

MahaDBT includes schemes from multiple departments such as:

  • Social Justice Department
  • Tribal Development Department
  • Minority Development Department
  • Higher and Technical Education Department

A total of multiple departments provide post-matric scholarships through this single portal.

Eligibility Criteria (General)

To apply for Maharashtra Government scholarships for graduation, students must meet the following conditions:

  • Must be a resident (domicile) of Maharashtra
  • Must be enrolled in a recognized undergraduate course
  • Must satisfy income criteria (₹2.5 lakh to ₹8 lakh depending on scheme)
  • Must meet category-specific requirements (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Minority)
  • Must maintain minimum attendance and academic progress

Documents Required

Students need the following documents while applying:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Income Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Previous year marksheet
  • Bank account (Aadhaar-linked)
  • College admission proof

How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step Process)

Follow the structured application workflow:

  1. Visit Official Portal
    https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in

  2. Register as New Applicant

    • Use Aadhaar number
    • Verify via OTP

  3. Complete Profile

    • Personal details
    • Income & caste details

  4. Select Eligible Scheme

    • System suggests schemes based on profile

  5. Upload Documents

    • Ensure correct and valid certificates

  6. Submit Application

    • Final submission after verification

  7. Track Status

    • Monitor approval and payment status online

Important Dates (Expected 2026)

  • Application Start: June–July
  • Last Date: November–December (varies yearly)
  • Renewal Deadline: As per academic session

Benefits of Maharashtra Scholarships

  • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account
  • Coverage of tuition and exam fees
  • Monthly maintenance allowance (for some schemes)
  • Support for professional and degree courses
  • Reduced financial burden on students

Key Insights for Students

  • Apply early to avoid deadline issues
  • Ensure all documents are correct to prevent rejection
  • Check eligibility carefully before applying
  • Use the “Find Eligible Schemes” tool on MahaDBT
  • Track application regularly for updates

The Maharashtra Government has developed a comprehensive scholarship ecosystem for graduating students through the MahaDBT portal. By integrating multiple departmental schemes into a single platform, the state ensures accessibility, transparency, and financial inclusion for students pursuing higher education.

Students are advised to leverage these schemes strategically to minimize education costs and focus on academic and career advancement.