SC/ST Scholarship Maharashtra 2026-27: Online Application, Required Documents & Benefits

SC/ST Scholarship Maharashtra 2026-27 Important Dates

The Maharashtra Government has started the application process for the SC/ST Maharashtra scholarship 2026-27. Students are advised to follow the table below to stay updated with the latest dates regarding the scholarship schemes.

Maharashtra SC/ST Scholarship 2026-27: Departments and Schemes

Students can apply for both SC and ST Post Matric Scholarship schemes through a single portal, i.e. MahaDBT. Take a look at the table below to know the different scholarship schemes offered by different departments for SC and ST students.

Maharashtra SC Scholarship Schemes 2026-27

Maharashtra ST Scholarship Schemes 2026-27

How to apply for SC/ST Scholarship Maharashtra 2026-27?

Students applying for the SC/ST Maharashtra scholarship 2026-27 must follow the detailed steps mentioned here:

• Go to the official website: mahadbt2.maharashtra.gov.in. Select the preferred language (Marathi or English).

• For a first-time user, click on 'Register' and complete registration on MahaSarathi to get your Maha ID. Existing users can click on Login > Citizen Login, select the login method (Maha ID, Aadhaar, or without Maha ID), and enter the OTP sent to their registered mobile. All the registered information will be displayed.

• In case applicants do not have an Aadhaar card, then they will have to fill in all the details manually.

• After that, students must create a username and password for the Mahadbt scholarship 2026-27.

• Enter the mobile number and password, and verify it. Next, go to the Mahadbt login and enter credentials. Fill in the captcha shown on the screen and submit.

• After logging in, click the ‘Apply for Scheme’ tab on the dashboard. Use the search bar or Department / Scheme Type filters to locate the scheme you wish to apply for, i.e. SC/ST Scholarship Scheme. Click the 'Description' icon to view eligibility criteria, or download GRs for the official Government Resolution.

• Click on 'Apply' next to the scheme. The portal will automatically verify the eligibility. If eligible, select the 'Academic Year' from the dropdown and click 'Proceed to Apply'.

• Complete all sections of the form. Fields marked * (asterisk) are mandatory. The Smart Auto-fill feature will pre-populate details from linked government databases — review them for accuracy and correct if needed.

• Attach all required certificates and supporting files. Each file must be in PDF, JPG, or JPEG format and must not exceed 5 MB. Ensure scanned copies are clearly legible; blurry or cut-off documents will be rejected.

• Click 'Save as Draft' to save progress and continue later. Then, click 'Preview Application' to review before submitting. After that, click 'Submit Application'. An 'Application Reference Number (ARN)' will be generated. Jot it down for future purposes.

Maharashtra SC Scholarship Schemes 2026-27 : Eligibility Criteria, Required Documents & Benefits

1. Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship

The Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship is one of the major scholarship schemes offered by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department to provide support for Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist students.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be residents of Maharashtra and belong to the Scheduled Caste/ Neo-Buddhist category.

• Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh.

• The student should have passed the SSC or equivalent examination.

• If a student fails for the first time in the class, he/she will be eligible for the maintenance allowance and exam fee. No allowance will be provided to the student who fails twice in the same class.

• Only two professional courses are allowed under the scheme.

Required Documents:

• Income Certificate issued by Tahsildar

• Cast Certificate

• Mark sheet of last examination

• Mark sheet for SSC or HSC

• Father's death certificate(if applicable)

• Gap & Self Declaration(if applicable)

• Hostel Certificate (if applicable)

• Husband’s Income Certificate(for married applicants)

Benefits:

• Maintenance allowance is provided to both day scholars and hostellers from the date of admission till the examination (up to 10 months) as per Group I, II, III and IV courses.

• Eligible students with disabilities will receive additional allowances, including transport allowance, escort allowance, special pay allowance of Rs. 100 per month and extra coaching allowance of Rs.150 per month.

• 100% fee reimbursement of tuition fees, examination fees and other compulsory fees charged by the institution.

(There is no renewal policy for this scheme)

2. Post-Matric Tuition Fee and Examination Fee (Freeship)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Parent’s or Guardian’s annual income should be above Rs. 2.5 lakh. There is no upper income limit.

• Applicants must be residents of Maharashtra and belong to the Scheduled Caste/ Neo-Buddhist category.

• The student should have passed the SSC or equivalent examination.

• The student must be studying in a government-recognised institution in Maharashtra.

• Candidates should take admission through the CAP process for professional courses.

• Only one failure is allowed during the academic course period.

Documents Required:

• Income Certificate issued by Tahsildar

• Cast Certificate

• Caste Validity Certificate

• Mark sheet of last examination

• SSC or HSC mark sheet

• Father's death certificate(if applicable)

• Hostel Certificate (if applicable)

• CAP Round allotment letter (wherever applicable)

Benefits:

• 100% fee reimbursement of tuition fees, examination fees and other compulsory fees charged by the institution.

3. Maintenance Allowance for Students Studying in professional courses

Eligibility Criteria:

• Student should be admitted in a professional course and must be a scholarship holder of the Government of India.

• Annual family income should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh as per the Government of India scholarship scheme.

• Students should be studying in a professional course and residing in a government hostel, institute hostel or approved private hostel.

Documents Required:

• Cast Certificate

• Parents' Income Certificate

• College Admission Receipt

• Warden Letter(If the student is not residing in a hostel)

• Registration/Application ID of the Government of India post-matric scholarship scheme.

Benefits:

• Financial assistance is provided for books, stationery, food and residence expenses for a maximum of 10 months from the date of hostel admission till examination.

• Students residing in government hostels will get Rs.700 per month for professional courses of 4-5 years, and Rs. 500 per month for courses of 2-3 years or below 2 years.

• Students eligible for government hostels but did not get admission will receive Rs.1000 per month for 4-5 year courses, Rs. 700 per month for 2-3 year courses, and Rs. 500 per month for courses below 2 years.

4. Rajarshri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste category and must be residents of Maharashtra.

• There is no annual family income limit under the scheme.

• The student must be studying in Class 11 or 12.

• The student must have secured 75% or above in the Class 10 examination.

Documents Required:

• Cast Certificate

• Class 10 Mark sheet

• Transfer Certificate/Leaving Certificate

• Class 11 Admission Receipt

Benefits:

• Eligible students taking admission in Class 11th will receive a scholarship amount of Rs. 300 per month for 10 months for two years, i.e. Class 11 and 12.

• The scholarship will be provided in addition to the Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship and Freeship.

5. Vocational Training Fee reimbursement for students belonging to Scheduled Caste category Students

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must belong to the Scheduled Caste category and must be a domicile of Maharashtra.

• Admission of the student must be secured through the PPP Scheme in a Government Skill Development Institute or Private ITI through the Centralised Online Admission Process.

• Management quota admissions will not be eligible under this scheme.

• Student’s family annual income should not exceed Rs.8 lakh.

• A recommendation letter is required for orphan candidates.

• To be eligible for this scheme, admission should be taken in DGT, New Delhi or MSCVT-approved courses.

• The student should not have availed any benefit for a training program sponsored by the state / central government/department / local body/company or corporation.

• Attendance must be maintained as per guidelines.

• Students will not be eligible for this scheme if they fail in the academic year or do not fulfil the attendance criteria.

Documents Required:

• Aadhaar Card.

• Ration Card

• SSC /HSC mark sheet

• Previous year mark sheet for renewal.

• Domicile certificate

• Income certificate issued by the competent authority.

• Caste certificate.

Benefits:

• Students with annual family income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh are eligible for benefits as per the scholarship guidelines.

• Students with family annual income above Rs. 2.5 lakh and up to Rs. 8 lakh are eligible for 100% course fees reimbursement.

• Students who have failed the SSC exam and whose family income is up to Rs. 8 lakh are also eligible for 100% course fees reimbursement.

Maharashtra ST Scholarship Schemes 2026-27 : Eligibility Criteria, Required Documents & Benefits

1. Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship

The Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship is one of the major scholarship schemes offered by the Tribal Development Department to provide financial support to the Scheduled Tribe students.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The student must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.

• The annual family income must not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh.

• The student must have qualified in Class 10.

• Students having back-to-back drop-outs for 2 years will not be eligible to apply for this scheme.

Documents Required:

• Caste Certificate

• Income Certificate

• Previous year's marksheet

• Caste validity certificate (mandatory for students admitted to professional courses)

Benefits:

• Hostelers or Day scholars will get a monthly maintenance allowance based on their course group.

• Reader allowance will also be given to the students ranging from Rs. 160 to Rs. 240 per month.

• An escort allowance of Rs. 160 will also be given to eligible students.

• Students will get a special pay of Rs. 160 per month. Mentally challenged students will get an additional coaching allowance of Rs. 240 per month.

• Rs. 1600 per annum for study tours and thesis typing/printing will be provided.

• Eligible students will also receive a Book Grant of Rs. 1200 per annum.

2. Tuition Fee & Exam Fee for Tribal Students (Freeship)

Eligibility Criteria:

• The student must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.

• The annual family income must not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh.

• The student must have qualified in Class 10.

• If a student fails in the academic year, the scholarship will not be availed for that year.

Documents Required:

• Caste Certificate

• Previous year's marksheet

• Caste validity certificate

Benefits:

• Full reimbursement of tuition fees and examination fees.

3. Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement

Eligibility Criteria:

• The student must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.

• The family income must be above 2.5 lakh.

• Students enrolled in vocational courses can apply under this scheme.

• The student must pass the previous year's examination.

• Students who fail in the academic year will not be eligible to avail the scholarship for that particular year.

Documents Required:

• Domicile certificate of Maharashtra

• College admission receipt

• Caste Validity Certificate

Benefits:

• Full reimbursement of tuition fees and examination fees as per the approved college fees structure.

4. Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students must belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.

• The family income of the student should be Rs. 2.5 lakh or below.

• If the family income of the student is more than 2.5 lakh, then only the Freeship Renewal Policy will be applied for that student.

• To get the benefit of the Renewal Policy, students must pass the previous year’s examination.

• If a student fails in the academic year, he/she will not get the scholarship for that particular year.

Documents Required:

• Caste Certificate

• Income Certificate

• Previous year's marksheet

• Caste validity certificate

• Declaration of Rector/Superintendent of the college

Benefits:

• Maintenance allowance will be provided based on the course duration and the student's category.

• For 4-5 year courses, Rs.7000 per annum will be provided to the Hosteller and Rs. 10000 per annum will be provided to the Day Scholar.

• For 2-3 year courses, Rs.5000 per annum will be provided to the Hosteller and Rs. 7000 per annum will be provided to the Day Scholar.

• For courses below 2 years, Rs. 5000 per annum will be given to both Hostellers and Day Scholars.

5. Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement for students belonging to Scheduled Tribe category Students

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students must be a resident of Maharashtra and belong to the Scheduled Tribe category.

• Students should have a School Leaving Certificate or Transfer Certificate.

• The scholarship scheme is available for both SSC pass and SSC fail students.

• Students must have taken admission under the PPP scheme in a Government Skill Development Institute or Private Institute through Centralised Admission Process.

• There will be no fee reimbursement for Management Quota Admission.

• Combined family income of both mother and father will be considered as an eligibility criterion for this scholarship scheme.

• Candidates should not have received any benefits for training programs sponsored by the Central or State Government, Department, Local Body, Company or Corporation.

• The admission must be taken in DGT, New Delhi or MSCVT-approved courses.

• The scheme will be eligible for only two children of a family.

• Students need to fulfil the attendance criteria.

• Candidates are required to appear for each semester/annual exam.

• Students failed in the academic year, do not fulfil the attendance criteria or have unsatisfactory academic progress will not be eligible for the reimbursement.

Documents Required:

• Aadhaar Card

• Ration Card

• Mark sheet SSC / HSC

• Previous year mark sheet for renewal

• Domicile certificate

• Income certificate by competent authority

• Caste certificate and Caste validity certificate

Benefits:

• Students who have passed SSC and the family income is less than or equal to Rs. 2.5 lakh will be eligible for this scheme as per the Government of India guidelines.

• Students who have passed SSC and the family income is above Rs. 2.5 lakh or up to Rs. 8 lakh are eligible for 100% course fees reimbursement.

• Students who have failed SSC and whose annual family income is up to Rs. 8 lakh are also eligible for 100% course fees reimbursement.

Renewal Policy for Schemes

Students applying for the SC/ST Maharashtra Scholarship 2026-27 must know the process and criteria for the schemes they are applying for. Some schemes do not have any renewal policy, while other schemes have a renewal policy to get the benefit of the scheme. Look at the schemes and their criteria mentioned below which have a renewal policy:

Vocational Training Fee reimbursement for students belonging to Scheduled Caste category Students

To remain eligible fo the scholarship under this scheme, students must continue their academic session in the next year. They must fulfil the attendance criteria as per the Director General of Training.

Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship

Students must pass the previous year's examinations. If they fail in the academic year, the scholarship amount will not be disbursed for that year. The student must apply for the renewal of the scholarship to get the benefit under this scheme.

Tuition Fee & Exam Fee for Tribal Students (Freeship)

The student must pass the current academic year to avail this scholarship; otherwise, the amount will not be paid for that particular year.

Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement/Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance

The student will not be eligible to apply for the renewal of the scholarship amount if he/she fails in that academic year under both these schemes.