If you are an SC or ST student living in Maharashtra, you have access to one of the most comprehensive scholarship systems in India.
The MahaDBT portal (Maharashtra Direct Benefit Transfer) — at mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in — hosts 53 scholarship schemes across 12 government departments, specifically designed for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, VJNT, SBC, and minority students in Maharashtra.
These scholarships cover everything — tuition fees, examination fees, hostel allowance, maintenance, books, and even overseas study support. And as of March 2026, the application window is still open for the 2025-26 academic year.
This article, Maharashtra SC ST Scholarship, gives you the complete, verified picture — every major SC and ST scholarship in Maharashtra, exact eligibility with correct income limits, amounts, last dates, and how to apply correctly so your application does not end up in the 93,326-application backlog currently stuck in the verification queue.
1. What Is MahaDBT and How Does It Work?
MahaDBT is a digital platform designed to facilitate the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of scholarships, subsidies, and pensions directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. By digitising the process, the platform eliminates intermediaries, reduces fraudulent activities, and ensures seamless access to financial aid.
Previously known as the Aaple Sarkar DBT portal, MahaDBT brings together multiple departments — Social Justice, Tribal Development, Higher and Technical Education, and Agriculture — all in one place.
Every year, lakhs of SC and ST students studying in Class 11–12, undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, medical, engineering, MBA, agriculture, and vocational courses apply under MahaDBT to receive tuition fee reimbursement, examination fee coverage, maintenance allowance, hostel allowance, and vocational training support.
Official portal: mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in
2. Complete List — SC Scholarship Schemes in Maharashtra
The MahaDBT portal provides 53 scholarships across 12 government departments. Here are the most important ones specifically for SC students:
| Scheme Name | Department | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| GOI Post Matric Scholarship | Social Justice | Maintenance allowance + tuition fee + exam fee for SC/Neo-Buddhist students |
| Post Matric Tuition Fee & Exam Fee Freeship | Social Justice | 100% tuition and exam fee for SC/Neo-Buddhist — CAP admission required |
| Maintenance Allowance for Professional Courses | Social Justice | Monthly allowance for books, stationery, food, accommodation for GOI scholarship holders |
| Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship | Social Justice | ₹300/month for SC students scoring 75%+ in Class 10 |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship (Unclean Occupation) | Social Justice | For SC children of parents in unclean occupations — Class 1 to 10 |
| Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement | Skill Development | Fee reimbursement for SC students in government ITI training |
3. Complete List — ST Scholarship Schemes in Maharashtra
| Scheme Name | Department | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee & Exam Fee for Tribal Students (Freeship) | Tribal Development | 100% tuition and exam fee for ST students — CAP admission required |
| Post Matric Scholarship for ST (GOI) | Tribal Development | Maintenance allowance + tuition fee for ST students via NSP |
| Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Vasatigruh Nirvah Bhatta Yojna | Higher Education / Agriculture / Technical | Hostel allowance for ST students in professional colleges |
| Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Children | Tribal Development | Class 9 and 10 students |
4. SC Scholarship Income Limits — The Exact Figures
This is the most important section — and the one most websites get wrong. Here are the verified, scheme-specific income limits from the official MahaDBT portal:
| Scheme | Category | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| GOI Post Matric Scholarship | SC / Neo-Buddhist | ₹2.5 lakh/year — family income from all sources |
| Post Matric Tuition Fee Freeship | SC / Neo-Buddhist | No income limit — but requires CAP round admission |
| Rajarshi Merit Scholarship (Class 11-12) | SC | No income limit — merit-based only (75%+ in SSC) |
| Skill Development Vocational Training | SC | ₹8 lakh/year or below |
| ST Freeship | ST | No income limit — requires CAP round admission |
The Post Matric Tuition Fee Freeship scheme clearly states: parents/guardian annual income above ₹2,50,000 to unlimited — meaning this scheme specifically covers SC students whose income is TOO HIGH for the GOI Post Matric Scholarship.
What this means for you:
- Family income below ₹2.5 lakh → Apply for GOI Post Matric Scholarship (maintenance + tuition)
- Family income above ₹2.5 lakh → Apply for Tuition Fee Freeship (tuition only, no income bar)
- Scored 75%+ in Class 10 SSC → Apply for Rajarshi Merit Scholarship (no income limit)
Most students do not know the Freeship exists for higher-income families. If your family earns more than ₹2.5 lakh, you still qualify for tuition fee support through the Freeship scheme.
5. Maharashtra SC ST Scholarship Amount 2025-26
GOI Post Matric Scholarship — SC (Maintenance Allowance):
| Course Type | Day Scholar | Hosteller |
|---|---|---|
| Class 11-12 | ₹230/month | ₹380/month |
| UG Non-Professional | ₹300/month | ₹570/month |
| UG Professional (MBBS/B.Tech/LLB) | ₹550/month | ₹1,000/month |
| PG Professional | ₹820/month | ₹1,200/month |
Plus full tuition and exam fee for professional courses.
For OBC students under MahaDBT: The MahaDBT scholarship for OBC students ranges between ₹90 to ₹190 for day scholars and ₹150 to ₹425 for hostellers.
Rajarshi Merit Scholarship: ₹300/month for 10 months per year (Class 11 and 12 only) — given in addition to the GOI scholarship.
Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Allowance: Monthly allowance varies by course type — covers food, accommodation, and essential costs for ST/SC students in professional course hostels.
6. Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship — Special Scheme
This scheme deserves special attention because most students do not know about it.
Under this scheme, SC students who secured 75% or more marks in the SSC examination and take admission in Class 11 will get a scholarship of ₹300 per month for 10 months for two years — i.e., in Class 11 and 12. This scholarship is given in addition to the GOI scholarship and the Freeship. There is no income limit for the Scholarship.
Key points:
- You must score 75% or above in Class 10 SSC
- No income limit — rich or poor, you qualify based on merit alone
- Given ON TOP of your other scholarships, you can receive this AND the GOI Post Matric scholarship at the same time
- You must be a Maharashtra resident studying in Class 11
This is one of the most underutilised SC scholarships in Maharashtra.
7. SC ST Overseas Scholarship Maharashtra
Maharashtra also provides an overseas scholarship for SC/ST students who want to pursue higher education abroad.
The scheme supports SC/ST students for Master’s or PhD programmes at foreign universities. Key details:
- Must be a Maharashtra domicile holder from the SC/ST category
- Must have completed graduation with good marks
- Family income limit applies — check mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in for current figures
- Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel
- Apply through the Social Justice Department on the MahaDBT portal
This scholarship is separate from the central government’s National Overseas Scholarship. Maharashtra SC/ST students can potentially apply for both.
8. Maharashtra SC ST Scholarship Last Date 2025-26
Application acceptance for the academic year 2025-26 began in mid-2025. The expected extended last date is January 31, 2026. Always check the official portal for real-time notifications.
March 31, 2026, stands as the final application date for a wide range of Maharashtra Scholarship schemes accessible through the MahaDBT official scholarship portal.
| Scheme Type | Last Date |
|---|---|
| Most MahaDBT SC/ST schemes | March 31, 2026 (check portal for updates) |
| Renewal applications | Check portal — renewal deadline separate from fresh |
Always verify at mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in — the portal shows real-time open/closed status for each scheme individually.
9. Documents Required
Have all of these ready before opening the application:
| Document | Key Notes |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Linked to mobile for OTP |
| Aadhaar-Linked Bank Account | Must be in your name — Aadhaar seeded for DBT |
| Caste Certificate | SC or ST — issued by Tehsildar/SDM |
| Caste Validity Certificate | Mandatory for Maharashtra SC/ST — obtained from Caste Scrutiny Committee |
| Income Certificate | Current year — from Tehsildar. Varies: needed for GOI scheme (below ₹2.5L), not needed for Freeship |
| Domicile Certificate | Maharashtra residency proof |
| CAP Round Allotment Letter | Mandatory for Maharashtra SC/ST — obtained from the Caste Scrutiny Committee |
| Previous Year Marksheet | Latest qualifying exam result |
| Admission/Enrollment Proof | Current year fee receipt or enrollment letter |
| Passport Photo + Signature | Scanned, prescribed format |
Critical Maharashtra-specific document: The Caste Validity Certificate is different from the Caste Certificate. You need both. The Caste Certificate says you belong to SC/ST. The Caste Validity Certificate is verified by the Caste Scrutiny Committee and confirms the certificate is genuine. Without it, your MahaDBT application can be rejected.
10. How to Apply on MahaDBT — Step by Step
The official website for MahaDBT login and registration is mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in.
Step 1 — Register: Go to mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in → Click “New Applicant Registration” → Enter your Aadhaar card number → Verify with OTP on your registered mobile → Fill in personal details → Set password → Submit.
Step 2 — Login: Log in with your registered mobile number and password.
Step 3 — Select Scheme: Go to “Apply for Scholarship.” Browse the schemes listed under your department (Social Justice for SC, Tribal Development for ST). Select the scheme most suited to your income and course.
Generally, one scholarship per academic year is allowed. Multiple overlapping schemes may disqualify applicants. Choose carefully.
Step 4 — Fill the Application: Enter all academic, personal, and family details. Ensure name matches exactly across all documents.
Step 5 — Upload Documents: Upload all required documents in the prescribed format. The maximum file size is typically 200 KB per document in PDF or JPEG.
Step 6 — Submit and Save Application ID: Submit and note your Application ID (GRN — General Registration Number). You need this for tracking.
Step 7 — Submit Physical Hard Copy to College: The Higher and Technical Education Ministry explicitly stated that the main reasons for delays are students failing to upload correct documents or failing to submit the physical hard copies of their applications to their respective colleges.
Print your application and physically submit the hard copy to your college’s scholarship coordinator. This step is mandatory and non-negotiable in Maharashtra.
Step 8 — Click “Redeem” After Approval: Students will receive a link to redeem the scholarships via SMS or email. Funds are usually disbursed 30 to 60 days after your application status shows “Approved,” and you have clicked the “Redeem” button.
Many students miss this step — they get approved but forget to click Redeem, and the money never comes.
11. How to Check Maharashtra SC ST Scholarship Status
Log in using the MahaDBT scholarship login. Go to the “Schemes Applied” section. Your current status — Under Scrutiny, Approved, or Rejected — will be visible under the “History” tab.
Status meanings:
| Status | Meaning | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted | Received — waiting for college | Log in and fix during the correction period |
| Institute Verified | College confirmed details | Wait for DDO verification |
| DDO Verified | Drawing Officer approved | Wait for department sanction |
| Approved | Sanctioned — click Redeem | Click the Redeem button immediately |
| Rejected | See reason | Contact the institute login to reactivate |
| Defective | Document error | Visit the college scholarship section today |
| Right to Give Up | You declined the scholarship | Contact the institute to log in to reactivate |
SMS alerts are sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile when payment is credited. Ensure Aadhaar is linked with your bank account for seamless DBT scholarship transfer.
MahaDBT Helpline: 022-49150800 (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday–Saturday)
12. The 93,326 Problem — Why Applications Get Stuck
As of March 2026, the Maharashtra government reported that over 93,326 scholarship applications are currently stuck in the verification queue. The Higher and Technical Education Ministry explicitly stated that the main reasons for these delays are students failing to upload correct documents or failing to submit the physical hard copies of their applications to their respective colleges.
This means right now, in March 2026, nearly one lakh students are waiting for money that is stuck — not because the government refused, but because the application has a document problem.
Protect yourself from this:
- Double-check every uploaded document is clear and correct
- Submit your physical hard copy to the college the same day you submit online
- Follow up with your college scholarship coordinator every 2 weeks
- Check your status on MahaDBT regularly and respond immediately to any “Defective” or “Rejected” notice
13. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SC ST scholarship in Maharashtra?
The SC ST scholarship in Maharashtra is a group of government scholarship schemes managed through the MahaDBT portal at mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in. The main schemes for SC students are the GOI Post Matric Scholarship (income below ₹2.5 lakh, covers maintenance + tuition), the Tuition Fee and Exam Fee Freeship (no income limit, CAP admission required), and the Rajarshi Merit Scholarship (75%+ in SSC, no income limit). For ST students, the main scheme is the Tuition Fee Freeship from the Tribal Development Department.
What is the income limit for SC ST scholarship in Maharashtra?
For the GOI Post Matric Scholarship for SC/Neo-Buddhist students in Maharashtra, the family income must be ₹2.5 lakh per year or below. The Tuition Fee and Exam Fee Freeship for SC students has no income limit — it covers students whose income is above ₹2.5 lakh. The Rajarshi Merit Scholarship also has no income limit. Income limits vary by specific scheme, so always check the scheme details on mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in.
How to apply for SC ST scholarship in Maharashtra?
Go to mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in and register as a new applicant using your Aadhaar number. Log in and select the appropriate scheme for your category and course. Fill in all details, upload required documents including caste certificate, caste validity certificate, income certificate (where required), domicile certificate, and marksheets. Submit online, then physically submit the hard copy to your college. After approval, click the “Redeem” button to receive payment.
What is the Maharashtra SC ST scholarship last date for 2025-26?
Most MahaDBT scholarship schemes for SC/ST students have a last date of March 31, 2026, for the 2025-26 academic year. Some schemes may have extended or separate deadlines. Always verify the current deadline for your specific scheme on mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in as deadlines are updated in real time.
What is the Tuition Fee Freeship for SC students in Maharashtra?
The Post Matric Tuition Fee and Exam Fee FreeShip for SC and Neo-Buddhist students in Maharashtra covers 100% of tuition fees and examination fees. It has no income limit — meaning students whose family income is above ₹2.5 lakh (who do not qualify for the GOI Post Matric Scholarship) can still get their tuition fees fully reimbursed. The key requirement is that admission must be through the CAP (Centralised Admission Process) round.
Conclusion
Maharashtra has one of the most generous SC/ST scholarship systems in India. Whether your family earns ₹1 lakh or ₹5 lakh, there is a scheme for you on MahaDBT.
The two most important things to remember:
First — Do not assume you are ineligible because your income is above ₹2.5 lakh. The Freeship scheme has no income limit and covers your full tuition. Apply for it.
Second — Submit your physical hard copy to your college. Online submission alone is not enough in Maharashtra. 93,326 students’ money is stuck right now because they skipped this step.
Go to mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in today. Check the scheme list. Apply before March 31, 2026.
Jai Bhim. 🙏
