MahaDBT Scholarship 2025 – Eligibility, Dates, Benefits, and More

The MahaDBT Scholarship 2025 is a key initiative by the Government of Maharashtra, aimed at providing financial assistance to deserving students across the state. Managed by the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, this scholarship ensures equal access to education, helping students pursue their academic goals without financial hurdles. Previously known as the Aaple Sarkar DBT portal, the MahaDBT platform streamlines the distribution of scholarships and other government benefits, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

Important Dates for MahaDBT Scholarship 2025

• Application Start Date: 25th July 2024
• Application Deadline: 31st March 2025
• Scholarship Disbursement: December 2025
• Scholarship Redemption: December 2025

What is MahaDBT?

MahaDBT is a digital platform designed to facilitate the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of scholarships, subsidies, and pensions directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts. By digitizing the process, the platform eliminates intermediaries, reduces fraudulent activities, and ensures seamless access to financial aid. It supports various departments, including Social Justice, Tribal Development, and Minority Welfare, among others.

Key Highlights of MahaDBT Scholarship 2025

• Provides financial aid to students in Classes 11 and 12.
• Requires a minimum of 75% marks in Class 10 to be eligible.
• Targets students belonging to reserved categories in Maharashtra.
• Offers variable benefits based on the scholarship scheme.
• Applications can be submitted online through the official MahaDBT portal.

Official MahaDBT Portal:

• testdbtapp.mahaitgov.in/Home/IndexHelpline Number: 022-49150800

Departments Offering Scholarships Under MahaDBT 2025

The MahaDBT portal provides 53 scholarships across 12 government departments, categorized based on caste, religion, and economic background. Below are some major scholarships:

• Social Justice and Special Assistance Department

• Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement for SC Students

  • Admission must be through the PPP scheme at a government or private Skill Development Institute.
  • Candidates should belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and provide a valid caste certificate.
  • Family income should be ₹8 lakh or below.
  • Orphan candidates must submit a Recommendation Letter.
  • Attendance and academic performance criteria must be met.
  • Scholarship Benefits & Eligibility

1. Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship

   • Family income should be ₹2,50,000 or below.
   • Applicable for SC and Neo-Buddhist students.
   • Students studying outside Maharashtra are also eligible under GOI regulations.

   Benefits:

• Maintenance Allowance: Monthly stipend based on category.

  • Day Scholars: ₹230 – ₹550 per month
  • Hostellers: ₹380 – ₹1200 per month
  • Additional allowances for students with disabilities.
  • Covers mandatory fees (tuition, exam, and other institutional charges).

Required Documents:

• Aadhaar Card
• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate
• Previous Year’s Mark Sheet
• SSC/HSC Mark Sheet
• Domicile Certificate

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

• Available to SC and Neo-Buddhist students in Maharashtra.
• No upper limit on family income.
• Students must be admitted through the CAP round for professional courses.
• Maximum one failure allowed during the entire course duration

Benefits:

• Covers 100% tuition and exam fees.

Required Documents:

• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate
• Caste Validity Certificate
• SSC/HSC Mark Sheet
• CAP Round Allotment Letter

3. Maintenance Allowance for Students Pursuing Professional Courses

• Must be enrolled in a professional course and receive a GOI scholarship.
• Family income must be ₹2.5 lakh or below.
• Student must reside in a government hostel, institute hostel, or external residence.

Benefits:

• Monthly allowance for books, stationery, accommodation, and food.

For students staying in government hostels:

• 4-5 year courses: ₹700/month (₹7,000 per year)
• 2-3 year courses: ₹500/month (₹5,000 per year)
• Less than 2-year courses: ₹500/month (₹5,000 per year)

For students eligible for a government hostel but not admitted:

• 4-5 year courses: ₹1,000/month (₹10,000 per year)
• 2-3 year courses: ₹700/month (₹7,000 per year)
• Less than 2-year courses: ₹500/month (₹5,000 per year)

Required Documents:

• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate
• College Admission Receipt
• Warden Letter (if staying outside the hostel)
• Registration/Application ID for GOI Post-Matric Scholarship

Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:

• The student must belong to the SC category.
• There is no income limit for eligibility.
• They must be enrolled in 11th or 12th grade.
• They should have secured 75% or higher in the 10th grade (SSC exam).
• The student must be a domiciled resident of Maharashtra.

Scholarship Benefits

• SC students who achieve 75% or more in their SSC examination and enroll in 11th grade will receive a scholarship of ₹300 per month.
• The scholarship is provided for 10 months per year, for two years (covering 11th and 12th grade).
• This scholarship is in addition to any Government of India (GoI) scholarships and freeship benefits the student may receive.
• Freeship refers to a financial grant that helps in waiving or reducing institutional fees.

Required Documents

Students applying for this scholarship need to submit the following documents: Caste Certificate 10th Grade Mark Sheet Transfer Certificate/Leaving Certificate 11th Grade Admission Receipt

Post-Matric Scholarship for Persons with Disability

This scholarship is designed to support students with disabilities by offering financial aid for their education in Maharashtra.

Eligibility Criteria

• To apply for this scholarship, students must fulfill these conditions:
• The student must have a disability of 40% or more.
• They must be a domiciled resident of Maharashtra.
• They must be pursuing studies in a recognized university or institute.
• The scholarship is not applicable if the candidate fails or quits the course.
• The scholarship can be applied for only once per course (HSC/SSC/Degree). Reapplications for the same level are not allowed.
• Students studying in recognized institutes or colleges outside Maharashtra are eligible only if they are domiciled residents of Maharashtra.
• Medical postgraduates who cannot practice outside the institute (e.g., during internships or housemanship) are eligible.
• Students switching from Arts, Science, or Commerce to professional or technical courses remain eligible (except for Group A students who fail).
• Distance education students are eligible for ₹500 annually for books and materials, provided non-refundable fees are paid.
• This scholarship can only be combined with the Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship but not with other schemes.
• Full-time employed candidates are ineligible.
• Government hostellers not receiving books and stationery from the hostel are eligible for an additional 1/3 of the hosteller maintenance allowance.
• Students staying in college/institute or recognized hostels and paying hostel fees receive maintenance allowance at the hosteller rate

Scholarship Benefits

Maintenance Allowance

Students receive the following maintenance allowance from the admission date to the exam date (maximum 10 months):

For Day Scholars:

• Group A: ₹550 per month
• Group B: ₹530 per month
• Group C: ₹530 per month
• Group D: ₹300 per month
• Group E: ₹230 per month

For Hostellers:

• Group A: ₹1200 per month
• Group B: ₹820 per month
• Group C: ₹820 per month
• Group D: ₹570 per month
• Group E: ₹380 per month

Additional Allowance for Blind Students (Vachak Bhatta):

• Group A, B, C: ₹100 per month
• Group D: ₹75 per month
• Group E: ₹50 per month

In addition to the maintenance allowance, the scholarship covers all mandatory fees, including tuition fees, examination fees, and other compulsory institutional charges.

• Professional & technical education students receive up to ₹500 per year for practice tours if required for the course.
• Students required to submit a project receive up to ₹600 per year for printing and typing, with a principal’s certificate.
• MPhil and PhD students receive a maintenance allowance based on Post-Graduation Group A, B, or C rates.
• Maintenance allowance is granted for the month if the student takes admission by the 20th of that month.

Tribal Development Department: Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme (Government of India)

The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme under the Tribal Development Department aims to support students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities in pursuing higher education by providing financial assistance.

Eligibility Criteria To qualify for this scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:

• The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category.
• The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹2,50,000.
• Candidates must have completed their 10th grade.
• A gap of more than two consecutive years in education makes the student ineligible

Scholarship Benefits

Students receive financial aid based on their educational group and whether they are hostellers or day scholars.

Monthly Allowances: Group 1: ₹1200 (Hosteller) / ₹550 (Day Scholar) Group 2: ₹820 (Hosteller) / ₹530 (Day Scholar) Group 3: ₹570 (Hosteller) / ₹300 (Day Scholar) Group 4: ₹380 (Hosteller) / ₹230 (Day Scholar)

Additional Financial Support: Reader Allowance: Group 1 & 2: ₹240 per month Group 3: ₹200 per month Group 4: ₹160 per month

• Escort Allowance: ₹160 per month
• Special Pay for Students with Disabilities: ₹160 per month
• For Students with Intellectual Disabilities:
• Extra Coaching: ₹240 per month
• Study Tours: ₹1600 per annum
• Thesis Typing/Printing: ₹1600 per annum
• Book Grant: ₹1200 per annum

Required Documents Applicants need to submit the following documents:

• Caste Certificate (proving ST category status)
• Income Certificate (to verify eligibility based on income criteria)
• Previous Year’s Mark Sheet
• Caste Validity Certificate (mandatory for professional course applicants)
• Additional Opportunities for ST Students

Beyond the Post-Matric Scholarship, ST students can also benefit from:

• Reimbursement of Vocational Training Fees
• Freeship for Tuition & Examination Fees
• Vocational Education Fee Reimbursement
• Maintenance Allowance for Vocational Education Students
• This initiative ensures that financial constraints do not become a barrier for ST students to pursue their academic dreams

Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Scheme:

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for this scholarship, students must fulfill the following conditions: Must be a domiciled resident of Maharashtra or belong to the Maharashtra-Karnataka border area.

• Family’s annual income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
• Only the first two children in a family can avail of this scheme.
• Applicants must be admitted under the General or SEBC category.
• Only those pursuing courses listed under the Government Resolution (07/10/2017) are eligible.
• Candidates should not be receiving any other scholarship or stipend.
• Students enrolled in distance learning, virtual education, or part-time courses are not eligible.
• The selected course must be approved by authorities like the Government, AICTE, PCI, COA, MCI, NCTE, or University.
• There should be no study gap exceeding two years.
• Students must appear for all semester or annual exams.

Benefits of the Scheme

A) Tuition Fee Coverage

For Professional Courses:

• Families earning up to ₹2.50 lakh per year:

  • 100% coverage for tuition fees in government and non-government aided institutions.
  • 50% coverage for partially aided, unaided, and permanent unaided institutions

• Families earning between ₹2.50 lakh and ₹8 lakh:

  • 50% coverage for tuition fees in all types of institutions

For Non-Professional Courses

• Families earning up to ₹8 lakh:
• 100% tuition fee coverage for all types of institutions.

B) Examination Fee Coverage

• Professional Courses: 50% of the exam fees will be covered.
• Non-Professional Courses: 100% of the exam fees will be covered.

Required Documents

Students applying for the scholarship must provide the following:

• Domicile certificate issued by an authorized official.
• Income certificate for the previous year, issued by a competent authority.
• CAP-related documents (for courses like B.Ed., Law, B.P.Ed., and M.P.Ed.).
• Gap certificate (if applicable).
• Family declaration certificate confirming compliance with the two-child policy.
• Attendance certificate from the institution.
• Mark sheet of the previous academic year.

Directorate of Medical Education and Research

Education Fee Reimbursement for Open Category Students Affected Due to SEBC and EWS Reservation in Medical and Dental Colleges

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant must belong to the Open category without being restricted by caste or social status. A total of 112 applicants will benefit from the scheme.
• Admission must have been secured through the CAP process.
• Management quota admissions are not eligible for this scholarship.
• There is no income requirement for this scheme.
• The applicant must be a domicile of Maharashtra.
• The students enrolled in deemed universities are not eligible.
• There should be no gap of two or more years in the course duration.
• The candidates will be disqualified if they fail in an academic year, engage in misconduct, or do not meet attendance requirements.

Benefits

The benefit provided will be the difference between the FRA-approved fee of the private institute and the fee approved for government institutes.

Required Documents

• Domicile certificate
• HSC and SSC mark sheets for new applicants
• Mark sheet of the previous year examination
• Aadhaar Card
• Student’s PAN Card (optional)
• Father’s PAN Card
• Mother’s PAN Card (optional)

Minority Development Department Scholarship for Students of Minority Communities pursuing Higher and Professional Courses (DTE)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:

• Must be an Indian citizen with a domicile certificate from Maharashtra.
• Must have completed SSC (10th grade) in Maharashtra.
• Should be enrolled in a recognized professional or technical course (Diploma, Graduation, or Post-Graduation) as per Government Resolution (GR).
• Admission must be through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) or at the institute level.
• Should not be receiving any other scholarship or stipend.
• The family’s total annual income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
• Benefits of the Scholarship
• For technical courses listed under Part-I of the GR, students can receive up to ₹25,000 per year or the actual tuition fees, whichever is lower.
• From 2022-23 onwards, this amount has increased to ₹50,000 per year, covering both tuition and exam fees or the actual cost, whichever is less.

Required Documents

• Applicants must provide the following documents:
• Educational certificates from SSC (10th grade) onwards.
• Income and minority status declaration via an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper or an income certificate from an employer.
• Proof of permanent residence, such as a domicile certificate or election card.
• For scholarship renewal, students need to submit their previous year’s mark sheet and a fresh income declaration.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

• Students from minority communities can also apply for:
• Scholarship for Higher & Professional Courses (MCAER Department)
• State Minority Scholarship Part II (DHE)
• Scholarship for Higher & Professional Courses (DMER)

Scholarships from the Directorate of Art (DOA) The Directorate of Art (DOA) in Maharashtra provides financial support to students pursuing professional art courses.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a domicile of Maharashtra or belong to the Maharashtra-Karnataka border region.

• The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
• The first two children in a family can apply.
• Candidates admitted under the General category are eligible.
• Should not be receiving any other scholarships or stipends.
• Distance learning, virtual courses, and part-time students are not eligible.
• There should be no study gap exceeding two years.
• Students must appear for all exams.

Benefits of the Scholarship

For students with a family income up to ₹2.5 lakh:

• Government-aided institutions: Full tuition fee coverage.
• Non-government aided institutions: Full tuition fee coverage.
• Partially aided institutions: 50% tuition fee coverage.
• Permanent unaided institutions: 50% tuition fee coverage.

For students with a family income between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹8 lakh:

• All types of institutions: 50% tuition fee coverage.
• For students with a family income up to ₹8 lakh:
• All types of institutions: 50% of exam fees covered.

Required Documents

• Applicants must submit the following:
• Domicile certificate issued by an authorized official.
• Income certificate for the previous year.
• CAP-related documents (if applicable).
• Gap certificate (if there is a break in education).
• Family declaration certificate confirming two-child eligibility.
• Attendance certificate from the institute.
• Previous year’s mark sheet.

MahaDBT Scholarship 2025 – Step-by-Step Registration Guide

1. Visit the MahaDBT Website

• Go to the official MahaDBT portal.
• Click on ‘New Applicant Registration’.

2. Fill in Your Details

• Enter your name, username, password, email ID, and mobile number.
• Click on ‘Get OTP for Email ID Verification’ and ‘Get OTP for Mobile Number Verification’.
• Enter the OTP received on your email and mobile.
• Complete the Captcha.
• Click ‘Register

Registering with Aadhaar Number

3. Choose a Registration Method

• Two options will be displayed: UID-based registration and Non-UID-based registration.
• If prompted, answer “Do you have an Aadhaar Card?”
  • Select ‘Yes’ if you have an Aadhaar number.
  • Select ‘No’ if you do not.

4. Aadhaar Authentication Methods

• OTP Authentication:

  • If your mobile number is linked to Aadhaar, select OTP authentication.
  • Click “See How” next to the “Using OTP” option for guidance.
  • Enter your Aadhaar number, choose OTP option, and click “Send OTP”.
  • Input the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
  • After verification, enter your username and password, then click “Save”

• Biometric Authentication:

  • If your mobile number is not linked to Aadhaar, choose Biometric authentication.
  • Click “See How” next to the “Using Biometric” option.
  • Enter your Aadhaar number and choose the “Biometric” option.
  • Select “NITGEN” as the biometric capture method.
  • Place your thumb on the Biometric Kit.
  • Once validated, enter your username and password, then click “Save”.

Completing the Registration Process

5. Verify Aadhaar OTP

   • Enter your Aadhaar number and click “Send OTP”.
   • A confirmation message will appear. Click “OK”.
   • Enter the OTP received and click “Verify OTP”.
   • Upon successful verification, click “OK” to continue.
   • The system will automatically fill in your personal, address, and bank details from UIDAI.

6. Create Login Credentials

   • Choose a username (5 to 14 characters, letters and numbers only).
   • Set a password, confirm it, and complete the Captcha.
   • Click “Register”.
   • A confirmation message “Profile Created Successfully” will be displayed.

7. Log in to MahaDBT Portal

   • Use your registered username and password to log in.
   • Proceed with the scholarship application process.

MahaDBT 2025 Scholarships: Department-Wise Overview

Department	Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Benefits	Required Documents

| Social Justice and Special Assistance Department | Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship |SC/Neo-Buddhist students, Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh, Studying in Maharashtra or outside under GOI regulations| Monthly maintenance allowance, Tuition & exam fee coverage, Disability allowance| Aadhaar Card, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate, Previous Year’s Mark Sheet, SSC/HSC Mark Sheet, Domicile Certificate | |Post-Matric Tuition Fee & Examination Fee (Freeship)|SC/Neo-Buddhist students, No income limit, CAP admission required| 100% tuition and exam fees covered| Income Certificate, Caste Certificate, Caste Validity Certificate, SSC/HSC Mark Sheet, CAP Round Allotment Letter| | | Maintenance Allowance for Professional Courses |Professional course students receiving GOI scholarship, Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh| Monthly allowance for books, stationery, food & accommodation|Income Certificate, Caste Certificate, College Admission Receipt, Warden Letter (if applicable), GOI Scholarship Registration ID| | |Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship| SC students with 75%+ in SSC, Enrolled in 11th or 12th, No income limit| ₹300/month for 10 months (2 years)| Caste Certificate, 10th Mark Sheet, Transfer Certificate, 11th Admission Receipt | | Tribal Development Department| Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme (GOI)| ST students, Family income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh, Max 2-year study gap| Monthly stipend, Tuition & exam fees, Additional allowances| Caste Certificate, Income Certificate, Previous Year’s Mark Sheet, Caste Validity Certificate (for professional courses)| | Directorate of Higher Education (DHE)| Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Scheme| Maharashtra domicile, Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh, First two children eligible, No study gap ≥ 2 years| Tuition & exam fee coverage (≤100% for income ≤2.5L, 50% for income ≤2.5L-8L)| Domicile Certificate, Income Certificate, CAP-related Documents, Gap Certificate, Family Declaration, Attendance Certificate, Previous Year’s Mark Sheet| | Medical Education & Research| Fee Reimbursement for Open Category (SEBC & EWS Reservation)| Maharashtra domicile, CAP admission, No income limit, No study gap ≥2 years| Difference between FRA-approved private college fee & government college fee| Domicile Certificate, HSC & SSC Mark Sheets, Previous Year Mark Sheet, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card (optional) | | Minority Development Department | Scholarship for Minority Students in Higher & Professional Courses| Maharashtra domicile, Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh, Enrolled in professional/technical courses| Tuition fee reimbursement (≤25,000/₹50,000 per year)|Educational Certificates, Income Certificate, Minority Declaration Affidavit, Residence Proo | | Directorate of Art (DOA) | Scholarship for Professional Art Courses| Maharashtra domicile, Family income ≤ ₹8 lakh, General category admission|Tuition & exam fee coverage (up to 100%)| Domicile Certificate, Income Certificate, CAP Documents, Gap Certificate, Family Declaration, Attendance Certificate, Previous Year Mark Sheet|