The Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2025 is a Maharashtra government initiative under the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance (SJSA) to promote education among underprivileged students, particularly from Scheduled Castes (SC), Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT), and Special Backward Classes (SBC). Named after the visionary ruler Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, it provides financial aid to meritorious students in higher secondary (Classes 11-12) and post-matric/professional courses, reducing dropout rates and boosting literacy. There are variants like the Merit Scholarship for Classes 11-12 and the Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Yojna (EBC) for tuition fee reimbursement. Applications are processed via the MahaDBT portal, with a focus on economically weaker sections (EWS).
Note: As of October 22, 2025, the application window for the 2025-26 academic year (AY) has closed (last date: March 31, 2025). Re-applications or renewals for AY 2024-25 were extended to March 31, 2025. For AY 2025-26 new applications, expect the portal to reopen in December 2025–January 2026.
Key Details
Eligibility Criteria (Varies by Variant):
Merit Scholarship (Classes 11-12):
Domicile of Maharashtra.
Belong to SC (for SJSA scheme) or VJNT/SBC categories.
Minimum 75% marks in SSC (Class 10) for SC; similar merit for VJNT/SBC.
Enrolled in Class 11 or 12 in a recognized junior college.
Family annual income ≤ INR 2.5 lakh (for some schemes; no income limit specified in others).
Not more than 2 beneficiaries per family in the current year.
Shikshan Shulkh Shishyavrutti Yojna (EBC/Post-Matric):
Maharashtra resident; EWS/Open category (or specified backward classes).
Admitted in AY 2025-26 to professional/non-professional UG/PG courses (e.g., engineering, arts, pharmacy).
Family income ≤ INR 8 lakh (full reimbursement) or ≤ INR 1.5 lakh (partial).
Minimum 50-60% in previous qualifying exam.
Not availing other scholarships for the same purpose.
General: Indian citizen; age 14-18 for higher secondary; no duplicate benefits from GOI schemes (but can be in addition).
Benefits:
Merit Scholarship: INR 300 per month for 10 months/year, for 2 years (total INR 6,000/year); covers books/stationery.
Tuition Fee Reimbursement (EBC): Up to 100% tuition + exam fees (capped at INR 1-2 lakh/year based on course; e.g., full for income < INR 1.5 lakh).
Additional: Maintenance allowance (INR 500-1,000/month for hostellers); freeship for girls in some cases.
Disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Targets: Over 5 lakh students annually, with priority for girls and rural applicants.
Number of Scholarships:
Not fixed; covers thousands via category quotas (e.g., 20-30% for SC/ST). In 2024-25, ~4-5 lakh beneficiaries across variants.
Application Process:
Online via MahaDBT Portal:
Register/Login with Aadhaar/SSO ID (new users: provide mobile/email).
Select "Student" → "New Application" → Choose scheme (e.g., "Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship").
Fill personal/academic/income details; upload documents.
Submit and note the application ID for tracking.
Timeline for 2025-26 (Tentative; Past for 2024-25):
Pre-registration: December 2025.
Application Start: January 2026.
Last Date: March 31, 2026.
Verification: April-May 2026.
Disbursement: June-July 2026.
Mode: Fully online; institute verification required for post-matric.
Helpline: 1800-120-8040 (SJSA); Email: help.mahadbt@maharashtra.gov.in.
Note: Aadhaar seeding to bank is mandatory; visit post office for IPPB account if needed.
Required Documents:
Domicile certificate (Maharashtra PRC).
SSC (Class 10) marksheet (75%+ for merit).
Income certificate (from Tehsildar).
Caste/category certificate (SC/VJNT/SBC).
Aadhaar card and bank passbook (with IFSC).
Admission letter/fee receipt from college.
Bonafide certificate from institution.
Undertaking: No more than 2 family beneficiaries.
Passport-size photo; scanned in PDF/JPG (max 100 KB).
Selection Process:
Auto-verification on MahaDBT based on eligibility (merit + income).
Document scrutiny by district-level committee.
Priority: High marks, low income, reserved categories.
Approved list published on portal; appeals via grievance section.
Additional Information
Covered Courses: Higher secondary (Arts/Science/Commerce), UG/PG in professional fields (B.Tech, MBBS, BA, etc.), vocational training.
Exclusions: Not for lateral entry/admissions before AY 2025-26; no coverage for private coaching or overseas study.
Tips: Apply early; ensure Aadhaar-bank linkage. For grievances, use the portal's "Grievance/Suggestions" form. Beware of fraud—only official portal.
Contact: SJSA Office, Mumbai; Phone: 022-22025379.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2025?
It's a Maharashtra government scheme providing financial aid to SC, VJNT, SBC, and EWS students for higher secondary and post-matric education, covering tuition, exams, and maintenance to promote merit and reduce dropouts.
2. Who is eligible for the Merit Scholarship variant?
Maharashtra domiciled SC/VJNT/SBC students with ≥75% in Class 10, enrolled in Class 11/12, family income ≤ INR 2.5 lakh, and ≤2 family beneficiaries.
3. What benefits does the EBC Tuition Reimbursement offer?
Up to 100% tuition + exam fee waiver (INR 1-2 lakh/year based on income/course); full for < INR 1.5 lakh income, partial up to INR 8 lakh.
4. How can I apply for the scholarship?
Visit mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in, register/login, select the scheme, fill details, upload docs, and submit. New applications open Jan 2026; deadline March 31, 2026 (tentative).
5. What documents are required?
Domicile certificate, Class 10 marksheet, income/caste certificate, Aadhaar-bank details, admission letter, bonafide certificate, and undertaking for family limit.
6. When is the application deadline for 2025-26?
Closed for new apps (March 31, 2025); renewals extended to March 31, 2025. Next cycle: Jan-March 2026.
7. How is selection done?
Based on eligibility verification (merit, income, docs) via MahaDBT; district committee scrutiny; approved list on portal.
8. Can I get this along with other scholarships?
Yes, in addition to GOI scholarships/freeships, but not duplicates for the same expense.
9. Does it cover professional courses?
Yes, for EBC variant: B.Tech, MBBS, BA, etc., in recognized institutions.
10. What if my application is rejected?
Check status on portal; appeal via grievance form with reasons/docs.
11. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
Yes, for DBT; link to bank account. Use IPPB if issues.
12. How many students benefit annually?
Over 5 lakh across variants.
13. Who to contact for help?
Helpline: 1800-120-8040; Email: help.mahadbt@maharashtra.gov.in.
14. Is it only for girls?
No, open to all genders; some sub-schemes prioritize girls.
15. How to track application status?
Login to MahaDBT with ID; view under "Track My Application."
Conclusion
Don't let financial barriers hold back your dreams—education is your key to a brighter future! The Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2025 empowers you to rise above challenges and achieve greatness, just like the visionary it honors. With School Dekho, navigating scholarships is simple and stress-free. Head to School Dekho today for expert guidance, application tips, and more opportunities—unlock your potential now and step into success!
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