Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna : Eligibility, Benefits, Apply Process

The Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna is one of the most significant scholarship programs offered by the Government of Maharashtra for students belonging to the Economically Backward Class (EBC) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS). Managed primarily by the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), this scheme reimburses tuition fees and examination fees for students pursuing Diploma, Graduation, and Post Graduation level professional and non-professional courses across the state.

What makes this scholarship particularly important is its wide reach. It is not limited to a single department. Multiple departments, including the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), Directorate of Art (DOA), Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), Mahatma Phule Krushi Vidyapeeth Rahuri (MPKVR), and Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), operate their own versions of this scholarship under the same umbrella scheme. This means whether you are studying Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Arts, or any other recognized professional course in Maharashtra, there is a version of this scholarship that applies to you.

The entire application and disbursement process is handled through the MahaDBT (Maharashtra Direct Benefit Transfer) portal, and the scholarship amount is transferred directly into the student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account in two installments. The scheme operates under multiple Government Resolutions (GRs) dated 07 October 2017, 01 March 2018, 31 March 2018, 11 July 2019, and 08 July 2024, which define its eligibility, benefits structure, and operational guidelines.

Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna, Overview

What is Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna?

The Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna is a state-level scholarship scheme of the Government of Maharashtra designed specifically for students from the Economically Backward Class (EBC) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS). The core purpose of this scheme is to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent deserving students from pursuing higher education in Maharashtra.

Under this scholarship, the government reimburses a significant portion, and in many cases the full amount, of tuition fees and examination fees for students enrolled in recognized Diploma, Degree, and Post Graduate courses. The reimbursement percentage depends on two key factors: the type of course (professional or non-professional) and the annual family income of the applicant.

This is not a fixed-amount scholarship. Instead of giving every student the same sum, the scheme covers a percentage of actual fees charged by the institution, which makes it far more practical and valuable compared to many other state scholarships. For students in non-professional courses with family income up to Rs. 8 Lakh, the reimbursement can go up to 100% of tuition fees and 100% of exam fees. For professional courses, the reimbursement structure varies based on income slabs and the type of institution.

The scheme covers courses approved by recognized regulatory bodies including UGC, AICTE, PCI (Pharmacy Council of India), COA (Council of Architecture), MCI (Medical Council of India), and NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education). This broad coverage means students across Engineering, Medical, Pharmacy, Architecture, Education, Arts, Science, Commerce, Agriculture, and several other disciplines can benefit from this scholarship.

Objective of the Scheme

The primary objective of the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna is to remove financial barriers that prevent EBC/EWS students from accessing quality higher education. Maharashtra has a large number of professional and non-professional colleges, both government-aided and private, and the cost of education in many of these institutions can be a serious burden for families earning less than Rs. 8 Lakh per year.

By covering tuition and examination fees, the scheme directly reduces the financial pressure on such families, allowing students to focus on their academics and career development rather than worrying about how to pay their next semester’s fees. The scheme also aims to improve the overall literacy rate and skill development among the economically weaker population of Maharashtra, making them self-reliant and capable of contributing meaningfully to the state’s economy.

Which Departments Operate This Scheme?

One of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of this scholarship is that it is not run by a single department. While the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) is the most well-known implementing body, the same scheme operates across six different departments, each catering to students in their respective domains.

1. Directorate of Higher Education (DHE): This is the primary department for the scheme, covering students in non-professional and professional courses under universities and government-aided colleges. Students pursuing BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA, M.Com, M.Sc, B.Ed, Law, and similar courses through DHE-recognized institutions apply under this department.

2. Directorate of Technical Education (DTE): Students admitted to engineering, polytechnic, pharmacy, architecture, and other technical diploma/degree/postgraduate programs through DTE’s CAP process apply under this department.

3. Directorate of Art (DOA): Students pursuing art-related courses under institutions governed by the Directorate of Art apply through this department.

4. Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU): Students enrolled in veterinary science, fishery science, and animal husbandry courses under MAFSU apply here.

5. Mahatma Phule Krushi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (MPKVR): Students admitted in agriculture-related degree and postgraduate programs under this agricultural university use this department’s version of the scheme.

6. Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER): Medical and dental students admitted through DMER’s centralized admission process can apply under this department.

The eligibility conditions and benefits structure remain largely the same across all departments, but students must apply under the correct department on the MahaDBT portal based on the institution and course they are enrolled in.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna, applicants must meet all of the following conditions. Missing even one criterion can lead to rejection of the application, so students should verify each point carefully before applying.

1. Indian Nationality: The applicant must be a citizen of India. Foreign nationals and NRIs are not eligible for this scheme.

2. Maharashtra Domicile: The candidate must be a domicile of Maharashtra state. A valid domicile certificate issued by an authorized government official is required as proof. Students from the Maharashtra-Karnataka border area are also eligible to apply under this scheme.

3. Bonafide Student of a Recognized Institution: The applicant must be a bonafide student of the institute where they are currently enrolled. A bonafide certificate from the institution is mandatory at the time of application.

4. Admission Through Centralized Admission Process (CAP): This is one of the most critical eligibility conditions that many students overlook. The candidate must have been admitted through the CAP round conducted by the respective department (DTE, DHE, etc.). Students who have taken direct admission or management quota admission are not eligible under this scheme.

5. Recognized Course Enrollment: The student must be enrolled in a professional or non-professional course at the Diploma, Graduation, or Post Graduation level, as mentioned in the Government Resolution. Courses approved by UGC, AICTE, PCI, COA, MCI, NCTE, and other recognized regulatory bodies are eligible.

6. Institution Type Restriction: The scheme is applicable for students studying in Government, Government-Aided, and recognized private (unaided) colleges. However, students enrolled in Deemed Universities and Private Universities are NOT eligible. This is a major exclusion that students should be aware of before applying.

7. Family Income Limit: The total annual income of the applicant’s family or guardian must not exceed Rs. 8 Lakh. An income certificate of the previous financial year, issued by an authorized government official, is required as proof.

8. Maximum Two Children Per Family: Only the first two children from a single family can avail the benefit of this scholarship in a given academic year. If a family has three or more children in college, only two of them can receive this scholarship simultaneously.

9. No Other Scholarship or Stipend: The applicant must not be receiving benefits from any other scholarship, stipend, or fee reimbursement scheme for the same course. Dual benefits are not allowed. The only exception is the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship for VJNT and SBC category students, which can be availed alongside this scheme.

10. Admission Category: Students admitted under the General category or Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) category are eligible. Students from SC, ST, OBC, and other reserved categories who already receive category-specific scholarships from their respective departments should check whether dual benefits are permissible before applying.

11. No Gap of 2 or More Years: The student must not have a gap of two or more years at any point during the course duration. If a gap exists, appropriate documentation explaining the reason must be submitted.

12. Minimum 50% Attendance: For renewal applicants (students continuing from the previous year), a minimum of 50% attendance in the previous semester is required. This condition does not apply to fresh college admissions in the first semester.

13. All Exams Attempted: The applicant must have appeared for all annual or semester examinations in the previous academic year. Students who skipped or did not appear for any exam may be considered ineligible for renewal.

14. Mode of Study: Only full-time, regular students are eligible. Students enrolled in distance learning, virtual learning, or part-time courses are not eligible for this scholarship.

Benefits and Fee Reimbursement Structure

The Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna does not offer a flat scholarship amount. Instead, it reimburses a percentage of the actual tuition fees and examination fees charged by the institution. The reimbursement percentage varies based on three factors: the applicant’s family income, the type of course (professional or non-professional), and the type of institution (government, non-government, partially aided, or permanent unaided).

Tuition Fee Reimbursement for Professional Courses

Tuition Fee Reimbursement for Non-Professional Courses

Examination Fee Reimbursement

Key points to understand about the benefits:

Students in non-professional courses (like BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA, etc.) get the best deal under this scheme, with 100% tuition fee reimbursement regardless of institution type, as long as their family income is within the Rs. 8 Lakh limit. Even their examination fees are fully covered at 100%.

For professional courses (Engineering, Medical, Pharmacy, Law, Architecture, B.Ed, etc.), students from families earning up to Rs. 2.5 Lakh get 100% tuition reimbursement in government and non-government colleges, but only 50% in partially aided and permanent unaided institutions. If the family income is between Rs. 2.5 Lakh and Rs. 8 Lakh, all professional course students receive 50% tuition reimbursement regardless of institution type. Professional course students also get only 50% of their examination fees reimbursed.

The scholarship amount is transferred in two installments directly to the student’s bank account that is linked with their Aadhaar number through the MahaDBT portal.

Required Documents

Applicants must keep the following documents ready before starting their online application on the MahaDBT portal. Uploading incorrect or incomplete documents is one of the most common reasons for application rejection.

1. Domicile Certificate: Issued by an authorized government official of Maharashtra. This is mandatory to prove that the applicant is a resident of Maharashtra state.

2. Annual Income Certificate: Income certificate of the previous financial year, issued by a Tehsildar or an authorized revenue officer. The income mentioned must be within the Rs. 8 Lakh limit.

3. Aadhaar Card: A valid Aadhaar card is required for identity verification and for linking the bank account for DBT transfer.

4. Bank Passbook or Account Details: The bank account must be in the applicant’s name and linked with their Aadhaar number. The first page of the passbook showing the account number, IFSC code, and account holder’s name should be uploaded.

5. Previous Year Marksheet: The marksheet of the last qualifying examination or the previous semester/year must be uploaded. Fresh students should upload their 12th or diploma marksheet as applicable.

6. Bonafide Certificate: This certificate must be issued by the current educational institution confirming that the student is a bonafide student of the college for the current academic year.

7. CAP Allotment Letter / Related Document: Since CAP admission is mandatory, the allotment letter or any document proving that the student was admitted through the Centralized Admission Process must be uploaded. This is particularly important for B.Ed, Law, M.P.Ed, and B.P.Ed students.

8. Family Declaration Certificate (Two Children Declaration): A declaration from the family stating that no more than two children from the family are availing this scholarship benefit. This is a mandatory document.

9. Attendance Certificate: For renewal applicants, an attendance certificate from the institution confirming that the student maintained at least 50% attendance in the previous semester is required.

10. Gap Certificate (If Applicable): If there is any gap in the applicant’s education, a document explaining the reason for the gap must be submitted. Remember, a gap of 2 or more years makes the applicant ineligible.

11. Caste Certificate (If Applicable): Students applying under the SEBC category or any reserved category should upload a valid caste certificate issued by the competent authority.

How to Apply for Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna

The entire application process for this scholarship is conducted online through the MahaDBT portal (mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in). Students who are applying for the first time need to register on the portal first. Students who already have an account from the previous year can log in directly and apply for renewal. Here is the complete step-by-step process.

Step 1: Visit the Official MahaDBT Portal. Open the website mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in in your browser. This is the only official portal for this scholarship. Do not apply through any third-party website.

Step 2: New User Registration. If you are a first-time applicant, click on the “New Applicant Registration” button on the right side of the dashboard. You will be asked to complete Aadhaar-based registration. Select “Yes” for Aadhaar-based registration, enter your Aadhaar card number, and verify it using the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 3: Create Login Credentials. After Aadhaar authentication, you will be asked to create a username and password for your MahaDBT account. Choose a username you can remember easily and set a strong password. Also verify your email ID and mobile number during this process.

Step 4: Log In to Your Account. Once registration is complete, click on “Applicant Login” on the dashboard. Enter the username and password you created in the previous step, enter the security captcha, and log in.

Step 5: Complete Your Profile. After logging in, you will see a profile section that has six tabs to complete: Personal Information, Current and Permanent Address, Other Information, Educational Qualification Details, Current Course Information, and Past Course Details. Fill in all six tabs accurately and save each section.

Step 6: Select the Correct Scheme. Navigate to the scheme selection section and select “Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna (EBC)” under the correct department. Make sure you choose the right department based on your institution, whether it is DHE, DTE, DOA, MAFSU, MPKVR, or DMER.

Step 7: Upload Required Documents. Upload all the required documents as listed in the documents section above. Ensure each document is clear, legible, and in the correct format (PDF or image as specified by the portal). Pay special attention to the family declaration certificate about two children and the CAP allotment letter, as these are commonly missed by applicants.

Step 8: Review and Submit. Carefully review all the information you have entered, including personal details, educational details, course information, and uploaded documents. Once you are satisfied that everything is accurate, click the “Submit” button to complete your application.

Step 9: Track Your Application. After submission, you can track the status of your application through your MahaDBT dashboard. The application goes through verification at the institution level and then at the department level before the scholarship is approved and disbursed.

For Renewal Applicants: Students who received this scholarship in the previous year can apply for renewal by logging into their existing MahaDBT account and selecting the renewal option. Make sure your attendance certificate and latest marksheet are ready for upload. The renewal is subject to the condition that you have attempted all exams and maintained the required attendance.

Selection Process

The selection of candidates for the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna is straightforward and merit-based only in the sense that it is purely eligibility-driven. There is no competitive exam or ranking involved. If a student meets all the eligibility criteria and submits a complete application with valid documents, they are selected for the scholarship.

The verification happens at two levels. First, the educational institution verifies the student’s enrollment, attendance, and academic records. Second, the concerned department (DHE, DTE, etc.) verifies the income certificate, domicile, and other documents. Once both levels of verification are cleared, the scholarship is approved and the amount is disbursed to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account in two installments.

Important Terms and Conditions

Students should be aware of the following terms and conditions that apply to this scholarship.

1. Students who received the scholarship in the previous academic year can apply for renewal, provided they meet all eligibility conditions for the current year as well.

2. There must be no educational gap of 2 or more years at any point during the course. If a student takes a break from studies for more than 2 years, they become ineligible.

3. The applicant must have appeared for all scheduled annual or semester examinations. Skipping an exam without valid reason can result in disqualification.

4. Only 2 children from a family can receive this scholarship in any given academic year. Families with more than 2 children in college need to choose which 2 will apply.

5. The scholarship benefit is strictly for students admitted through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP). Management quota, institutional quota, or direct admissions are not covered.

6. Deemed Universities and Private Universities are excluded from this scheme.

7. Students enrolled in distance education, virtual learning, or part-time programs are not eligible.

8. Providing false information or forged documents will result in immediate disqualification and may lead to legal action.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna?

It is a scholarship scheme by the Government of Maharashtra that reimburses tuition fees and examination fees for EBC/EWS students pursuing Diploma, Graduation, and Post Graduation courses. The scheme is managed through the MahaDBT portal and covers both professional and non-professional courses.

Who can apply for this scholarship?

Students who are domicile of Maharashtra, enrolled in a recognized Diploma/Degree/PG course through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP), and whose annual family income does not exceed Rs. 8 Lakh can apply. The applicant must be studying in a Government, Government-Aided, or recognized private college (not a Deemed or Private University).

How much scholarship amount will I receive?

The amount depends on your course type and family income. For non-professional courses, students get up to 100% tuition fee and 100% exam fee reimbursement. For professional courses, students from families earning up to Rs. 2.5 Lakh get 100% tuition reimbursement in government colleges and 50% in unaided colleges. Between Rs. 2.5 Lakh and Rs. 8 Lakh income, professional course students get 50% tuition reimbursement. Exam fees for professional courses are reimbursed at 50%.

Can students from Deemed University or Private University apply?

No. Students enrolled in Deemed Universities and Private Universities are not eligible for this scholarship. Only students in Government, Government-Aided, and recognized private (unaided) colleges can apply.

Is CAP admission mandatory for this scholarship?

Yes. Admission through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) is a mandatory requirement. Students who got admission through management quota, direct admission, or any non-CAP process cannot apply.

How many children from one family can avail this scholarship?

A maximum of 2 children from a single family can receive this scholarship in any academic year. A family declaration certificate about the two-children limit must be submitted with the application.

Can I apply if I am already receiving another scholarship?

No. Students already receiving any other scholarship or stipend for the same course are not eligible. The only exception is the Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship for VJNT and SBC category students, which can be availed alongside this scheme.

How is the scholarship amount disbursed?

The scholarship amount is transferred in two installments directly to the student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the MahaDBT portal. Both the bank account and Aadhaar must be linked for DBT transfer.

Can I renew this scholarship for the next year?

Yes. Students who received this scholarship in the previous year can apply for renewal, provided they have maintained at least 50% attendance, appeared for all scheduled exams, and do not have a gap of 2 or more years in their education.

Are distance learning or part-time students eligible?

No. Only full-time regular students are eligible. Students in distance education, virtual learning, or part-time programs cannot apply for this scholarship.

Under which department should I apply?

This depends on your institution and course. Engineering/Polytechnic students apply under DTE, medical students under DMER, agriculture students under MPKVR or MAFSU, art students under DOA, and general degree/PG students under DHE. Select the correct department on the MahaDBT portal based on your course.

What is the last date to apply?

The application deadline varies each academic year and may differ by department. Students should regularly check the MahaDBT portal for the latest dates. For the recent academic sessions, the portal has accepted applications until March-June of the following year.

Conclusion

The Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Shishyavrutti Yojna is one of the most comprehensive fee reimbursement scholarships available for EBC and EWS students in Maharashtra. With coverage spanning multiple departments, both professional and non-professional courses, and reimbursement rates going up to 100% of tuition and exam fees, this scheme provides genuine financial relief to thousands of students every year.

The most important things to remember are that CAP admission is mandatory, Deemed and Private Universities are excluded, only 2 children per family can avail the benefit, and the application must be submitted through the official MahaDBT portal with all correct documents. Students who meet all eligibility conditions should apply as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.

For any queries or issues related to the application, students can contact the Department of Higher Education, Government of Maharashtra at 411, Fourth Floor, Mantralaya Annex, Madam Cama Road, Nariman Point, Mumbai, 400032, or call (022) 22025301.

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