MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026 – Merit Criteria, Income Limit & Amount Explained

Introduction on MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026

The MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026 (Economically Backward Class) is a financial assistance program offered through the Maharashtra Direct Benefit Transfer (MahaDBT) portal to support economically disadvantaged students in Maharashtra pursuing higher or professional education.

This detailed blog explains the eligibility criteria, income limits, benefits, documents required, application process, deadlines, common mistakes, and tips to maximize your chances of approval for the MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026.

What Is the MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026?

The MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026 is intended for students from economically backward classes who are enrolled in post-matric or professional courses. It offers financial support for tuition fee reimbursement, maintenance allowances, or combined benefits depending on the student’s educational level and institution type. This support helps ensure continued education without undue financial strain.

Eligibility Criteria for MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026

1. Maharashtra Domicile

Applicants must be residents of the state of Maharashtra and should possess a valid Maharashtra domicile certificate.

2. Economically Backward Class (EBC) Status

Students must belong to the general EBC category, defined by the state government as families with lower economic resources. For many EBC schemes, the family annual income limit is up to ₹8,00,000 per year.

3. Academic Requirements

• For most EBC scholarships, applicants must be admitted to a recognized post-matric or professional course (e.g., graduation, diploma, engineering, medicine, arts, commerce) at an eligible institute.

• Admission should generally be through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP), merit list, or institute-level procedure as per the course requirement.

• Some schemes specify minimum attendance requirements (e.g., 50 % attendance in the previous academic year for continuing students).

4. No Other Full Scholarship Availment

Students should not be receiving any other equivalent financial scholarship or stipend simultaneously.

Income Limit Details

The income limit for the EBC scholarship under MahaDBT 2026 is typically set by the state government:

• Annual family income must not exceed ₹8,00,000 (eight lakh rupees) for eligibility under the EBC scheme.

  
  

This limit applies to all categories of students applying under the EBC criteria, including those in professional and non-professional courses.

Benefits of MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026

The benefits under this scholarship vary by department and course category but generally include:

1. Tuition Fee Reimbursement

• The scholarship may cover full or partial reimbursement of tuition fees paid to the educational institution.

2. Examination Fee Assistance

• Examination or enrolment fees required by the university/college may be reimbursed.

3. Maintenance and Other Allowances

• In certain cases, a monthly or yearly allowance is offered to support the student’s academic expenses.

4. Professional Course Support

• Students in professional courses like engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and management may receive additional allowances or enhanced fee coverage.

The exact benefit amounts are determined by the respective department and scholarship guidelines as published on the MahaDBT portal. 

Documents Required

Before applying, students should prepare the following documents:

• Maharashtra Domicile Certificate

• EBC or Income Certificate (showing annual family income)

• Aadhaar Card

• Educational Mark Sheets (last qualifying exam)

• Fee Receipts/Admission Proof

• Bank Passbook (Aadhaar-linked)

• CAP/CET Admission Letter (if applicable)

These documents must be uploaded during the online application process. Confirmation of the correct document format (PDF/JPG) is essential to avoid rejection.

Application Process on MahaDBT Portal

Step 1: Visit the Official MahaDBT Portal

Click the official Maharashtra scholarship portal: https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in 

Step 2: Register / Login

Create an account with your Aadhaar and mobile number or login if already registered.

Step 3: Complete Profile

Fill in personal details, educational history, and bank information. Make sure your bank account is Aadhaar-linked.

Step 4: Choose the Correct Scheme

Navigate to the “Find Eligible Schemes” section and select the EBC Scholarship 2026 option under the relevant department.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload your domicile, income certificate, mark sheets, fee receipts, and other documents as specified.

Step 6: Submit Application

Submit the form and note the Application ID to track status.

Step 7: Track Status

Use the portal dashboard to monitor application verification and approval.

Important Dates (Tentative for 2026)

Applications for the 2025–26 academic year began on June 30, 2025 with deadlines often extending towards March or November 2026 depending on the department and scheme. Always check the official portal for the latest dates as these can change annually.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Students often make these errors that delay approval:

• Uploading incorrect or unclear documents

• Selecting the wrong scholarship scheme

• Missing essential details like CAP/CET admission proof

• Not linking Aadhaar with bank account

• Applying after the deadline

Careful preparation and early application can avoid most issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible for the MahaDBT EBC Scholarship 2026?

Students must be Maharashtra domiciles, belong to the Economically Backward Class (EBC) category with family income ≤ ₹8,00,000, and be enrolled in a post-matric or professional course.

2. What is the income limit for EBC scholarship eligibility?

The family’s annual income must not exceed ₹8,00,000.

3. Can students get benefits for professional courses?

Yes, students admitted through CAP/CET or merit into professional courses can apply and receive fee reimbursement and allowances.

Call to Action – Official Links

• MahaDBT Scholarship Official Portal: https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in 

• Eligible Schemes Finder (Scheme Selection):  https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in/FindEligibleSchemes 

• Login/Register Page:  https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in/registrationlogin/registrationlogin