MahaDBT Tribal Freeship 2026 – Tuition Fee & Exam Fee Reimbursement for ST Students (Complete Guide)

Introduction / Overview

The MahaDBT Tribal Freeship 2026 is a state-sponsored fee reimbursement scheme offered through the MahaDBT portal under the Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra. This scholarship provides 100% reimbursement of tuition fees and examination fees for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who are enrolled in recognized post-matric programs in Maharashtra. MahaDBT

Unlike many other schemes that focus on low-income groups, the Tribal Freeship scheme often supports ST students regardless of income above ₹2.5 lakh, making it a valuable opportunity for tribal youth seeking financial relief on academic fees. MahaDBT

This guide covers eligibility, benefits, required documents, how to apply, key dates, renewal, common mistakes and FAQs for MahaDBT Tribal Freeship 2026.

What Is MahaDBT Tribal Freeship Scholarship?

The MahaDBT Tribal Freeship scheme reimburses the tuition fee and examination fee charged by the college or institution to ST students. The reimbursement is provided based on the approved fee structure of the respective institution for the current academic year. MahaDBT+1

This freeship is different from the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme (which requires lower income) and focuses specifically on fee reimbursement for tribal students studying after Class 10.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To be eligible for MahaDBT Tribal Freeship 2026, a student must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Category

• Must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. MahaDBT

  
  

2. Domicile

• Must be a resident of Maharashtra. Buddy4Study

3. Academic Level

• Enrolled in a post-matric course (courses after Class 10) at a recognized college or university in Maharashtra. Buddy4Study

4. Income Condition

• Unlike earlier scholarship components with strict income caps, the Tribal Freeship scheme is generally open for students even if their family’s annual income exceeds ₹2.50 lakh, provided they meet other criteria. MahaDBT

5. Renewal / Performance

• For renewal, the student must pass the previous academic year or semester. If a student fails in a year, the freeship benefit for that year may not be sanctioned. MahaDBT

Benefits of MahaDBT Tribal Freeship Scholarship 2026

Full Tuition Fee Reimbursement

The scheme reimburses 100% of the tuition fees charged by the institution as per the approved fee structure. MahaDBT

Exam Fee Reimbursement

Students also receive reimbursement for examination fees as charged by the college or university. MahaDBT

No Upper Limits on Fees

There is usually no fixed upper limit on the reimbursement amount — students are reimbursed for the actual approved fees. MahaDBT

Wide Eligibility

Even students whose family income is above ₹2.50 lakh per year may apply, making it broader in reach than many other scholarships. MahaDBT

These benefits significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education for tribal students pursuing degrees and professional courses. Buddy4Study

Required Documents for MahaDBT Tribal Freeship 2026

Before applying on the MahaDBT portal, applicants should prepare the following documents in digital (PDF/JPG) format:

• Aadhaar Card (Student)

• Caste Certificate (ST)

• Domicile Certificate (Maharashtra)

• Previous Year’s Marksheet (for renewal)

• Fee Receipt from the institute showing tuition and exam fees

• Bank Passbook (Aadhaar-linked account)

• CAP Admission Letter or college enrollment proof MahaDBT+1

Note: Some institutions may ask for additional documents at the time of verification.

How to Apply for MahaDBT Tribal Freeship 2026 (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps to apply online:

1. Visit the MahaDBT portal and log in or register with your Aadhaar number.

2. Complete your profile (personal, academic, bank details).

3. Select the Tribal Development Department from the list of departments.

4. Choose the scheme “Tuition Fee & Exam Fee for Tribal Students (Freeship)”.

5. Fill out the application details carefully.

6. Upload all required documents.

7. Submit the application and note the application ID.

8. Track the status from your MahaDBT dashboard. MahaDBT

Applications are verified by both the college and the department before the freeship is sanctioned.

Important Dates & Timeline (Expected 2026)

• Application Start: Typically from July–August 2026

• Last Date to Apply: Anticipated by March 31, 2026 (check MahaDBT portal for exact date)

• Verification Period: Following submission

• Reimbursement Disbursement: After approval within the academic year Buddy4Study

Always check the official MahaDBT portal for updates as dates may change.

Renewal Process

To continue receiving freeship benefits, students must renew the application each academic year, subject to:

• Passing the previous academic year/semester

• Uploading the updated marksheet

• Re-submitting all required documents MahaDBT

Failure to renew on time may lead to cancellation of benefits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Solution
Missing deadline	Apply well in advance
Incorrect documents	Upload clear, correct PDFs
Not completing profile	Fill academic and bank details before applying
Failed renewal	Pass previous year before renewal

Completing each step carefully helps avoid rejection or delays in approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the MahaDBT Tribal Freeship Scholarship 2026?

Only ST category students in Maharashtra studying post-matric courses are eligible. Buddy4Study

Is there an income limit for this freeship?

There is typically no strict upper income limit as long as other criteria are met. MahaDBT

What fees are reimbursed?

100% of tuition fees and examination fees as per the approved college fee structure. MahaDBT

Do students get maintenance allowance?

No. This scheme only covers tuition and exam fees; maintenance allowance is covered under other Tribal Development Department schemes. MahaDBT

Conclusion / Final Advice

The MahaDBT Tribal Freeship 2026 – Tuition Fee & Exam Fee Reimbursement is a powerful scheme to ease the financial load of higher education for ST students in Maharashtra. By covering both tuition and exam fees, it ensures that tribal students can pursue studies without worrying about fee payments.

Students should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, upload accurate documents, and apply before the deadline to maximize their chances of approval.