MahaDBT Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance 2026 for ST Students – Eligibility & Amount Explained

Introduction / Overview of the Scholarship

The MahaDBT Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance 2026 for ST students is a key financial assistance program provided by the Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, through the MahaDBT portal. This allowance helps Scheduled Tribe (ST) students who are enrolled in recognized vocational courses by reimbursing part of their maintenance costs such as books, lodging, food, travel, and study materials. The scheme’s primary goal is to reduce dropout rates and support continuation of vocational education by providing annual financial support. Buddy4Study

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

To qualify for the MahaDBT Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance 2026 for ST, students must meet all the following:

Category & Domicile

• Must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. Buddy4Study

• Must be a domicile (resident) of Maharashtra. Buddy4Study

Academic & Course Eligibility

• Must be enrolled in a recognized vocational training or vocational education course (duration 2 years or more). Buddy4Study

• Must have passed the previous year’s examination to be eligible for renewal of the allowance. Buddy4Study

Income Limit

• Annual family income must be less than or equal to ₹2,50,000. Buddy4Study

Note: Students who fail during the academic year do not receive the maintenance allowance for that specific year. Maha DBT Scholarship

Allowance Amount & How It Is Calculated

The maintenance allowance is determined based on course duration and residential status (hosteller / day scholar):

Course Duration	Hosteller (Per Year)	Day Scholar (Per Year)
4–5 years	₹7,000	₹10,000
2–3 years	₹5,000	₹7,000
Less than 2 years	₹5,000	₹5,000

This annual allowance is paid once per academic year and is meant to support living and study-related expenses for ST vocational students. Buddy4Study

Documents Required for Application

Before applying, students should prepare the following documents in digital format:

• Aadhaar Card (Applicant)

• Caste Certificate (ST)

• Income Certificate

• Domicile Certificate (Maharashtra)

• Previous Year’s Marksheet

• Caste Validity Certificate (issued by competent authority)

• Bonafide / Current College ID / Enrollment Proof

These documents must be uploaded during the application process on the MahaDBT portal. Buddy4Study

How to Apply on MahaDBT – Step-by-Step Process

1. Visit the MahaDBT Portal and log in or register using your Aadhaar details.

2. Complete your profile with personal, academic, and bank information.

3. Select the Tribal Development Department from the department list.

4. Choose the Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance scheme.

5. Fill in the application form carefully with accurate details.

6. Upload all required documents in the prescribed format.

7. Submit the application and save the application ID for tracking.

Students should ensure that all uploads are clear, correct, and readable to avoid delays during verification. Scholarships

Important Dates & Timeline (Expected 2026)

• Applications Open: Around July–August 2026

• Last Date to Apply: Typically 31st March 2026 (subject to annual notification)

• Verification by Tribal Development Department: After submission

• Disbursement: After verification and approval on the portal

Students should keep checking the MahaDBT portal for exact dates and updates each year. Buddy4Study

Renewal and Continuation Guidelines

Maintenance allowance benefits are available every academic year as long as:

✔ The student continues in the same vocational course

✔ The student passes the previous year’s (or semester) exams

✔ The income and domicile criteria remain unchanged

Failure to pass the previous academic year may result in loss of allowance for that year but students may apply again on progression. Maha DBT Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible for the Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance under MahaDBT?

ST students enrolled in recognized vocational courses, residents of Maharashtra, with an annual family income ≤ ₹2,50,000. Buddy4Study

Is the allowance different for hostellers and day scholars?

Yes, day scholars typically receive a higher allowance than hostellers for the same course duration. Buddy4Study

What happens if a student fails the year?

No allowance is paid for that particular year if a student fails the previous year’s exams. Maha DBT Scholarship

Can students apply after the last date?

No, applications are accepted only within the deadline; late submissions are usually not considered. Buddy4Study

Conclusion / Final Advice

The MahaDBT Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance 2026 for ST students is a valuable support system that helps reduce financial barriers for tribal students pursuing vocational education in Maharashtra. It ensures that students can focus on their studies and skill development without the stress of daily living costs. Eligible students should apply early, prepare all required documents, and track their applications regularly on the portal for best results.