Maintenance Allowance Scholarship on MahaDBT for Professional Courses 2026 – Full Details, Eligibility & How to Apply

Introduction / Overview of the Scholarship

The Maintenance Allowance Scholarship on MahaDBT for Professional Courses is a financial assistance scheme implemented by the Government of Maharashtra through the Social Justice & Special Assistance Department. The scholarship is designed to support students from reserved and economically weaker backgrounds who are pursuing professional and technical courses.

Unlike freeship or tuition fee reimbursement schemes, this scholarship focuses on providing monthly or annual maintenance allowance to help students manage day-to-day expenses such as food, accommodation, books, and travel. It is especially beneficial for hostellers and students studying away from home.

Students enrolled in engineering, medical, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, and other professional courses should strongly consider applying.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Academic Eligibility

• Must be studying in a professional or technical course

• Courses include:

  • Engineering

  • Medical & Dental

  • Pharmacy

  • Architecture

  • Management (MBA, MMS, etc.)

  • Law

  • Other recognized professional courses

Category Eligibility

• Scheduled Caste (SC)

• Neo-Buddhist

• Scheduled Tribe (specific variants)

• Other eligible categories as notified by the department

Income Limit

• Annual family income within limits prescribed by the scheme

• Income certificate is mandatory

Domicile Requirement

• Student must be a domicile of Maharashtra

Institution Eligibility

• Government colleges

• Government-aided colleges

• Recognized private institutions

Academic Conditions

• Must have passed the previous academic year

• Regular attendance is required

• Gap years may affect eligibility

Scholarship Benefits & Amount

Type of Benefit

• Maintenance allowance only

• No tuition fee reimbursement under this scheme

Allowance Structure

• Amount varies based on:

  • Hosteller or day scholar status

  • Course type

  • Student category

Payment Method

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

• Amount credited directly to student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account

Required Documents for Application

Students must upload the following documents on MahaDBT:

• Caste Certificate

• Caste Validity Certificate

• Income Certificate

• Domicile Certificate (if required)

• Aadhaar Card

• Bank Account Details (Aadhaar linked)

• College Bonafide Certificate

• Previous Year Marksheet

• Admission Proof / CAP Allotment Letter

• Hostel Certificate (if hosteller)

• Passport Size Photograph

How to Apply on MahaDBT (Step-by-Step Process)

1. Visit the MahaDBT portal

2. Register as a new user or log in

3. Complete profile details (personal, academic, bank)

4. Select Social Justice & Special Assistance Department

5. Choose Maintenance Allowance Scholarship for Professional Courses

6. Fill in the application form carefully

7. Upload all required documents

8. Submit the application

9. Track status regularly from dashboard

Important Dates & Application Timeline (Expected for 2026)

• Application Start Date: July–August 2026

• Last Date to Apply: October–November 2026

• Verification Period: After submission

• Disbursement Timeline: January–March 2027

(Exact dates will be updated on MahaDBT portal)

Selection Process & Verification

• Applications are verified by:

  • College / Institute authority

  • Department officials

• Selection is eligibility-based

• Common reasons for rejection:

  • Incorrect income certificate

  • Missing hostel proof

  • Wrong scheme selection

  • Incomplete profile

Renewal Process (If Applicable)

Students must renew the scholarship every academic year.

Renewal Conditions

• Must pass the previous year

• Must continue the same course

• Updated income certificate required

• Renewal through MahaDBT only

Common Problems & Solutions

Application Stuck at Institute Level

• Contact college scholarship officer

Payment Not Received

• Check DBT and Aadhaar-bank linkage

Document Rejection

• Upload clear, valid, and updated certificates

Scheme Not Visible

• Ensure correct department and course selection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this scholarship available for private college students?

Yes, if the college is recognized and eligible.

Is hostel mandatory?

No, but hostellers usually receive higher allowance.

Can I apply along with freeship or GOI scholarship?

Depends on scheme rules. Multiple benefits are usually not allowed.

CTA

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

• Social Justice Department: https://sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in

• Aadhaar Services: https://resident.uidai.gov.in

• DBT Payment Status: https://pfms.nic.in