The Maharashtra government's MahaDBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) portal is the single online gateway through which eligible students across the state can apply for more than 50 scholarship, freeship, and fee-reimbursement schemes run by 11 different government departments. Instead of applying separately to each department, students fill one profile on MahaDBT and the portal automatically matches them to the schemes they qualify for, with the approved amount transferred directly into their bank account.
This guide covers what MahaDBT is, how the portal has changed for 2026-27, the eligibility and documents most schemes share, and a department-wise list of every scheme currently available.
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2026-27 Update: MahaDBT 2.0
- Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now processed on the upgraded MahaDBT 2.0 portal (mahadbt2.maharashtra.gov.in), not the older MahaDBT 1.0 site.
- The old MahaDBT 1.0 portal remains active only from 10–30 September 2026, and only to clear pending applications from the 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years.
- No new applications are being accepted on MahaDBT 1.0 — all fresh registrations and renewals must be done on MahaDBT 2.0.
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| MahaDBT Scholarship 2026-27 |
- Students who had a "Sent-Back" application on the old portal can find it available for re-submission on MahaDBT 2.0 after the data migration.
- Real-time Granular Application Tracking and a Citizen Charter (showing expected processing timelines per department) are now live on the portal.
If you started an application before this transition, check your status on MahaDBT 2.0 rather than the old link.
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MahaDBT Scholarship 2026-27: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | MahaDBT (Maharashtra IT Corporation's DBT Portal) Scholarship 2026-27 |
| Launched By | Government of Maharashtra |
| Current Portal | MahaDBT 2.0 (mahadbt2.maharashtra.gov.in) |
| Old Portal Status | Active only 10–30 Sept 2026, for pending 2023-24 to 2025-26 applications |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Beneficiaries | Students of Maharashtra |
| Departments Covered | 11 government departments |
| Total Schemes | 50+ scholarship, freeship &fee-reimbursement schemes |
| Objective | Financial assistance to complete education |
| Benefit Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to bank account |
| OTP Validity | 30 minutes |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Draft Save Option | Available |
| Official Website | mahadbt2.maharashtra.gov.in |
What Is MahaDBT and Who Can Apply?
MahaDBT is Maharashtra's unified DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) platform. Students who are permanent residents of Maharashtra, studying in a recognised school, college, or university (in-state or, for some schemes, outside the state), and who meet a scheme's specific caste, income, or merit criteria can apply. The portal covers Post-Matric scholarships, tuition/exam fee waivers (freeships), hostel/maintenance allowances, and vocational training fee reimbursements — bringing schemes that were once scattered across 11 separate departments onto one login, one profile, and one tracking system.
How to Register and Apply
- Visit the Official Portal at mahadbt2.maharashtra.gov.in and click New Applicant Registration.
- Verify your identity using your Aadhaar number (OTP or biometric authentication) or, if you don't have Aadhaar, through the non-Aadhaar registration flow using ID, address, and birth proof.
- Create your login (username, password) once your personal details are auto-populated from UIDAI.
- Complete your profile — Personal Details, Domicile, Income, Caste, Address, Parent/Guardian details, Qualification history, Hostel details, and Current Course. A completed profile is what lets the portal show you your Suggested Eligible Schemes automatically, so it's worth filling in fully before you start applying.
- Apply for a scheme from "All Schemes," fill the scheme-specific form, upload documents, and submit.
- Track your status anytime under "My Applied Scheme" — applications move through Submission → Scrutiny → Disbursement stages, viewable desk-by-desk (Institute, Administrative Officer, DDO).
Eligibility & Documents Most Schemes Share
Requirements vary by scheme, but the majority share this common base. Knowing these upfront saves time, since you can prepare most documents before even opening the portal.
Typical eligibility:
- Permanent resident (domicile) of Maharashtra
- Family/parental annual income within the scheme's limit (commonly ₹1 lakh, ₹1.5 lakh, ₹2.5 lakh, or ₹8 lakh, depending on category and course)
- Admission through the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) for professional courses
- No more than a 2-year academic gap; regular attendance/exam attempts required
- Usually limited to the first two children in a family (girls are often exempt from this cap)
Commonly required documents:
- Aadhaar Card and Ration Card
- Income Certificate (from Tehsildar/competent authority)
- Caste Certificate and Caste Validity Certificate (for reserved categories)
- Domicile/Residence Certificate
- Previous year's or SSC/HSC mark sheet
- Bank account details (Aadhaar-seeded)
- Bonafide/college admission receipt, CAP allotment letter (for professional courses)
- Hostel certificate or rent agreement (for hostel-based allowances)
Always check the specific scheme's page on the portal, since income limits, caste-validity requirements, and extra documents (e.g., disability certificate, father's death certificate, gap certificate) differ scheme to scheme.
Full List of Schemes by Department
1. Social Justice and Special Assistance Department (for SC/Navbouddha students)
This department runs the largest and oldest scholarship line under MahaDBT, aimed specifically at Scheduled Caste and Navbouddha students from post-matric level onward. Benefits scale by course group (A–E) and by whether the student lives in a hostel, with additional top-up allowances for students with disabilities.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Government of India Post-Matric Scholarship | Monthly maintenance allowance (₹230–₹1,200 depending on group/hosteller status) for 10 months |
| Post-Matric Tuition Fee & Exam Fee (Freeship) | Full tuition + exam fee reimbursement |
| Maintenance Allowance for Professional Courses | ₹5,000–₹10,000/year based on course length and hostel status |
| Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship | ₹300/month for 11th-12th (75%+ in SSC) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship for Persons with Disability | Maintenance allowance + extra disability-linked allowances |
| Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement (SC) | 100% fee reimbursement via ITI/PPP admissions |
2. Tribal Development Department (for ST students)
Designed for Scheduled Tribe students, this department mirrors much of the Social Justice department's structure but adds dedicated vocational-education fee and maintenance tracks, recognising that many ST students pursue diploma and ITI-level courses alongside conventional degrees.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship (GOI) | Similar structure to SC scheme, group-wise monthly allowance |
| Tuition & Exam Fee Freeship | Full fee reimbursement (income above ₹2.5L) |
| Vocational Education Fee Reimbursement | Full course fee for approved vocational courses |
| Vocational Education Maintenance Allowance | ₹5,000–₹10,000/year |
| Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement (ST) | Fee reimbursement via ITI/PPP |
3. Directorate of Higher Education (all categories, merit/need-based)
This is the broadest department on the portal, covering everything from need-based fee waivers to pure merit awards for toppers, defence-family concessions, and research fellowships — meaning students across almost every category and income bracket can find at least one relevant scheme here.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Fee Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition/exam fee (income ≤₹8L) |
| Assistance to Meritorious Students (Junior & Senior) | ₹1,600–₹72,000+ depending on course |
| Education Concession for Ex-Servicemen's Children | 100% admission, semester, library, lab fees |
| Eklavya Scholarship | ₹5,000/year (merit + income ≤₹75,000) |
| State Government Open Merit Scholarship | ₹100/month |
| Math/Physics Merit Scholarship | ₹100/month |
| Government Vidyaniketan Scholarship | ₹100/month |
| State Daxshina Adhichatra Scholarship (PG) | ₹250/month |
| Government Research Adhichatra (Ph.D.) | ₹750/month + ₹1,000/year |
| Freedom Fighters' Children Education Concession | ₹50–60/month + book allowance |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University Scholarship | ₹8,000/month + ₹10,000/year |
| Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Allowance (DHE) | ₹8,000–₹30,000/year based on income/city |
4. Directorate of Technical Education
For students in diploma, engineering, and other technical streams under this Directorate, two flagship schemes cover both the fee side and the hostel-living-cost side of education.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Fee Scholarship (EBC) | 50% tuition + 50% exam fee |
| Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Allowance (DTE) | ₹8,000–₹30,000/year |
5. School Education and Sports Department
Aimed at students in Classes 11 and 12, this department's two schemes reward both open merit and economic need at the junior college level, encouraging students to continue into higher education right after SSC.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Open Merit Scholarship (Junior College) | ₹50/month (11th-12th, 60%+ in SSC) |
| Merit Scholarship for Economically Backward Students | ₹80–₹160/month (hosteller/day scholar, boy/girl) |
6. OBC, SEBC, VJNT & SBC Welfare Department
Serving Other Backward Classes, Vimukta Jati/Nomadic Tribes, and Special Backward Classes, this department offers a near-complete mirror of the SC/ST scheme structure — Post-Matric scholarships, freeships, hostel allowances, and merit awards — plus dedicated schemes for girls in professional courses.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Post-Matric Scholarship (VJNT / OBC / SBC) | Group-wise monthly maintenance (₹90–₹425) |
| Tuition & Exam Fee Schemes (VJNT / OBC / SBC) | Full/partial fee reimbursement (income ≤₹8L) |
| Maintenance Allowance – Professional Course Hostellers (VJNT/SBC) | ₹5,000–₹10,000/year |
| Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship (11th-12th, VJNT/SBC) | ₹300/month |
| Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement | 80% of fee differential |
| Scholarships for OBC Girls in Professional Courses | Tuition/exam fee reimbursement |
7. Directorate of Medical Education and Research
Specifically for MBBS, BDS, and allied health science students, this department reimburses the large fee gap common in private medical and dental colleges, with a separate 100% scheme for girls under the Shahu Maharaj scholarship umbrella.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Fee Reimbursement (MBBS/BDS etc.) | 50% of tuition + development fee |
| Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Allowance | ₹2,000–₹30,000/year |
| Fee Reimbursement for Open Category (SEBC/EWS-affected) | Difference between private and government fee |
| Girls' Tuition/Exam Fee Reimbursement (100%) | Full tuition + exam fee |
8. Minority Development Department
Covering Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Jain, Parsi, and Jewish students, this department funds both general degree courses and higher technical/medical education, with the scholarship amount typically capped at either a fixed sum or the actual course fee, whichever is lower.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| State Minority Scholarship Part II (DHE) | Up to ₹5,000/year |
| Minority Scholarship – Technical Courses (DTE) | Up to ₹25,000/year |
| Minority Scholarship – Medical/Health Courses (DMER) | Up to ₹25,000/year |
| Minority Scholarship – MCAER Courses | Course-fee based |
9. Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Department
Targeted at students in ITI and skill-training programmes, this department bridges the cost gap between government and private industrial training institutes, and separately supports trainees with a monthly stipend during their course.
| Scheme Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Vocational Training Fee Reimbursement (Open/EWS) | Fee difference (govt vs. private ITI) |
| ITI Craftsman Training Stipend | ₹500/month |
10. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri / Directorate of Art / MAFSU Nagpur
Each of these three bodies — the agricultural university, the arts directorate, and the veterinary/fisheries university — runs its own localised version of the same two standard schemes, adapted to its own student population:
- Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Fee Scholarship (EBC): 50% tuition + exam fee for professional courses (income ≤₹8L)
- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Hostel Allowance (AGR / DOA / MAFSU): ₹8,000–₹30,000/year based on parental occupation/income and city
Scholarship Amounts and Renewal Notes
- Amounts are fixed by Government Resolution (GR) and are revised periodically — always confirm the current rate on the scheme's page rather than relying on older articles.
- Most Post-Matric schemes pay for 10 months of the academic year.
- Renewal generally requires passing the previous year's exam with the scheme's minimum required percentage (varies from 50% to 65%).
- A student who fails is usually not eligible for that year's benefit but can resume once promoted — except in select "Group A" categories, where one failure is tolerated.
How to Track Your Application
- Log in to MahaDBT 2.0 with your registered ID.
- Go to Track Application / My Applied Scheme.
- Select the Scheme Type, Department, and Scheme Name.
View real-time status across three stages: Application Submission → Scrutiny → Disbursement, with desk-level detail (Institute Principal, Administrative Officer, DDO).
Conclusion
With more than 50 schemes spread across 11 departments, MahaDBT can look overwhelming at first glance — but the system is built so that a single, well-filled profile does most of the matching work for you. The biggest change for 2026-27 is the shift to MahaDBT 2.0, so make sure any new application, renewal, or status check happens there rather than on the retired MahaDBT 1.0 link. Keep your core documents (Aadhaar, income and caste certificates, mark sheets, bank details) ready in advance, check the exact income limit and amount for your specific scheme before applying, and you'll be able to move from registration to disbursement with far less back-and-forth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is MahaDBT?
MahaDBT is the Maharashtra government's single online portal that brings together scholarship, freeship, and fee-reimbursement schemes from 11 different state departments. Instead of visiting separate department offices, a student creates one profile, applies through one system, and receives the approved benefit directly in their bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer — which is where the portal gets its name.
Q. Who can apply for MahaDBT scholarships?
Any student who is a permanent resident of Maharashtra and is currently enrolled in an eligible school, college, or university can apply, provided they meet the specific caste, income, and merit conditions of the scheme they're targeting. Some schemes are open to all categories, while others are restricted to SC, ST, OBC, VJNT, SBC, minority, or economically weaker sections, so it's worth checking a scheme's eligibility page carefully rather than assuming general eligibility applies everywhere.
Q. Do I need to apply on MahaDBT 2.0 or the old portal?
For the 2026-27 academic year, all new applications and renewals must be submitted on MahaDBT 2.0 (mahadbt2.maharashtra.gov.in). The older MahaDBT 1.0 portal is being kept alive only for a short window — 10 to 30 September 2026 — and solely to let students clear pending applications from the 2023-24 through 2025-26 academic years. If you're applying fresh for this year, the old link will not accept your submission.
Q. How long is the OTP valid during registration or login?
The OTP sent to your registered mobile number during Aadhaar verification or login remains valid for 30 minutes. If it expires before you enter it, you'll need to request a new one rather than reusing the old code.
Q. How will I know if the scholarship amount has actually reached my account?
Because MahaDBT transfers funds directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account, the fastest way to get confirmed is by keeping your mobile number updated with your bank. Once the amount is credited, your bank sends an automatic SMS alert, so there's no need to keep manually checking your passbook or the portal for a "money sent" notification.
Q. Can I save my application halfway and finish it later?
Yes. The portal allows you to save a partially filled application in draft mode, so you don't have to complete every section in one sitting. This is particularly useful when a document isn't ready yet — you can save your progress, gather the missing paper, and return to submit later, as long as you do so before the scheme's deadline closes.
Q. What happens if I fail an exam while receiving a scholarship?
In most schemes, failing an academic year means you lose that specific year's benefit — the scholarship or freeship simply isn't paid for the year you failed. However, you generally aren't permanently disqualified; once you clear the exam and get promoted to the next class or year, you become eligible again. A small number of schemes, particularly in "Group A" professional courses, allow one failure without losing future eligibility, but a second failure usually ends it.
Q. Can students studying outside Maharashtra apply?
It depends entirely on the scheme. Some schemes under the Directorate of Higher Education explicitly allow Maharashtrian students studying outside the state to apply, while many caste-based welfare schemes (VJNT, SBC, certain minority and merit scholarships) restrict eligibility to students studying within Maharashtra only. Always check the individual scheme's eligibility clause rather than assuming your out-of-state admission automatically qualifies or disqualifies you.
Q. Is there a limit on how many children from one family can get a scholarship?
Yes, a large number of schemes cap benefits at the first two children in a family for a given academic year. This rule commonly appears in tuition-fee and hostel-allowance schemes, though many schemes explicitly exempt girls from this two-child cap, allowing any number of daughters in the family to apply.
Q. What documents should I keep ready before starting an application?
While exact requirements vary, having these ready in advance covers most schemes: Aadhaar card, ration card, income certificate from a competent authority, caste and caste-validity certificates (for reserved categories), domicile certificate, previous year's or SSC/HSC mark sheet, bank account details linked to Aadhaar, and your college's bonafide or admission receipt. Keeping scanned copies ready before you begin the online form saves a lot of back-and-forth during submission.