The Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2024 is a government initiative by the Maharashtra state to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Maratha community. By covering tuition and exam fees, this scholarship aims to ensure that students can pursue higher education without financial constraints. In this guide, we’ll explore the scholarship’s eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and important deadlines to help Maharashtra students apply effectively.
Overview of the Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2024
| Scholarship Name | Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2024 |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Government of Maharashtra |
| Beneficiaries | Economically weak students from the Maratha community |
| Objective | Financial assistance for higher education |
| Application Mode | Online through MahaDBT portal |
| Official Website | MahaDBT |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2024 |
The Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship is open to residents of Maharashtra enrolled in professional and non-professional courses approved by the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE). The scholarship offers full or partial coverage of tuition and exam fees based on the student’s family income and the type of institution.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2024, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residence: The applicant must be a domicile of Maharashtra or belong to the border region between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Community: Only students from the Maratha community are eligible.
- Education Level: Applicants must be studying in Class 12 or have already passed the Class 12 Board Examination.
- Course Requirements: The student should be enrolled in either a professional or non-professional course approved by the Directorate of Higher Education in a government-aided or unaided institution.
- Family Income: The applicant’s family income must not exceed INR 8,00,000 per annum.
- General Quota Admission: The student must have been admitted to the course through the general quota.
- Number of Children: Only the first two children of a family are eligible for the scholarship.
- Course Type: Students pursuing part-time, distance learning, or correspondence courses are not eligible.
Important Note
The scholarship does not apply to students receiving financial assistance from other government schemes. A student must also not have more than a two-year education gap to be eligible.
Rewards and Benefits
The Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship provides a variety of financial benefits to support students’ educational expenses:
| Student’s Income Level | Type of Institution | Tuition Coverage | Exam Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual income under INR 2,50,000 | Government-aided or non-government-aided | 100% | 50% for professional courses, 100% for non-professional courses |
| Annual income under INR 2,50,000 | Partially-aided or unaided institutions | 50% | 50% for professional courses, 100% for non-professional courses |
| Annual income INR 2,50,000 – INR 8,00,000 | All institutions | 50% | 50% for professional courses, 100% for non-professional courses |
Additional benefits include:
- Books and Stationery Allowance: INR 5,000 per annum
- Education Expense: INR 5,000 for non-professional courses
- Exam Fees Coverage: 50% for professional courses and 100% for non-professional courses
How to Apply for the Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2024
To apply for the scholarship, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the MahaDBT Portal
Go to the MahaDBT website and click on “New Applicant Registration.”
Step 2: Register and Verify
Complete the registration form with your details. You will need to verify your email ID and mobile number. Then, authenticate your Aadhaar number through OTP or biometric verification.
Step 3: Log In and Fill Out the Application
Once registered, log in to your account using the provided credentials. Fill out the application form, providing personal details, communication details, and academic information.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Attach the necessary documents, such as:
- Domicile Certificate
- Income Certificate
- Previous Year’s Marksheet
- Family Declaration Certificate (confirming the two-child policy)
- CAP-Related Document (for specific courses like B.Ed. and Law)
- Attendance Certificate
Step 5: Submit the Application
Review your application carefully, then click “Submit.” You may also download a copy for future reference.
Step 6: Application Status
Applicants can log in to the portal to check the status of their application and any further requirements.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | Ongoing |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2024 |
| Renewal Application Deadline | October 20, 2024 |
Terms and Conditions
- Renewal Requirement: Students who received the scholarship previously must apply for renewal each year.
- Attendance: Students must attend all annual or semester exams to retain eligibility.
- No Double Benefits: Recipients of other scholarships or stipends are not eligible for this scholarship.
- Two-Year Gap: Students with more than a two-year gap in their education are not eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is eligible for the Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship?
A1: The scholarship is open to Maharashtra residents from the Maratha community who are enrolled in government-approved professional or non-professional courses, have a family income under INR 8,00,000, and meet other specified eligibility requirements.
Q2: How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?
A2: The scholarship offers up to 100% tuition and exam fee coverage for eligible students, along with additional allowances such as INR 5,000 for books and stationery.
Q3: What is the last date to apply for the Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2024?
A3: The last date for application submission is March 31, 2024. Applicants are encouraged to complete the process before this deadline.
Q4: Can I apply for this scholarship if I am already receiving another scholarship?
A4: No, students receiving financial aid from other scholarships are not eligible for the Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship.
Conclusion
The Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Scholarship 2024 serves as a vital resource for economically challenged students from Maharashtra’s Maratha community. By providing extensive financial support, including tuition, exam fee coverage, and additional allowances, the Maharashtra government ensures that eligible students can pursue higher education without financial barriers. Through this scholarship, students are empowered to achieve their academic goals and contribute to society.