Maharashtra Rajshri Shahu Scholarship — OBC Students

What is Rajshri Shahu Maharaj Scholarship?

Rajshri Shahu Maharaj Scholarship is Maharashtra's post-matric scholarship scheme for OBC (Other Backward Class), VJNT (Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes), and SBC (Special Backward Class) students pursuing education from Class 11 onwards. Named after the progressive Maharaja of Kolhapur, the scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a maintenance allowance.

Key Benefits

Maintenance Allowance (Approximate)

Who is Eligible?

• OBC / VJNT / SBC caste certificate holder (Maharashtra)
• Studying in Class 11 and above in a recognized Maharashtra institution
• Family income: ₹1 lakh/year or below for most components
  • State-funded top-up may cover up to ₹8 lakh for some categories
• Must not be receiving another full scholarship simultaneously

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar card
2. OBC/VJNT/SBC caste certificate (from SDO/Tehsildar)
3. Non-creamy layer certificate (dated within 1 year — for OBC)
4. Income certificate (from SDO/Tehsildar)
5. Fee receipt from college (current year)
6. Bonafide certificate from institution
7. Previous year mark sheet
8. Bank passbook — student's Aadhaar-linked
9. Photograph

How to Apply

Step 1 — Online at Maharashtra Scholarship Portal

Go to mahaeschol.maharashtra.gov.in:

• Login / Register with Aadhaar
• Select scholarship: "Rajshri Shahu Maharaj Post-Matric Scholarship"
• Select your caste category (OBC / VJNT / SBC)
• Fill education and income details
• Upload all documents
• Submit

Step 2 — Institute Verification

Your institution verifies enrollment and fee details on the portal.

Step 3 — District Welfare Office Verification

District Social Welfare Officer / Backward Class Welfare Office verifies caste and income documents.

Step 4 — Disbursement

• Tuition fees are paid directly to the institution by government
• Maintenance allowance is credited monthly to student's bank account

Non-Creamy Layer Certificate

OBC students must have a Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate — this confirms that the applicant's family income is below the prescribed limit and they are not in the 'creamy layer' (well-off OBC families).

NCL certificate is issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDM/Tehsildar). Get it fresh each year (expires annually).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am an OBC student in a private engineering college in Pune. Am I eligible?

Yes. Private recognized colleges are covered. Tuition fees are reimbursed up to the government-approved rate (DTE/university rate). If your private college charges more than the approved rate, you receive up to the approved amount. Apply at mahaeschol.maharashtra.gov.in.

2. What is VJNT? Am I in this category?

VJNT — Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes — are historically nomadic communities denotified from the Criminal Tribes Act. Check your caste in the Maharashtra VJNT list at the social welfare department. Examples include Kaikadi, Ramoshi, Gosavi, Dhangar (some sub-groups), Lamani/Banjara.

3. Non-creamy layer certificate expired. Can I still apply?

No. The NCL certificate must be valid (current year). Get a fresh one from the SDM/Tehsildar before applying. This is the most common reason for scholarship rejection.

4. I am repeating a year. Am I still eligible?

Scholarship is usually given for one year per class. If you are repeating the year due to failure, scholarship for the same class again is not allowed. Pass with minimal marks to remain eligible.

5. How is Rajshri Shahu scholarship different from post-matric scholarship for SC?

SC students get their scholarship through a separate scheme with different income limits (₹2.5 lakh). Rajshri Shahu is specifically for OBC/VJNT/SBC categories. SC students should apply under the separate SC scholarship scheme.

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