Maharashtra Swadhar Yojana — ₹51,000/Year Hostel Stipend SC

What is Maharashtra Swadhar Yojana?

Swadhar Yojana is the Maharashtra government scheme providing ₹51,000 per year to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Nav-Buddha students who pursue education in Class 11 and above — and live in non-government hostels or their own rented accommodation (outside their home district). The scheme covers hostel/board, food, stationery, and other educational expenses.

It is also called "Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana" in some government communications.

Annual Amount Breakdown

Note: Amounts may be revised by the government. Check sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in for latest figures.

Who is Eligible?

• Category: Scheduled Caste (SC) or Nav-Buddha community in Maharashtra
• Course level: Class 11 and above (junior college, graduation, PG, professional courses like MBBS, engineering, law)
• Annual family income: Below ₹2.50 lakh
• Residence: The student must live outside their home district or in a place where there is no government hostel available
• Age: For Class 11–12: up to 25 years; for graduation: up to 30 years; PG: 35 years; professional: as per course
• Must maintain minimum 50% marks in previous year

How to Apply

1. Go to sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in
2. Navigate to "Swadhar Yojana"
3. Register with Aadhaar + mobile number
4. Fill application:
   • Personal details, caste category
   • Current course and institution details
   • Accommodation details (private hostel or rented room)
   • Bank account details
5. Upload documents (see below)
6. Submit → application reviewed by District Social Justice office
7. Amount credited to bank account after approval

Annual renewal: Apply each year with fresh income certificate and previous year's marksheet.

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar card
2. Caste certificate (SC/Nav-Buddha)
3. Income certificate — annual family income below ₹2.50 lakh
4. Previous year marksheet (minimum 50% marks)
5. College/institution admission letter and fee receipt
6. Hostel or rent proof — hostel receipt OR landlord's receipt/rent agreement
7. Bank account (own name, Aadhaar-linked)
8. Domicile (Maharashtra resident)

What if Government Hostel is Available?

Swadhar Yojana is specifically for students where government accommodation is not available in their college location. If a government hostels exists and you refuse to use it, you may not qualify for Swadhar.

Check: Whether a government hostel (run by state's Backward Class Welfare department) exists in your college city. If not, you are eligible for Swadhar.

Frequently Asked Questions

My family income is ₹3 lakh. Can I still apply?

The income limit is ₹2.5 lakh per annum. At ₹3 lakh, you do not qualify for Swadhar. However, check other Maharashtra scholarship schemes — the Post-Matric Scholarship for SC (NSP portal) has a higher income limit.

I live in a private PG (paying guest). Does it count as private hostel?

Yes — a paid PG arrangement qualifies as private accommodation for Swadhar purposes. Submit the receipt from your PG owner.

I'm studying in the same district as my home. Am I eligible?

You must be studying outside your home district (or in a location with no government hostel). If studying in the same district, Swadhar does not apply.

Can I get Swadhar along with Post-Matric Scholarship?

You generally cannot get two housing-related scholarships simultaneously. Swadhar replaces the hostel/boarding component of Post-Matric Scholarship. If you get Swadhar's housing support, the boarding component of Post-Matric Scholarship is adjusted accordingly. Consult your district Social Justice officer.

I failed in one subject. Am I still eligible for renewal?

50% marks requirement is for the passing aggregate. Check current norms — some grace is given for supplementary exams. Consult the district Social Justice office for your specific situation.

Official Links

• Apply: sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in
• Mahaswayam (jobs/scholarships portal): mahaswayam.gov.in
• District Social Justice office: Contact your district's Social Justice and Special Assistance Department
• Helpline: 1800-120-8040 (Maharashtra Social Justice)