The Rajarshri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship is a key initiative by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Government of Maharashtra. It aims to promote higher secondary education among Scheduled Caste (SC) students by providing monthly financial assistance to meritorious students who have scored 75% or more in Class 10 and are currently enrolled in Class 11 or 12.
This scholarship is designed to encourage academic excellence and reduce dropouts at the higher secondary level by easing the financial burden on SC families.
Key Highlights
• Launched by: Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Maharashtra
• Target Group: Scheduled Caste (SC) Students
• Applicable Classes: 11th and 12th (Junior College / College)
• Scholarship Amount: ₹300/month for 10 months
• Total Benefit: ₹3,000/year
• Mode of Application: Offline (via respective college/junior college)
Benefits
• ₹300 per month for Class 11
• ₹300 per month for Class 12
• Scholarship awarded for 10 months per academic year
• Total annual benefit: ₹3,000 per student
• Encourages high-performing SC students to continue higher secondary education
• Helps reduce financial strain on economically backward families
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Rajarshri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Merit Scholarship 2025, the applicant must:
• Belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category
• Be admitted in Class 11 or 12 in a recognized junior college or college in Maharashtra
• Have scored 75% or more marks in the Class 10th board examination
• Be a resident of Maharashtra
• Be enrolled in a regular full-time course
Application Process (Offline)
Step-by-Step Guide:
-
Visit your Junior College/College Office
Request the official scholarship application form. -
Fill out the Application Form
Enter personal, academic, and category details as required. -
Attach Required Documents
Submit self-attested copies of mandatory documents (see list below). -
Submit to the Principal
Hand over the completed application and documents to the Principal or Scholarship-in-charge. -
Collect Acknowledgment Receipt
Get an acknowledgment with submission date and reference number for your records. -
Verification & Submission by College
The college compiles all valid applications and forwards them to the Special District Social Welfare Officer by the end of June each year.
Documents Required
• Caste Certificate (issued by a competent authority)
• Class 10 Mark Sheet
• School Leaving Certificate
• Admission Proof/College Enrollment Certificate
• Any other document as required by the institution
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible for this scholarship?
Scheduled Caste students in Maharashtra who have passed Class 10th with 75% marks or above and are studying in Class 11th and 12th. - How much is the scholarship amount?
The scholarship provides Rs. 300 per month for ten months each academic year, totaling Rs. 3,000 per year. - Is there any income limit for applying for this scholarship?
No, there is no income limit for applying for this scholarship. - How can I apply for the scholarship?
Applications must be submitted to the Principal of the junior college or college where you are admitted in the prescribed format. - What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include a caste certificate, Class 10th mark sheet, school leaving certificate, and college admission certificate. - When is the last date to apply for the scholarship?
Applications should be submitted to the respective college Principal by the end of June each year. - Can students receive this scholarship along with other scholarships?
Yes, this scholarship can be availed in addition to other scholarships, including those from the Government of India. - What is the process of scholarship disbursement?
The scholarship is disbursed in two installments: June-July by July 26th and August-January by January 3rd of the following year. - Is the scholarship renewable for the second year?
Yes, students continuing to Class 12th who meet the eligibility criteria can renew the scholarship for another year. - Are there any special ceremonies for scholarship distribution?
Yes, scholarships for June-July are distributed on July 26th, and for August-September on September 22nd in a ceremony at the respective colleges. - What if a student does not receive their scholarship?
The concerned Special District Social Welfare Officer should be contacted immediately, and they are responsible for ensuring no eligible student is deprived of the scholarship. - Is there a penalty for delays in the scholarship process?
Yes, if the proposals are not submitted or approved on time, the Special District Social Welfare Officer will be held accountable. - Can students from all streams (Arts, Commerce, Science) apply?
Yes, the scholarship is open to SC students from all streams who meet the eligibility criteria. - Who handles the publicity of the scheme?
The Director of Social Welfare, Maharashtra State, Pune, is responsible for the state-level publicity and awareness of the scheme.
