Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Educational Concession

About this scheme

The Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Educational Concession is a flagship scheme by the Maharashtra government dedicated to promoting educational equity and social justice. Named after the renowned social reformer and education pioneer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, the scheme provides multifaceted educational support to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, lower castes, and marginalized communities. The concession encompasses tuition fee waivers, examination fee reductions, scholarship stipends, hostel facilities, and educational materials support. The scheme operates across all levels of education from primary through higher education (Class 1 to PG/Professional courses). Primary benefits include up to 100% tuition fee waiver for identified EWS and SC/ST students, monthly stipends ranging from ₹100 to ₹500, annual book allowances, and free hostel accommodation with meal support for eligible girls. The scheme emphasizes intersectional support recognizing gender disparities, caste-based discrimination, and economic hardship. Special provisions exist for students pursuing professional courses (engineering, medicine, law, management) with enhanced support. The scheme has been instrumental in increasing literacy rates and educational access among marginalized communities in Maharashtra.

Eligibility

• Residency: Permanent resident of Maharashtra state; domicile proof required; student should have studied minimum 2 years in Maharashtra schools
• Economic Status: Economically weaker section with annual family income below ₹2,50,000; or SC/ST/OBC category candidates regardless of income with documentation
• Educational Level: Student pursuing education from Class 1 through postgraduate/professional courses (engineering, medicine, law, management) in recognized institutions
• Academic Performance: Minimum 40% marks in previous examination or satisfactory school record; no eligibility restriction for SC/ST/OBC candidates; Class 1-3 students exempt from marks criteria
• School/Institution Recognition: Studying in school/college recognized by state education board, UGC, AICTE, or equivalent regulatory body; private institution recognition required
• Social Category: Student belonging to SC/ST/OBC/DT (Denotified Tribe) category as per constitutional classification; or EWS certificate holder; caste certificate from state issued authority mandatory
• Regular Enrollment: Regular student with minimum 75% attendance in previous academic year; currently enrolled in recognized institution; no defaulting history on previous scholarships

Benefits

• Tuition Fee Waiver — Full or partial tuition fee waiver (up to 100% for identified EWS/SC/ST students); applicable across all educational levels
• Monthly Stipend/Maintenance Allowance — ₹100-500 per month depending on educational level and category; Class 1-5: ₹100-150; Class 6-10: ₹200-300; UG/PG: ₹300-500
• Annual Book and Stationery Allowance — ₹500-₹1,500 per annum for purchasing textbooks, notebooks, pens, and other stationery materials
• Examination Fee Reimbursement — Full reimbursement of board examination fees (Class 10, 12) and university examination fees for higher education
• School Uniform Allowance — ₹300-600 per annum for two pairs of school uniform or annual uniform provision for school-going children
• Hostel Accommodation and Meals — Free or heavily subsidized hostel accommodation for girls and SC/ST boys; hostel meals (breakfast + lunch + dinner) provided free or subsidized
• Travel and Conveyance Support — Monthly travel allowance of ₹100-₹300 or free travel pass for public transport; applicable for students traveling more than 2 km daily
• Calamity Relief and Contingency — Emergency financial support (₹5,000-20,000) for students facing calamities, illness, or unforeseen circumstances affecting education continuity
• Professional Course Enhancement — Enhanced support for engineering, medicine, law, management students: ₹500-₹2,000 monthly stipend + hostel support + specialized lab fee reimbursement
• Girl Child Special Support — Exclusive benefits for girls including free hostel with security, additional ₹50-100 monthly allowance, sanitation products provision, health insurance
• Merit-Based Incentive — Bonus scholarship of ₹500-₹2,000 for students scoring above 75% in class examinations or board examinations
• Vocational and Skill Development — Support for vocational courses, ITI training, skill development programs through direct fee coverage and certification support
• Health and Counseling Services — Free health checkups, counseling services for academic and personal issues, anti-harassment support, and mental health awareness programs

Required documents

• Completed Scholarship Application FormOfficial form available from school/college or Maharashtra state scholarship portal; prescribed format only
• Income CertificateFamily annual income below ₹2,50,000; issued by gram panchayat or municipal corporation within 6 months
• Caste CertificateValid SC/ST/OBC/DT certificate issued by state authority (revenue office); must be within validity period with reference number
• Maharashtra Domicile CertificateProof of permanent residence in Maharashtra; issued by taluka office or municipal authority; minimum 3-5 years residency
• Current Year Enrollment CertificateSchool/college enrollment certificate confirming current class/year and regular admission status
• Previous Year Mark SheetMarks/grade statement from previous academic year; minimum 40% marks or satisfactory performance certificate
• Proof of IdentityAadhaar card, PAN, passport, or voter ID of student; any government-issued identity document acceptable
• Bank Account DetailsStudent's or parent's bank account with IFSC code; linked to Aadhaar for direct benefit transfer (DBT)
• Proof of Address(optional)Recent utility bill, rental agreement, property tax receipt, or ration card confirming Maharashtra residence
• School/College Fee Structure(optional)Detailed fee breakdown from institution confirming tuition, examination, hostel, and miscellaneous charges
• Guardian/Parent Identity and Income Proof(optional)Parent/guardian PAN, salary certificate, or ITR for income verification; required for income-based concession
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)(optional)Disability certificate issued by state medical authority; for students with disabilities seeking enhanced support
• Single Parent/Widow Certificate (if applicable)(optional)Death certificate or legal guardianship document if student from single-parent family; establishes eligibility for priority support

Frequently asked