Mumbai, September 2025:
In a landmark step to promote gender equality in higher education, the Government of Maharashtra has strengthened its Girls’ Free Education Scheme, ensuring that more young women can pursue higher studies without financial burden. The initiative, which primarily covers tuition fees for girl students, is being extended across government, aided, and selected private institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the scheme, students must meet the following conditions:
- Domicile: Applicant must be a resident of Maharashtra.
- Gender: Only for girls students (up to post-graduation in certain streams).
- Education Level:
- Covers junior college (Class 11–12), undergraduate courses (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, etc.), and in some cases postgraduate courses.
- Income Limit: Annual family income should generally be below ₹8 lakh (varies by course/institution).
- Reservation: Applicable for all categories (General/SC/ST/OBC), but caste-based scholarships can also be combined for greater benefits.
Benefits of the Scheme
- 100% Tuition Fee Waiver for girls in government and aided colleges.
- Concession in Examination Fees for select courses.
- Coverage up to Post-Graduation for Arts, Commerce, and certain professional streams.
- Encouragement for Rural & Economically Weaker Girls – special priority given to girls from rural areas and marginalized communities.
- Can be availed along with national scholarships like AICTE Pragati for Girls.
Impact
Education experts say the scheme has been a game-changer in Maharashtra, especially for first-generation learners in rural and semi-urban regions. According to state education officials, the number of girl students enrolling in commerce and management courses like BBA, B.Com, and B.Sc IT has risen significantly since the scheme’s rollout.
“This initiative not only reduces dropout rates but also builds confidence among families to support girls’ higher education,” said an official from the Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Department.
How to Apply
- Eligible students must apply through the Maharashtra Government Scholarship Portal (MAHADBT – Direct Benefit Transfer).
- Submit documents including domicile certificate, income proof, Aadhaar, and previous academic mark sheets.
- Colleges verify and forward applications for approval.
At a Glance: Scheme Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mulīnā Mofat Shikṣaṇ Yojanā |
| GR Issued On | July 8, 2024 (cabinet-approved on July 5, 2024) |
| Fee Waiver Offered | 100% tuition + exam fees |
| Eligible Students | Maharashtra-domiciled girls from EWS, SEBC, OBC |
| Admission Entry | Only through Centralized Admission Process (CAP) |
| Income Cap | Up to ₹8 lakh/year |
| Academic Coverage | Professional & non-professional courses in govt/aided/co-ed/private colleges under DHE etc. |
