Free Higher Education for Girls in Maharashtra: 100% Fee Waiver and How to Apply on MahaDBT 2.0

Many girls in Maharashtra stop their studies after Class 12 because of fees. A state scheme now removes that barrier for eligible girls in professional courses. The government pays 100% of the tuition and examination fees instead of the earlier 50%, so a girl can study engineering, medicine, pharmacy or agriculture without her family paying the fees.

Who can get the 100% fee waiver?

• Girls belonging to the EWS, SEBC, or OBC categories

• Annual family income of ₹8 lakh or less

• Admission to a professional course through the Centralized Admission Process (CAP)

• The scheme started in the 2024-25 academic year and covers both new admissions and girls already studying

Girls studying in private universities, or admitted through management or institutional quotas, are not covered. Always read the exact rules for your course on the portal.

What does it cover?

The state pays the tuition fee and the examination fee for covered professional courses, such as courses run by the higher and technical education, medicine, pharmacy and agriculture departments.

How to apply: step-by-step roadmap

1. Visit the official MahaDBT 2.0 portal: https://mahadbt2.maharashtra.gov.in/

2. Click New Registration.

3. Complete the registration with a mobile OTP and an e-mail OTP.

4. Create your username and password.

5. Log in, choose the scheme that matches your course and category, fill in the application and upload your documents.

Documents to keep ready

• Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account in your own name

• Maharashtra domicile certificate

• Income certificate

• Category certificate (OBC or SEBC) or EWS certificate

• Marksheets and proof of admission

The exact document list can change, so check it on the portal.

Tips to avoid problems

• Applying on MahaDBT is free. Never pay an agent, and never share an OTP.

• If your college asks you to pay the fees first, contact the college's nodal officer for the scheme. The state government has said every college must appoint one.

• Keep your Aadhaar bank account active, because money moves by direct transfer.

• Apply during your admission process and do not wait for the last moment.

Get the complete roadmap

This scheme is one part of our Girls' Education Roadmap: India and Abroad, a stage-by-stage guide to schools, scholarships and study abroad. Download it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u-z1KZqeQ_9V7DhHh6UdX8ugVMUrhiwU/view?usp=drive_link

About the author

Dr. Priyanka Bhoj

Dr. Priyanka Bhoj is an academic researcher and mentor specializing in public policy, human rights education, and student career development. She has guided numerous students toward government internships, research fellowships, and policy-oriented academic paths. Her work focuses on integrating academic excellence with institutional exposure, empowering students to make informed and impactful career decisions.

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Disclaimer: This article on free higher education for girls in Maharashtra is for informational purposes only. Dates, eligibility, and policies may change. Always refer to the official MahaDBT, National Scholarship Portal and AICTE websites.