If you are aiming to study in India’s top institutions but finances are a concern, the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 could be the opportunity that makes higher education more accessible.
Applications are now invited for the academic year 2025–26 under the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26, implemented by SARTHI, Pune. This scheme supports eligible students from specific categories who have secured admission in 200 reputed institutions across India.
Here is the complete and detailed guide to the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 — eligibility, benefits, institutions, income criteria, documents, terms and conditions, and application process.
Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26
What is Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26?
The Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 is a government-supported higher education financial assistance scheme.
It is implemented as per:
- Government Resolution No. EBC-2017/CR.402/Education-2 dated 08/12/2017
- Government Corrigendum dated 19/03/2018
The Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 has been operational since the academic year 2022–23 and continues for 2025–26.
Who Can Apply for Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26?
Students are eligible for the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 if they:
- Belong to Maratha, Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, or Kunbi-Maratha category
- Are domiciled in Maharashtra
- Have secured admission in approved institutions
- Are enrolled in Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Postgraduate Diploma courses
- Meet academic and income criteria
Eligible Institutions Under Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26
The Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 applies to students admitted in 200 reputed institutions across India.
Some of the major institutions include:
- Indian Institutes of Technology
- Indian Institutes of Management
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences
- National Institutes of Technology
- Indian Institute of Science
- Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research
For the complete institution list see the Anexture B in the link below.
Terms & Conditions and List of Colleges
Total Scholarships & Income Criteria
Under the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26, a total of 300 students will be selected.
Income Slabs:
₹0 – ₹3 lakh → 100 students
₹3 – ₹5 lakh → 100 students
₹5 – ₹8 lakh (Non-Creamy Layer limit) → 100 students
Family income for FY 2024–25 must not exceed ₹8 lakh to qualify for the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26.
If sufficient applicants are not available in one category, redistribution may occur as per official rules.
Academic Eligibility & Age Limit
To receive benefits under the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26, students must:
Secure minimum 55% marks in the qualifying exam
Provide CGPA-to-percentage conversion certificate (if applicable)
Have passed 10th and 12th from Maharashtra
Fulfill admission criteria of the respective institute
Age Limit:
Undergraduate: Maximum 25 years
Postgraduate / PG Diploma: Maximum 30 years
Benefits Under Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26
The Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 offers comprehensive financial assistance:
Full Academic Fee Coverage
Includes:
Tuition fees
Examination fees
Registration fees
Library, lab and other institutional charges
Hostel & Mess Charges
Reimbursement as per institute norms
Equivalent support if hostel facility unavailable
Maintenance Allowance
For day scholars as per Government of India norms.
Annual Academic Grant – ₹10,000
₹5,000 for books
₹5,000 for other academic materials
The Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 significantly reduces both tuition and living expenses for eligible students.
Documents Required
Applicants for the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 must submit:
Prescribed application form
Maharashtra domicile certificate
Caste certificate
Income certificate (latest financial year)
Form 16 / Income Tax Return (if applicable)
All academic marksheets
Admission letter
Aadhaar card
Parent’s PAN card
Aadhaar-linked bank account details
CGPA conversion certificate (if applicable)
Incomplete applications under the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 will not be considered.
Important Dates
For the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26, note carefully:
Last Date for Online Application: 10/03/2026 (11:59 PM)
Last Date for Hardcopy Submission to Institute: 16/03/2026 (5:45 PM)
Late submissions will not be accepted.
How to Apply for Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26?
Eligible students must apply online through:
http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/
https://sarthi.maharashtra.gov.in/
After online submission, applicants must submit the hardcopy of the application along with required documents to their respective institution before the deadline.
Important Terms & Conditions
Under Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-2026
Students must not be receiving any other government scholarship.
If receiving stipend/fellowship, adjustments may apply.
If the course is discontinued, scholarship amount may be recovered.
One academic failure is allowed (no scholarship for that failed year).
Two failures will result in discontinuation.
Providing false information may lead to legal action and recovery.
Final decision regarding selection under the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 rests with SARTHI.
Final Words
The Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 is not just financial assistance — it is structured academic support for students entering India’s most reputed institutions.
With only 300 scholarships available, timely and accurate application for the Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26 is essential.
If you meet the criteria, gather your documents early and apply before the deadline.
Niwlikar, B. A. (2026, March 4). Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26: Big Relief for Students in 2026 – Don’t Miss This Powerful Opportunity. Careershodh. https://www.careershodh.com/dr-punjabrao-deshmukh-higher-education-scholarship/