Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Higher Education Scholarship 2025-26: Big Relief for Students in 2026 – Don’t Miss This Powerful Opportunity

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.