Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad -SARTHI Scholarship Scheme 2026

To provide financial assistance to boys and girls belonging to the Maratha, Kunbi, Maratha-Kunbi, and Kunbi-Maratha communities for pursuing a Postgraduate Degree,
Postgraduate Diploma and Doctoral (Ph.D.) studies in reputed universities abroad. The scheme applies to 75 students annually (50 for Postgraduate Degree/Diploma and 25 for Ph.D.).

Eligibility criteria -

• The applicant must belong to the Maratha, Kunbi, MarathaKunbi, or Kunbi-Maratha community, be a resident of Maharashtra, and be an Indian citizen.
• The student must have obtained admission on merit to a foreign university ranked in the top 200 of the QS World Rankings.
• The applicant must not have availed of any other foreign scholarship from the State Government, Central Government, or any other administrative department.
• The admission must be as a full-time student. Executive Postgraduate courses, Executive Diplomas, and part-time courses are not eligible under this scheme.
• Students must complete the course within the prescribed duration. Extension of the study period will not be granted.
• An Unconditional Offer Letter from the foreign university is mandatory
• Income Limit: The combined annual family income of the students/parents (including self-income, if employed) should not exceed ₹8.00 lakh.
• Documents required:
  o Income Certificate issued by the Tahsildar (or higher
  competent authority),
  o Income Tax Returns,
  o Form No. 16 (if salaried),
  o Affidavit (if ITR is not applicable).
  o Submission of false income or documents will attract criminal charges proceedings under prevailing laws
• Educational Qualification
  • Postgraduate Degree/Diploma: Minimum 55% marks in an undergraduate degree from a recognized Indian university.
  • Ph.D.: Must have completed a recognized postgraduate degree.

Application form & documents required -

• A duly completed application form in the prescribed format.
• Income Certificate along with Income Tax Return (ITR) and/or Form 16, as applicable.
• Proof of educational qualifications, including mark sheets and certificates of 10th, 12th, Graduation, Postgraduation, and Diploma programmes (where applicable).
• Admission Offer Letter from a university ranked within the Top 200 of the QS World University Rankings.
• University/Institution Prospectus.
• The latest QS World University Ranking proof for the concerned university or programme.
• Any other documents, declarations, or undertakings as may be prescribed by the Government from time to time.

Benefits under the Scheme for -

• Postgraduate Degree/Diploma (2 years): Up to ₹30 lakh per annum
• For Ph.D. (4 years): Up to ₹40 lakh per annum