Maharashtra Opens Applications for ₹50,000 Merit Awards and Scholarships for Children of Ex-Servicemen and War Widows

Eligible Students Can Apply Until September 15, 2026, Through District Sainik Welfare Offices

The Maharashtra government has started accepting applications for its Special Merit Award and Scholarship Scheme 2025–26, offering financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 to eligible children of ex-servicemen and war widows. The initiative is designed to recognize outstanding academic performance while helping students continue their higher education.

Eligible applicants must submit their forms along with the required documents to their respective District Sainik Welfare Office on or before September 15, 2026.

Merit Awards of Up to ₹50,000 for High-Scoring Students

Under the scheme, students who have demonstrated exceptional academic results in the 2025–26 academic year can receive a one-time Special Merit Award.

The eligibility criteria include:

• Students scoring 90% or above in the Class 10 examination are eligible for a merit award.
• Students securing 85% or above in the Class 12 examination can also qualify.
• Students who rank among the top 10 in the Maharashtra State Merit List will also be considered for the award.

Depending on the level of achievement, eligible students can receive a one-time financial award of ₹20,000 or ₹50,000, providing valuable support for future education expenses.

Scholarship Support for Students Scoring Above 60%

Apart from merit awards, the Maharashtra government is also offering scholarships to encourage more students from ex-servicemen and war widow families to pursue higher studies.

Students who scored 60% or more in either the Class 10 or Class 12 examinations during the 2025–26 academic year are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applicants must submit all required educational and eligibility documents before the application deadline.

The scholarship program aims to reduce financial barriers and support deserving students in continuing their academic journey.

September 15 Is the Last Date to Apply

According to the District Sainik Welfare Department, all eligible students should complete the application process before September 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted to the respective District Sainik Welfare Office, including offices such as Raigad-Alibag and other district centers across Maharashtra.

Officials have advised applicants to carefully verify their eligibility and ensure that all supporting documents are attached to avoid delays or rejection.

Government Encourages Eligible Families to Benefit

In-charge District Sainik Welfare Officer Chandrakant Narayan Phatak urged eligible ex-servicemen, war widows, and their children to take full advantage of the scheme by applying within the prescribed timeline.

State officials said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to honoring the service of former armed forces personnel by supporting the education of their children. Through merit-based awards and scholarships, the program seeks to reward academic excellence while encouraging students to pursue higher education with greater financial confidence.

With the application window now open, eligible families are encouraged to complete the process well before the September 15, 2026 deadline to receive the benefits available under the Special Merit Award and Scholarship Scheme 2025–26.