The Maharashtra government has revised the eligibility criteria for its overseas education scholarship program, making higher education abroad more accessible for students from marginalised communities. As per Indian Express reports, the new criteria lowered the cut-off score from 75% to 60%, a change aimed at broadening the scholarship's reach and inclusivity.
Previously, the scholarship, which provides financial aid of up to Rs. 20 lakh, was available only to students who had achieved a graduation score of 75% or more. This stringent requirement had raised concerns that it excluded many deserving students from various marginalised groups, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Marathas, and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
The government's decision to lower the eligibility threshold responds to these concerns, intending to enhance opportunities for students who might have been otherwise overlooked. By adjusting the cut-off score, the Maharashtra government aims to promote more significant educational equity and ensure that more students from underrepresented communities can benefit from international academic opportunities.
Despite the announcement, formal written orders detailing the updated eligibility criteria have not yet been issued. This delay has created some uncertainty among students regarding their eligibility for the scholarship. Educational institutions and prospective scholarship applicants await official confirmation to clarify the new requirements.
The move is part of a broader initiative to address educational disparities and support a more diverse cohort of students pursuing higher education abroad. By making the scholarship more accessible, the Maharashtra government hopes to foster a more inclusive environment that reflects the state’s diverse demographic.
This policy change is expected to significantly impact the number of students able to take advantage of the scholarship program, potentially opening doors to numerous academic and career opportunities on a global scale. The government’s adjustment to the eligibility criteria represents a positive step toward enhancing educational access and promoting fairness in allocating scholarships for overseas studies.