Maharashtra's Overseas Scholarship Scheme Faces Severe Criticism After Selecting Only 24 Students
In Pune, the story of 23-year-old engineering graduate Rohan Adhav highlights a persistent problem. Two years ago, Adhav secured admission to a leading UK university and pinned his hopes on Maharashtra government's overseas scholarship. However, as weeks passed without clarity on the selection list and deadlines approached, he was forced to secure private funding to avoid losing his confirmed seat. Days later, the state released its scholarship list—too late for him to benefit. This was in 2024, but according to recent data, not much has changed today.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Scheme's Underperformance
For the 2025–26 academic year, only 24 students were selected under the state's overseas scholarship scheme, despite 40 sanctioned seats and a mere 83 applications received statewide. This low response has sparked outrage among student representatives, who blame poor publicity, delayed advertisements, late declaration of results, and a lack of guidance at college and university levels.
According to a recent government notification from the state higher and technical education department, the overseas scholarship scheme was launched in 2018–19 and expanded in 2023 to accommodate 40 students annually. However, this year, less than 100 applications were received from across Maharashtra. Of the 10 seats earmarked for PhD candidates, only one application was submitted, and the sole eligible applicant was selected. For 30 postgraduate and diploma seats, 82 applications were received, with only 23 candidates qualifying after scrutiny and verification.
Student Representatives Point to Administrative Failures
Kuldeep Ambekar, president of Student Helping Hands, criticized the implementation, calling the low response rate a sign of administrative failure rather than a lack of merit among students. "If only 83 applications are coming from a large state like Maharashtra, it is not just the students' fault. The administration failed to publicise the scheme effectively," he said. Ambekar also highlighted that the list of selected candidates was released towards the end of the academic year, leaving little time for students to complete admission formalities abroad. "Every year, there is a delay in issuing ads and completing the selection process. As a result, students lose an academic year," he added.
Selected students are typically expected to pursue higher studies in universities in countries such as Singapore, the UK, the US, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. Sayali Jadhav, a postgraduate aspirant who secured admission to an Australian university, shared her experience: "My university gave me a strict deadline to confirm admission and pay the initial fees. Since the scholarship list was not declared on time, I had to either drop the opportunity or arrange funds on my own. I eventually deferred my admission because I could not afford the full cost without the scholarship."
Government Stipulations and Student Union Criticisms
A government official stated that scholarship awards are subject to verification by the state home department. If any candidate is found to have submitted incorrect information or forged documents, the scholarship will be cancelled. In such cases, the student will be barred from further education benefits, and the expenditure incurred will be recovered with 15% compound interest. Criminal proceedings may also be initiated.
Additionally, scholarship recipients are required to return to Maharashtra after completing their studies and serve the state, as per the terms of a mandatory bond executed at the time of selection. Smita Bodhe, a representative of another student union, commented: "Although the government has announced a uniform and inclusive policy for overseas scholarship schemes, the implementing machinery appears indifferent. There is no fixed timeline, no defined accountability, and no penal provisions. Without accountability, administrative delays continue unchecked, while students bear the academic, financial, and mental burden."
The ongoing issues with Maharashtra's overseas scholarship scheme raise serious questions about its effectiveness and the government's commitment to supporting students in their international education pursuits. With only 24 students selected for 40 seats this year, urgent reforms are needed to ensure that deserving candidates do not miss out on opportunities due to bureaucratic inefficiencies.
