Top 5 Scholarships for Science Students in Maharashtra You Can Apply in 2026

For science students in Maharashtra pursuing 11th and 12th standard, NEET, JEE, or higher science education, financial support through scholarships can make a meaningful difference in the quality and continuity of preparation. Yet every year, a large number of eligible students miss out on scholarships simply because they were not aware of the options available or did not apply before the deadline.

This guide from Suresh Dani Classes covers the top 5 most valuable and accessible scholarships for science students in Maharashtra in 2026, along with bonus options and a practical application guide. If you are a Class 11 or 12 science student, an undergraduate in a science programme, or a NEET or JEE aspirant in Maharashtra, at least one scholarship on this list likely applies to you.

1. Why Scholarships Matter for Science Students in Maharashtra

The cost of quality science education in Maharashtra, including coaching fees, study materials, mock test series, and college fees, represents a significant financial burden for many families. Scholarships directly reduce this burden, enabling students to access better coaching, more comprehensive study materials, and continued education without financial stress disrupting their preparation.

Beyond direct financial benefit, prestigious merit scholarships like KVPY also carry significant recognition value in college admissions and future career applications. Scholarship winners are preferentially considered for research internships, higher education programmes, and competitive jobs in science and healthcare fields.

For a broader look at scholarship options across engineering and medical fields, refer to our guides on government and private scholarships for NEET and JEE students and scholarship exams for medical and engineering aspirants.

2. Scholarship 1: KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana)

KVPY is one of the most prestigious science scholarships in India, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. It is designed to identify and encourage talented students with aptitude for research careers in basic science, engineering, and medicine.

Eligibility

Stream SA: Students enrolled in Class 11 (science stream). Stream SX: Students enrolled in Class 12 (science stream) or in their first year of an undergraduate science programme. Stream SB: First-year students in B.Sc./B.S./B.Stat./B.Math./Integrated M.Sc./M.S. programmes. For SA and SX streams, a minimum of 75 percent marks (65 percent for SC/ST/PWD) in Class 10 is required. For SX stream, students must additionally secure at least 60 percent in Class 12 at the time of fellowship activation.

Scholarship Amount

KVPY Fellows in SA and SX streams receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 (during Class 11 and 12) and Rs. 7,000 (during UG years 1 to 3). Additionally, an annual contingency grant of Rs. 20,000 (Class 11 to 12) and Rs. 28,000 (UG years) is provided. Fellowship continues for 5 years from the year of selection, subject to performance reviews.

Selection Process

KVPY selection involves two stages: a written aptitude test covering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at Class 11/12 level, followed by a personal interview for shortlisted candidates. The aptitude test is conducted in November each year. Applications open in July to August on the official KVPY website (kvpy.iisc.ernet.in). For NEET and JEE aspirants, KVPY preparation overlaps significantly with competitive exam syllabus coverage, making it an excellent dual-benefit scholarship to pursue.

3. Scholarship 2: Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS)

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS) is a Government of India scholarship programme administered through the National Scholarship Portal. It is one of the most widely accessible scholarships for Class 12 pass-outs pursuing undergraduate science programmes, as it does not require a separate entrance test.

Eligibility

Students who scored in the top 20th percentile in their Class 12 State Board or CBSE/ICSE examinations and are pursuing full-time undergraduate courses in a recognised institution. Parental annual income must be below Rs. 8 lakh. Maharashtra State Board students who score above approximately 85 to 90 percent in HSC are typically in the eligible percentile range, though the exact cutoff varies by year and subject combination.

Scholarship Amount

Undergraduate level: Rs. 10,000 per year. Postgraduate level: Rs. 20,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable subject to maintaining satisfactory academic performance in the current course.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. The application window typically opens in October to November after Class 12 results are declared. Students need their Class 12 marksheet, Aadhaar, income certificate, bank account, and college admission proof to complete the application. Funds are transferred directly to the student’s bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

4. Scholarship 3: Maharashtra Government EBC Scholarship

The Economically Backward Class (EBC) Scholarship is a Maharashtra state government scholarship specifically designed for students from economically weaker backgrounds who do not fall under the SC, ST, or OBC reserved categories. This scholarship is particularly relevant for open/general category students from middle-income families who face financial barriers to quality science education.

Eligibility

Maharashtra domicile students in Class 11, 12, or undergraduate courses whose parental annual income is below Rs. 8 lakh and who belong to the open (general) category. The student must be studying in a government-aided or approved private institution in Maharashtra.

Scholarship Amount

The EBC scholarship provides a tuition fee waiver along with examination fee waiver for eligible students. The exact amount varies by institution and course level, but effectively covers a significant portion of annual college fees, which can range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 30,000 per year for government and aided colleges.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through the Maharashtra Scholarship Portal (mahascholarship.gov.in) or through the student’s college. Required documents include income certificate from Tehsildar or Collector, Maharashtra domicile certificate, Aadhaar card, bank account details, and college admission proof. Applications are typically accepted from July to September of each academic year.

5. Scholarship 4: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship

The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarship is one of the most well-known scholarship programmes in India for science students, offered by multiple government and quasi-government bodies as well as several private foundations. The most notable version relevant to Maharashtra science students is the one offered by the Government of Maharashtra and affiliated agencies for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

Eligibility and Amount

Eligibility criteria vary by the specific issuing authority, but most versions target Class 11, 12, or first-year undergraduate science students from Maharashtra with a strong academic record (typically 75 percent or above in previous board exams) and a family income below a specified threshold (usually Rs. 6 to 8 lakh per year). Scholarship amounts range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1 lakh per year depending on the issuing body and whether the scholarship is merit-based, need-based, or both.

Application Process

Applications for government-issued APJ Abdul Kalam Scholarships are typically submitted through the Maharashtra government’s scholarship portal (mahascholarship.gov.in) or directly through the awarding institution. Private foundation versions may have their own portals. Always verify the issuing authority and portal before applying to avoid fraudulent scholarship listings. Cross-reference with our detailed guide on types of government scholarships and their benefits.

6. Scholarship 5: Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, SC, and ST Students

The Post-Matric Scholarship (PMS) is a broad category of government scholarships specifically for students from OBC, SC, and ST communities pursuing education above Class 10 (post-matriculation). Both the Central Government and the Maharashtra State Government offer Post-Matric Scholarships for eligible students, with the state scheme being accessible through mahascholarship.gov.in.

Eligibility

Students from OBC, SC, or ST categories with valid Maharashtra-issued caste certificates, studying in Class 11, Class 12, or any undergraduate or postgraduate programme in a recognised Maharashtra institution. Income limits apply: OBC candidates must have parental income below Rs. 1 lakh per year for the state scheme (Rs. 1.5 lakh for some central schemes). SC and ST candidates typically have slightly higher income limits.

Scholarship Amount

The Post-Matric Scholarship covers tuition fees, maintenance allowances, and in some cases hostel fees. For Class 11 and 12 students, maintenance allowances range from Rs. 3,800 to Rs. 14,400 per year depending on category and whether the student is a day scholar or hostel resident. For undergraduate students, amounts are higher and include additional allowances for study materials and examinations.

Application Process

Applications are submitted through mahascholarship.gov.in. The application window typically opens in July to August. Required documents include caste certificate, non-creamy layer certificate (for OBC), income certificate, Aadhaar, marksheets, bank account, and college admission proof. Early application is strongly recommended as the portal can become congested near deadlines.

7. Additional Scholarship Opportunities Worth Knowing

Beyond the top 5, several additional scholarships are relevant to science students in Maharashtra and deserve mention.

Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Professional and Technical Courses

This Ministry of Minority Affairs scholarship is available to students from minority communities (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Zoroastrian) pursuing professional and technical courses. Science students from minority communities in Maharashtra pursuing MBBS, B.Pharm, B.Sc. Nursing, or engineering programmes are eligible. The scholarship provides up to Rs. 30,000 per year for course fee and maintenance. Applications are submitted through scholarships.gov.in.

Inspire Scholarship by DST

The Inspire (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) scholarship from DST is available to students who score in the top 1 percent of their Class 12 board exams and secure admission to top science undergraduate programmes. The scholarship provides Rs. 80,000 per year for 5 years. Applications are invited through the Inspire portal on the DST website after board results are declared.

Scholarship Deadlines Reference

For a comprehensive list of scholarship deadlines and application windows relevant to science students, refer to our dedicated guide on scholarship deadlines for engineering and medical students. For category-specific government scholarship options, our government scholarships for engineering and medical students guide provides additional detail.

8. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process and Key Tips

The scholarship application process in Maharashtra follows a broadly similar pattern across most government schemes. Here is a practical step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Identify applicable scholarships. Use the comparison table below and the scholarship resources linked in this guide to identify which scholarships you are eligible for based on your category, income, academic score, and current educational level.

Step 2: Gather required documents in advance. The most commonly required documents across all Maharashtra scholarship schemes are: Aadhaar card, Class 10 and 12 marksheets (or latest examination marksheet), income certificate from Tehsildar or Collector, caste and non-creamy layer certificates (for reserved categories), Maharashtra domicile certificate, bank account details (account must be in student’s name), current admission proof or bonafide certificate from institution, and passport-size photographs.

Step 3: Register on the appropriate portal. For most Maharashtra government scholarships, register on mahascholarship.gov.in. For central government scholarships (CSSS, INSPIRE, Merit-cum-Means), register on scholarships.gov.in. For KVPY, register on the official KVPY portal.

Step 4: Fill and submit the application well before the deadline. Scholarship portals often slow down as deadlines approach. Aim to submit at least 2 weeks before the stated deadline to avoid technical issues.

Step 5: Track application status and renewal. Once the scholarship is granted, track your status on the portal and ensure you complete the annual renewal process on time. Most scholarships require renewal each year with updated marksheets and income certificates.

9. Scholarship Comparison Table

Key Takeaways

• Multiple government scholarships are available for science students in Maharashtra in 2026, covering merit-based, need-based, and category-based eligibility
• KVPY is the most prestigious merit scholarship for science students and prepares well alongside NEET and JEE syllabi
• CSSS is the most widely accessible scholarship for top-scoring Class 12 students with family income below Rs. 8 lakh
• OBC, SC, and ST students should prioritise the Post-Matric Scholarship, which covers significant portions of college fees
• Most scholarships are applied for through mahascholarship.gov.in or scholarships.gov.in; register early to avoid deadline issues
• Many scholarships go unclaimed each year due to lack of awareness; every eligible student should apply for all applicable schemes
• INSPIRE from DST is one of the highest-value science scholarships at Rs. 80,000 per year for students in the top 1% of board exams

10. SDC Coaching and Financial Support for Science Students

Suresh Dani Classes is committed to making quality science coaching accessible to every deserving student in Mumbai. SDC provides scholarship tests, fee assistance, and personalised support for students from all backgrounds.

11. Related Reading

12. Frequently Asked Questions