Maharashtra Govt Invites Scholarship Applications for Children of Ex-Servicemen, War Widows

Maharashtra, 22nd July 2026: The Maharashtra government has invited applications for its Special Merit Award and Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2025–26 for children of ex-servicemen and war widows. Eligible students can submit their applications through their respective District Sainik Welfare Offices by September 15, 2026.

Under the Special Merit Award Scheme, students who secured 90% or above in the Class 10 board examination or 85% or above in the Class 12 board examination during the 2025–26 academic year are eligible for a one-time cash award of ₹20,000 or ₹50,000. Students who feature among the top 10 rank holders in the state merit list are also eligible to receive the award.

The government is also accepting applications for scholarships for children of ex-servicemen and war widows who scored 60% or more in the Class 10 or Class 12 examinations in the same academic year. Applicants are required to submit the prescribed application form along with the necessary supporting documents to the District Sainik Welfare Office in their district before the deadline.

Officials said the scheme aims to encourage academic excellence and support higher education among the children of ex-servicemen and war widows. Chandrakant Narayan Phatak, In-charge District Sainik Welfare Officer, has appealed to eligible students and their families to apply within the stipulated time to avail the benefits of the scheme.