The Maharashtra Scholarship examination is a merit based state examination, earlier conducted for students of Std. 4 and 7. However, to keep in lines with the provisions of Right to Education Act (RTE), it was implemented for Std. 5 and 8 from 2016–17.
MSCE Announces Maharashtar Scholarship Exam Changes 2025–26
Key Changes in Maharashtra Scholarship Exam for 2025–26
- MSCE has decided to reintroduce the scholarship examination for Std. 4 and 7 renaming it as Primary Scholarship Exam for Std. 4 and Higher Primary Scholarship Exam for Std. 7.
- For the academic year 2025–26, the scholarship examination for Std. 5 and 8 will be organised in February 2026. For Std. 4 and 7, the examination will be conducted in April or May.
Note: Multiple exams are being conducted only for this academic year.
- Thus, from the academic year 2026–27, the scholarship examination will be taking place only for Std. 4 and 7. It will be conducted in Marathi, Hindi, Urdu, English, Gujarati, Telugu, and Kannada.
- Students from government, aided, unaided, self-financed schools as well as those from other Boards including the CBSE and ICSE will also be eligible to take the scholarship examination.
The Reason Behind the Change in Standards for Maharashtra Scholarship Exams
It was observed that shifting the scholarship examination from Std. 4 to 5 and from Std. 7 to 8 led to a decline in the number of students appearing for the exam. It did not effectively assess the learning quality of primary-level students. Therefore, authorities have decided to revert the examination structure to its earlier eligibility that is, to Std. 4 and Std. 7 students.
Maharashtra Scholarship Exam Eligibility, Fees, and Reward Amount for Students
- Maharashtra Scholarship exam would no longer be declared as passed or failed but rather eligible or ineligible.
- To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must score a minimum of 40% marks in each paper.
- Students falling under the backward class will be paying Rs. 125 as the examination fee. Students belonging to the non-backward class should pay Rs. 200 as the exam fee.
- Recipients of Std. 4 scholarship reward amount will receive Rs. 5000 annually for three years and Std. 7 recipients will receive Rs. 7500 annually for three years.
- The maximum age of a student to appear for Std. 4 and Std. 7 scholarship exam must be 10 years and 13 years as of June respectively.
- For PWD students of Std. 4 and Std. 7, the maximum age is 13 years and 17 years respectively.
Preliminary Preparation for Std. 4 and 7 Maharashtra Scholarship Examinations 2025–26
As a primary step, all schools are advised to fill the school information form and the information of students in the student application form. These pre-filled forms must be kept in schools so that it is easy to fill the application form when released.
Conclusion
This revised Maharashtra Scholarship 2025–26 structure by MSCE is expected to enhance participation and provide a more reliable measure of students’ academic proficiency at the primary level.
Source
Official Notice by MSCE, 27 October, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the MSCE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
