Introduction Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana is an educational assistance scheme implemented by the Tribal Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, to support Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher and professional education. The scheme is designed for students who are unable to obtain accommodation in Government Hostels and need financial support for their studies. Under this scheme, eligible students receive annual financial assistance to cover expenses related to accommodation, food, living costs, and other educational requirements while studying away from their hometown. The assistance is provided through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system and is credited directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account. The scheme supports students enrolled in recognised higher education and professional courses of at least two years' duration. Assistance continues for the approved course period, subject to fulfilment of attendance, academic performance, and other prescribed conditions. Benefits Financial assistance for eligible Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher education. Support for accommodation, food, subsistence, and educational expenses. Available to students who have not been allotted a Government Hostel. Reduces the financial burden of studying away from home. Assistance is available throughout the approved course duration, subject to eligibility compliance. Direct transfer of funds to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT. Encourages ST students to continue higher and professional education without interruption. Financial Assistance Students studying in Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Nagpur, and institutions located within a 5 km radius of these municipal limits can receive up to ₹60,000 per year. Students enrolled in institutions located at Divisional Headquarters can receive up to ₹51,000 per year. Students studying at District Headquarters can receive up to ₹43,000 per year. The financial assistance amount is released annually through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Benefits are credited directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account after approval. Eligibility The applicant must belong to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The applicant should be a permanent resident of Maharashtra. The annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹2.50 lakh. The student must have secured at least 60% marks in Class 12. The applicant should have obtained admission to a recognised higher education or professional course with a minimum duration of two years. The educational institution must be recognised by the Central Government, State Government, UGC, AICTE, NMC, PCI, COA, or any other competent statutory authority. The applicant should not have been allotted accommodation in a Government Hostel. The maximum age of the applicant should not exceed 28 years. The student must maintain at least 60% attendance during the academic year. The beneficiary must successfully pass each academic year to continue receiving assistance. The applicant should not be engaged in employment, business, or any profession while availing benefits under the scheme. A valid ST Caste Validity Certificate is mandatory. The applicant must have an Aadhaar-linked active bank account for DBT payments. Students who have already availed benefits under the scheme for a degree or postgraduate programme are generally not eligible to claim assistance again for another course. Documents Aadhaar Card. Scheduled Tribe (ST) Caste Certificate. ST Caste Validity Certificate. Maharashtra Domicile Certificate. Income Certificate or Form 16. Admission Letter or Bonafide Certificate issued by the institution. Class 10 Mark Sheet. Class 12 Mark Sheet. Bank Passbook or Aadhaar-linked Bank Account Details. Recent Passport-size Photograph. Mobile Number. Additional Documents (If Applicable) Previous Academic Year Mark Sheet or Grade Card for renewal applications. Attendance Certificate issued by the institution. Latest Examination Result. Transfer Certificate (TC) or Leaving Certificate. Declaration regarding non-allotment of Government Hostel accommodation. Proof of Private Hostel Stay or Rental Accommodation. Disability Certificate, wherever applicable. Any other document requested by the Tribal Development Department during verification. Process to Apply Visit the official SWAYAM Portal. If you are a new applicant, complete registration through the Applicant Registration Portal. Log in using your registered credentials. Select Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana from the list of available schemes. Fill in the application form with personal, academic, income, and bank account details. Enter institution and course-related information carefully. Upload all required documents in the prescribed format. Verify the entered information before final submission. Submit the application and save the application number for future reference. The application will be scrutinised and verified by the concerned authorities. If corrections are requested, update the application within the prescribed time limit. After approval, the financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT. Renewal Process Existing beneficiaries can apply for renewal through the official SWAYAM Portal. Log in using the registered account credentials. Select the renewal option for the current academic year. Update academic and institutional details wherever required. Upload the previous year's mark sheet or grade card. Submit proof of attendance and other supporting documents, if required. The student must have successfully passed the previous academic year. A minimum attendance of 60% should be maintained to remain eligible. Submit the renewal application online for verification. After successful verification and approval, assistance for the next academic year is released through DBT. Important Links SWAYAM Portal New Applicant Registration Applicant Login Portal Contact Toll-Free Helpline Number: 1800 267 0007 Email: tddswayamhostelhelp@gmail.com FAQs 1. What is Maharashtra Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana?It is a financial assistance scheme for eligible Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing higher education who are not accommodated in Government Hostels. 2. What is the maximum assistance available under the scheme?Eligible students can receive annual financial assistance of up to ₹60,000, depending on the location of their educational institution. 3. Who can apply for the scheme?Permanent residents of Maharashtra belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category who meet the prescribed educational, income, and other eligibility conditions can apply. 4. Is there any family income limit?Yes. The annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹2.50 lakh. 5. Is Government Hostel allotment allowed under this scheme?No. The scheme is specifically intended for eligible students who have not been allotted accommodation in a Government Hostel. 6. Can beneficiaries renew their application every year?Yes. Students can submit renewal applications annually, provided they continue to satisfy the eligibility requirements, including attendance and academic performance criteria. 7. How is the financial assistance released?The approved assistance amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.