To support higher education among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, the Maharashtra government has introduced an enhanced Tribal Student Hostel Scheme for 2025. This integrated initiative combines free accommodation with direct scholarship support, ensuring that no deserving tribal student has to drop out due to financial hardship or lack of facilities.
The scheme is part of the state’s ongoing effort to reduce the educational gap between rural tribal communities and urban populations. With better infrastructure and monthly financial support, the new policy promotes both access and retention in schools, colleges, and technical institutions.
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What Is the 2025 Tribal Hostel Scheme?
The Tribal Student Hostel Scheme provides ST students with free or subsidized lodging along with monthly scholarships. Key features include:
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Government-funded hostels with modern facilities in all tribal districts
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Monthly scholarship amount of ₹2,500–₹3,500 credited directly to bank accounts
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Reservation of seats in hostels for SC/ST/OBC girl students
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Dedicated wardens, biometric attendance, and digital monitoring
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Priority for students enrolled in professional and technical courses
The scheme is being implemented through the Tribal Development Department in partnership with local educational institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for ST Hostel and Scholarship Benefits
To qualify under the Tribal Student Hostel Scheme, students must meet the following conditions:
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Belong to a Scheduled Tribe category (valid caste certificate required)
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Be enrolled in a recognized government or aided institution in Maharashtra
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Must have passed previous examination with minimum 60% marks
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Annual family income must be less than ₹2.5 lakh
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Priority given to girls, differently-abled students, and first-generation learners
Students applying for both hostel and scholarship must register through the official Adivasi Vikas portal.
Hostel Infrastructure and Amenities
The Maharashtra government is building and upgrading over 300 tribal hostels in key locations under the 2025 plan. Each hostel includes:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Twin-sharing rooms with beds and storage |
| Sanitation & Hygiene | Clean toilets, RO water, solar water heaters |
| Study & Recreation Zones | Reading halls, TV lounges, digital classrooms |
| Meals | Free breakfast, lunch, and dinner through centralized kitchens |
| Safety Measures | CCTV, biometric entry, female warden (in girls’ hostels) |
Students will also receive toiletries, study materials, and uniforms during the academic year.
How to Apply for the Scheme Online
The application for the Tribal Student Hostel Scheme is entirely digital in 2025. Here’s how to apply:
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Visit the official etribal.maharashtra.gov.in website
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Click on “Hostel & Scholarship Registration” tab
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Create a student login using Aadhaar and mobile OTP
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Fill out academic details, hostel preference, and scholarship information
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Upload required documents (caste, income, marksheets, ID)
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Submit the form and download the acknowledgement slip
Final selection is made based on merit, distance from educational institute, and availability of seats.
Government Monitoring and Support Systems
To ensure smooth functioning and transparency, the Tribal Development Department has deployed:
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A centralized hostel management dashboard for real-time data tracking
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Biometric-based attendance and check-in/check-out for students
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Annual hostel inspections by district-level education officers
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Grievance redressal helpline and student mobile app
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Integration with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for on-time scholarship payments
These systems improve accountability and reduce dropout rates.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Tribal Student Hostel Scheme?
ST students studying in government-recognized colleges with family income under ₹2.5 lakh and minimum 60% marks are eligible.
Is there any hostel fee?
No. Accommodation and food are completely free for eligible students under this scheme.
How much scholarship amount is provided?
A monthly stipend of ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 is credited directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Can private college students apply?
Only students enrolled in government or government-aided institutions are currently eligible.
What if I don’t get hostel allotment?
Students who don’t receive hostel seats may still be eligible for a day scholar scholarship under the same scheme.
Click here to know more.
