Maharishi Balmiki Chatravriti Yojana 2025: Scholarship Scheme for Girl Students in Himachal Pradesh

The Maharishi Balmiki Chatravriti Yojana is a scholarship initiative launched by the Department of Education, Government of Himachal Pradesh, with the primary aim of promoting education among girls of the Balmiki community. The Balmiki community, also known as Valmiki, is a socially and economically disadvantaged group in India. Recognizing the importance of education in social empowerment and community upliftment, this scheme provides financial support to female students pursuing higher education. By providing scholarships, the government ensures that financial constraints do not hinder educational opportunities, helping students achieve academic success and become self-reliant.

Important Dates for the 2025–26 Academic Year

• Scheme Open From: 17 June 2025
• Last Date for Student Application Submission: 31 October 2025
• Defective Application Verification: Up to 25 November 2025
• Institute Verification: Up to 25 November 2025
• District/State Nodal Officer Verification: Up to 29 November 2025

Objectives of the Scheme

The key objectives of the Maharishi Balmiki Chatravriti Yojana are:

1. To provide financial assistance to girl students belonging to the Balmiki community.
2. To promote education among socially and economically disadvantaged communities.
3. To empower female students through higher education and professional courses.
4. To reduce dropout rates among girls from economically weaker families.
5. To bridge the gap between marginalized communities and access to quality education.
6. To foster self-reliance and skill development among beneficiaries.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Scholarship scheme specifically for girls of the Balmiki/Valmiki community.
• Covers students enrolled in matriculation, college-level, and professional courses.
• Provides financial assistance of ₹18,000 per annum for eligible students.
• Focused on students who are permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh.
• Aims to empower female students from economically and socially disadvantaged communities.
• Encourages continuity in education for students facing financial hardships.
• Promotes education as a means of social upliftment for the Balmiki community.

Scholarship Amount

• Annual Scholarship: ₹18,000 per student
• Applicable for college-level studies and professional courses.
• Directly credited to the student’s bank account to ensure transparency and accessibility.
• Designed to cover expenses such as tuition fees, books, stationery, and other academic necessities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Maharishi Balmiki Chatravriti Yojana, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh.
2. Must be a girl student.
3. Must belong to a Valmiki family engaged in unclean occupation.
4. Must have been admitted to a matriculation course or higher.
5. Must have valid bank account details to receive the scholarship.
6. Required to submit supporting documents such as Aadhaar, Bonafide certificate, previous academic results, bank statement, and a certificate of parent/guardian’s occupation.

Reservation Policy

• The scheme is specifically designed for girls of the Balmiki community, ensuring targeted support for socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
• No caste or category-based reservation applies beyond the Balmiki community focus.
• Priority is given to eligible female students pursuing education beyond matriculation, ensuring maximum impact on education continuation.

Distribution of Scholarships

1. Online Application Submission: Students submit applications through the designated portal.
2. Verification by Institutes: Schools and colleges verify the details and documents submitted by applicants.
3. District/State Verification: District and state nodal officers conduct final verification to ensure eligibility.
4. Scholarship Disbursement: The approved scholarship amount of ₹18,000 per annum is directly credited to the student’s bank account.
5. Acknowledgment: Students receive confirmation and acknowledgment for successful application submission and scholarship disbursement.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: New Registration

• Students need to register online by providing accurate personal and academic details.
• A unique Application ID and password are generated for login and application purposes.
• Credentials are also sent to the student’s registered mobile number via SMS.

Step 2: Login for Application

• Students log in using the Application ID and password.
• Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number to verify identity.
• Create a new password and access the Applicant Dashboard.

Step 3: Filling the Application Form

• Complete the application form with personal, academic, and bank details.
• Ensure all fields marked as mandatory are accurately filled.
• Upload supporting documents as required.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

1. Passport-size photograph
2. Aadhaar Card copy (Unique Identification Number)
3. Himachali Bonafide Certificate
4. Previous academic results from matriculation onwards
5. Latest bank statement of the student’s account
6. Certificate of parent/guardian engaged in unclean occupation (issued by an officer not below the rank of Tehsildar)

Step 5: Final Submission

• After completing the form and uploading all required documents, click “Final Submit”.
• Students receive a system-generated registration number for future reference.

Step 6: Verification and Scholarship Approval

• Institute verifies submitted documents and application details.
• District and State Nodal Officers perform final verification.
• Upon approval, the scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account.

Impact and Benefits of the Maharishi Balmiki Chatravriti Yojana

• Provides financial stability to female students from the Balmiki community.
• Encourages continuation of education beyond matriculation.
• Reduces dropout rates among socially and economically disadvantaged girls.
• Promotes female empowerment through education.
• Supports professional and higher education, enabling students to pursue their career goals.
• Helps bridge the educational gap in marginalized communities, promoting social upliftment and equality.