Maharashtra’s Free Education Scheme Boosts Enrolment of Girls in Professional Courses

Maharashtra’s free education scheme for girls, launched earlier this year by the Higher and Technical Education Department, has led to a big rise in enrolments. The scheme offers free education to girls in degree, diploma, and postgraduate courses, as long as their family income is ₹8 lakh or less per year.

The subsidy includes professional courses like engineering, law, pharmacy, and management. In the 2024–25 academic year, admissions among girls increased by 44,198 compared to the previous year—a remarkable achievement, according to officials.

Data from the state Common Entrance Test (CET) cell shows that girls secured 173,434 out of 597,277 available seats in 2024–25. This is a significant jump from the previous year, when they secured 129,263 out of 414,713 seats.

The increase is especially noticeable in courses like MBA, law, engineering, and computer applications. Officials said the scheme has greatly improved the percentage of girls enrolling in diploma, degree, and postgraduate programmes.

Although there were some initial errors in the government resolution, a revised decision cleared up the confusion.

“The rise in admissions this year shows our dedication to increasing the number of girls in education. Maharashtra, the land where Savitribai Phule promoted women’s education, is now helping daughters achieve new heights,” an official said.

With its successful start, the scheme is expected to transform Maharashtra’s education system, encouraging more girls to enter technical and professional fields. Officials expect even better results in the coming years.