Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has received 12,889 applications for two of its scholarship programs: the Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Educational Financial Assistance Scheme for 10th-grade students and the Lokshahir Anna Bhau Sathe Educational Financial Assistance Scheme for 12th-grade students.

These initiatives are designed to provide financial support to students within the municipal limits for further education.

As of this year, the PMC has recorded 9,653 applications from 10th-grade students under the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad scheme and 3,236 applications from 12th-grade students under the Anna Bhau Sathe scheme.

These scholarships are aimed at students from different parts of the city, including those studying in municipal and night schools, as well as those belonging to backward classes and marginalized sections of society.

For students in the open category, the minimum eligibility requirement is 80% in their 10th or 12th board exams for the academic year 2024.

However, the criteria are slightly relaxed for other categories: students from municipal or night schools, backward classes, and children with at least 40% disabilities need to score at least 70%. Furthermore, children of unorganized laborers, including waste pickers and those working in biogas plants, can qualify with a minimum of 65% marks.

If a high number of applications are received in a given academic year, the PMC plans to provide financial aid from the allocated budget for the schemes.

The proposed financial assistance is Rs 15,000 for students who have passed the 10th grade and Rs 25,000 for those who have passed the 12th grade.

Initially, the application submission deadline was set for September 30th. However, the PMC has now extended the deadline, allowing students to apply until the model code of conduct for the upcoming legislative elections is enforced.