A CRITICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATIONS IN MAHARASHTRA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

This study critically examines the effectiveness of scholarship examinations in Maharashtra, with a particular focus on the opportunities they provide and the challenges they pose. Scholarship examinations, conducted by the Maharashtra State Council of Examinations (MSCE), Pune, have long been a feature of the state’s education system. Their primary objectives are to identify meritorious students, provide financial assistance, and promote academic excellence among school children, especially at the primary and upper-primary levels. In the present paper, a comprehensive review of policy documents, government records, institutional reports, academic literature, and media coverage has been undertaken to evaluate the impact of these examinations. The analysis reveals that scholarship examinations have played a vital role in incentivizing learning and motivating students to strive for higher academic achievement. The recognition and financial aid associated with these awards have, in many cases, helped talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education. They also serve as important tools for talent identification, often highlighting students who may otherwise remain unnoticed in traditional classroom settings.