Gujarat’s government has launched a transformative scholarship scheme for girls, announced on June 29, 2025, to boost female education. Aimed at reducing dropout rates and promoting higher studies, the initiative offers financial aid to girls from economically weaker sections. The program, part of a broader education overhaul, seeks to empower women through accessible education opportunities.
Gujarat’s Bold Step Toward Empowering Girls Through Education
On June 29, 2025, the Gujarat government announced a groundbreaking scholarship scheme exclusively for girls, marking a significant step in its ambitious education overhaul. This initiative, unveiled by the state’s Education Department, aims to address gender disparities in education by providing financial assistance to female students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme targets girls from Class 9 to postgraduate levels, ensuring support across various academic stages.
The scholarship program, named “Beti Padhao Yojana,” offers financial aid ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000 annually, depending on the academic level and financial need of the applicants. Eligible students must be domiciled in Gujarat, enrolled in recognized institutions, and belong to families with an annual income below ₹6 lakh. The scheme prioritizes girls from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority communities, though it remains open to all eligible candidates regardless of caste.
The announcement was made during a high-profile event in Gandhinagar, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the state’s commitment to gender equality in education. “Empowering our daughters through education is the cornerstone of a progressive Gujarat,” he stated. The scheme integrates with the Digital Gujarat Scholarship Portal, streamlining the application process. Students can apply online at digitalgujarat.gov.in, with registrations opening on July 1, 2025, and closing on September 30, 2025. The portal’s user-friendly interface allows applicants to track their application status in real-time, ensuring transparency.
Official data from the Gujarat Education Department indicates that female enrollment in higher secondary and college education has risen by 12% over the past five years, yet dropout rates remain a concern, particularly in rural areas. The new scholarship aims to curb this by covering tuition fees, educational materials, and, in some cases, hostel expenses. Approximately 1.5 lakh girls are expected to benefit in the first year, with the government allocating ₹200 crore for the initiative.
The scheme also introduces mentorship programs, pairing beneficiaries with female professionals to provide career guidance. Additionally, it includes provisions for skill development courses, aligning with Gujarat’s broader goal of enhancing employability among women. The Education Department has partnered with organizations like the Gujarat Foundation and Navrangpura Education Society to fund and promote the initiative.
Applications require a valid Aadhaar card, domicile certificate, income certificate, and academic records. The government has cautioned against submitting inaccurate documents, as it may lead to disqualification. For support, a dedicated helpline (18002335500) is available for applicants facing technical issues.
This scholarship scheme is part of Gujarat’s broader education overhaul, which includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and digital learning initiatives. By focusing on girls’ education, the state aims to boost female literacy rates, currently at 70.3% according to the 2023 National Family Health Survey, and foster economic independence among women.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official announcements from the Gujarat Education Department and information available on the Digital Gujarat Scholarship Portal as of July 5, 2025. Data and details are subject to change, and readers are advised to verify information through official sources like digitalgujarat.gov.in.