Maharashtra Shifts to Merit-Based Admissions and Uniform Policy for BARTI, SARTHI, MahaJyoti, and ARTI

In a landmark move aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and employability, the Government of Maharashtra has decided to implement merit-only admissions and a uniform policy framework for all courses and schemes under key state-run research and training institutions—BARTI, SARTHI, MahaJyoti, and ARTI. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in the Legislative Council on July 4, 2025, signaling a significant policy shift in how scholarships, student intake, and training programs are administered across these institutions.

Merit-Based Admissions to Replace Existing Selection Models

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar confirmed that all future admissions to courses offered by:

• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI)
• Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training, and Human Development Institute (SARTHI)
• Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (MahaJyoti)
• Anna Bhau Sathe Research and Training Institute (ARTI)

The admission process will be conducted purely based on merit. This move is intended to eliminate ambiguity in the process, ensure fair opportunities for all eligible candidates, and focus on academic and professional excellence.

The shift comes amid growing scrutiny of how public funds are allocated and utilised across these institutions, especially in higher education programs such as Ph.D. fellowships.

Uniform Policy Across All Institutions

In addition to implementing merit-based admissions, the Maharashtra government will also introduce a uniform policy covering:

• Student intake capacity
• General scholarship disbursement
• Foreign scholarship programs
• Admission procedures and eligibility norms

This standardisation aims to create a cohesive and accountable ecosystem across all four institutions. Until now, each operated under its policies, often leading to inconsistencies in student support and administrative outcomes.

Deputy CM Pawar emphasised that this uniformity would streamline operations and help ensure that public resources are optimally utilised, particularly in skill-building and employment-oriented education.

Response to Legislative Concerns on SARTHI

The announcement was made in response to questions raised by MLCs Sanjay Khodke and Abhijit Wanjarri, who sought clarity on SARTHI's disbursement of rental allowances and contingency funds.

In his reply, Pawar disclosed critical figures that prompted the policy overhaul. Between 2018 and 2025, around 3 lakh students received support under SARTHI’s various schemes, which include tuition fee reimbursements, living allowances, and educational guidance across 83 different courses.

However, a deeper analysis revealed that only 3,000 students—just 1% of the total beneficiaries—pursued Ph.D. programs, which drew disproportionate funding. According to official data, approximately ₹280 crore was spent on these 3,000 doctoral candidates, amounting to an average of ₹30 lakh per student over five years.

Concerns Over Resource Allocation

This disproportionate expenditure on a small fraction of students raised red flags. The government has taken serious note of the issue and aims to reallocate resources toward high-impact, career-driven programs. Deputy CM Pawar stated that admissions will be limited to courses with proven employment potential going forward.

This marks a critical shift from purely academic offerings to skills-based, outcome-oriented education, aligning with current labour market needs and the government’s vision of building a future-ready workforce.

Expert Committee Recommendations Under Review

The state government had earlier appointed a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to assess and restructure the framework of student-related policies across these institutions. The mandate included:

• Evaluating academic quality
• Reviewing scholarship criteria
• Standardising admission procedures
• Recommending financial rationalisation

Deputy CM Pawar informed the Legislative Council that the committee’s report has been submitted, and the government is currently reviewing the recommendations. Based on the insights gathered in the report, formal decisions and policy implementations will be announced soon.

Implications for Future Students

For aspiring students across Maharashtra, this development signals a new era of transparency, competitiveness, and accountability in publicly funded education and training programs. With merit as the central criterion for admission and support, deserving students will now have a level playing field regardless of background.

Moreover, focusing on employment-generating courses ensures that public funds translate into real-world career opportunities, reducing the risk of educated unemployment and underemployment. This will also help bridge the gap between academic learning and practical skill application.

Conclusion

Maharashtra’s move to enforce merit-based admissions and implement a uniform policy framework across BARTI, SARTHI, MahaJyoti, and ARTI marks a significant reform in the state’s educational ecosystem. With an emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and employability, the decision reflects the government’s commitment to optimising public spending and ensuring student success in a competitive job market.