Relief for Minority Students: Admission Allowed Without Individual Minority Certificate

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Government has announced a major relief for students belonging to minority communities by clarifying that educational institutions cannot insist on an individual Minority Certificate as a mandatory requirement for admission. The Minority Development Department has directed all concerned education directorates to ensure that no eligible student is denied admission solely due to the absence of such a certificate.

The clarification comes after the government received reports that some educational institutions were demanding individual Minority Certificates during the admission process for the academic year 2026–27. Reiterating the existing policy, the department has instructed all institutions to strictly adhere to the prescribed guidelines.

The Maharashtra Government recognizes seven minority communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains, and Jews. However, the State does not issue individual Minority Certificates to members of these communities. Therefore, insisting on such a certificate for admission is contrary to government policy.

As per the Government Resolution dated July 1, 2013, a student’s minority status can be established through the religion or mother tongue recorded in the school leaving certificate, admission register, or other school records. If such records are unavailable, a certificate issued by a recognized religious leader or registered religious institution, or an affidavit from the student’s parents, shall be accepted as valid proof.

The directions have been communicated to all Directorates of School Education, Higher and Technical Education, Vocational Education, Medical Education and Research, and AYUSH Education to ensure uniform implementation across the State.