Officials familiar with the development said the audit will examine records from the last two to three years and is expected to cover documents linked to nearly five lakh students. The exercise is being viewed as one of the most extensive reviews of scholarship disbursement practices in the state in recent years.

The investigation has already uncovered troubling patterns. Preliminary findings indicate that in some institutions, biometric attendance systems were allegedly manipulated using rubber thumb impressions. Authorities suspect that fake attendance records were generated to show student presence and maintain eligibility for scholarship benefits.

The state government has directed the Department of Information Technology and Communication (DOIT) and the audit department to conduct a joint investigation. While DOIT will focus on technological and digital aspects of the alleged fraud, auditors will examine scholarship payments, financial transactions and institutional records.

The issue has gained significance because the scholarship scheme is designed to support students from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Any misuse of funds could directly affect beneficiaries who depend on the financial assistance to continue their education.

Speaking about the matter, Rajasthan Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot said the government has already blacklisted 30 institutions where irregularities were detected. He indicated that criminal complaints are being filed in cases where evidence supports legal action.

According to officials, the investigation is not limited to attendance-related fraud. Authorities are also examining allegations involving manipulation of Aadhaar-linked records. Initial inquiries suggest that some e-Mitra operators allegedly collected student documents and changed mobile numbers linked to Aadhaar and Jan Aadhaar accounts. As a result, one-time passwords (OTPs) connected to scholarship applications were reportedly redirected, allowing unauthorized access to student records and benefits.

The audit is expected to determine whether scholarship funds were claimed in the names of students without their knowledge or whether institutions used fabricated records to secure financial assistance.

Government sources said the administration is simultaneously reviewing its digital infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials are considering stronger integration of scholarship processing through centralized software systems managed by DOIT, which could improve verification mechanisms and reduce opportunities for fraud.

The latest action reflects the state's attempt to tighten oversight over welfare schemes that involve large-scale public spending. Education sector observers note that scholarship programmes play a critical role in increasing access to higher education, making transparency and accountability essential.

As the audit progresses, authorities are expected to scrutinize institutional records, attendance data, biometric logs and financial transactions. Further findings could lead to additional blacklisting, recovery proceedings and criminal investigations.

The government has maintained that all institutions connected to the scholarship programme will be examined wherever necessary and that action will be taken against those found violating rules. Detailed audit findings are awaited.