Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2024-25 [Win upto 1.5 lakh]

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Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025-26 [Win upto 1.5 lakh]

Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025-26 [Win upto 1.5 lakh]

The Kotak Kanya Scholarship is an initiative by the Kotak Education Foundation, a CSR initiative of the Kotak Mahindra Group, aimed at empowering meritorious young women from underprivileged backgrounds across India. The scholarship provides financial assistance to academically deserving female students who wish to pursue professional undergraduate courses in fields such as Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Law, Finance, and related disciplines.

Meritorious female students who have secured admission to the first year of professional undergraduate programs in the academic year 2025‑26 are eligible. Eligible courses include Engineering, MBBS, BDS, Integrated LLB (5 years), B.Sc Nursing, B. Pharmacy, Integrated BS‑MS/BS-Research at IISER/IISc Bangalore, and other professional courses such as Design and Architecture. Applicants must be enrolled in institutes of repute, typically NIRF or NAAC-accredited. For the complete list of approved colleges, candidates should refer to the official scholarship notification or the Buddy4Study portal.

Eligibility criteria for Kotak Kanya scholarship

1. Academic Qualification

Applicants must have successfully completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from any recognized central or state board.
A minimum of 75% marks or equivalent CGPA is required.

2. Admission Requirement

Candidates must have secured admission to the first year of a professional undergraduate program in the academic year 2025‑26.
Eligible programs typically include Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Law, Design, Management, and other professional courses at recognized institutions.

3. Income Criteria

The annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹6,00,000.
Priority is often given to students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Kotak Kanya Scholarship

4. Nationality

Applicants must be Indian citizens.
The scholarship is exclusively for female students.

5. Exclusions

Children of employees of the Kotak Education Foundation or Buddy4Study are not eligible.

6. Age Limit

Some years may have an age restriction, typically for students between 17–25 years.
Candidates should check the official guidelines for the specific academic year.

7. Renewal and Academic Performance

The scholarship is renewable for the full duration of the course, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance as per the foundation’s requirements.

Benefits of the Kotak Kanya Scholarship

1. Financial Support

Selected students can receive up to ₹1,50,000 per year, renewable for the full duration of their undergraduate professional program.
Covers tuition fees, books, hostel or accommodation charges, internet, transportation, and other academic-related expenses.
Helps students from underprivileged backgrounds focus fully on studies without worrying about financial constraints.

2. Empowerment of Women

Supports young women in pursuing higher education and achieving their dreams.
Promotes gender equality and expands educational opportunities for girls.

Kotak Kanya Scholarship

3. Career & Academic Advantage

Adds credibility to the student’s profile.
Opens doors to better career opportunities, internships, and higher studies.

4. Mentorship & Networking

Provides access to mentors, workshops, and professional networks.
Enables holistic development beyond academics, including exposure to real-world experiences.

5. Confidence & Leadership

Encourages students to develop self-confidence, independence, and leadership skills.
Prepares scholars to face real-world challenges successfully.

6. Renewable Scholarship & Recognition

Continues annually for the full course duration, subject to maintaining academic performance and eligibility criteria.
Being a Kotak Kanya Scholar adds recognition and may aid in career growth or higher education opportunities.

Important link

Documents required for Kotak Kanya Scholarship

Admission proof which includes an admission letter or Institution ID card.
Previous year/semester mark sheets.
Payment receipt of your educational expenses along with fee structure for the academic year.
A Bonafide letter from the college stating the total fees/expenses incurred by the applicant in an academic year/ annual cycle.
College seat allocation documents
Bank passbook
Caste Certificate
Aadhaar Card
Disability certificate (If applicable)
Death certificate of the parent (for single parent or orphan candidates)
Proof of annual income (salary slips, ITR, income certificate issued by concerned Government authority)
A passport-size photograph
Photograph of the house

How to apply for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship

Click on the ‘Apply’ button on the Kotak Kanya Scholarship page on Buddy4Study.
If you are already registered, login to Buddy4Study with your registered ID to access the application form page.
If you are not registered yet, create a new account on Buddy4Study using your Email, Mobile number, or Gmail account.
After login or registration, you will be redirected to the Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025‑26 application form page.
Click on the ‘Start Application’ button to begin filling out your application form.
Enter all required personal, academic, and contact details accurately in the online form.
Upload all required documents, such as marksheets, admission proof, Aadhaar card, income certificate, and passport-size photograph. Make sure the documents are clear and readable.
Read and accept the ‘Terms and Conditions’, then click ‘Preview’ to review your application before submission.
Carefully verify all the details on the preview screen. If everything is correct, click the ‘Submit’ button to complete your application.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email or SMS — save it for your records.

Selection Process for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025–26

The selection process for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship involves several stages designed to identify and support meritorious female students from economically weaker sections. The process ensures transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity for all eligible candidates.

1. Online Application Submission

Candidates must apply through the Buddy4Study portal or the official Kotak Education Foundation website by completing the online form.

Applicants must upload valid and clear copies of the following documents:

Academic transcripts (Class 10, 12, and latest marksheets).
Admission proof to a professional undergraduate course (Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Design, Law, etc.).
Family income certificate (annual income below ₹3,20,000).
Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).
Recent passport-size photograph.

2. Initial Screening

All submitted applications undergo an initial review to confirm:

Academic performance and consistency.
Financial eligibility and need-based assessment.
Verification of documents and authenticity of information.
Fulfillment of eligibility criteria and course recognition.

3. Shortlisting

Based on the screening results, candidates are shortlisted. The shortlisting considers:
Academic excellence and dedication toward higher studies.
Socioeconomic background and challenges faced.
Candidate’s motivation and career goals as reflected in their statement or application answers include:

4. Telephonic or Virtual Interview

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a telephonic or virtual interview conducted by representatives of the Kotak Education Foundation or its partners.

The interview aims to assess:

Aspirations and clarity of educational/career goals.
Confidence, communication skills, and motivation.
Awareness of social responsibility and willingness to contribute back to society.

5. Final Selection

Final selection is based on a holistic evaluation, which includes:
Academic record and interview performance.
Verified financial need.
Overall merit and personal background.
Selected candidates are notified through email, SMS, or official announcement on the scholarship portal.

6. Scholarship Disbursement

Selected scholars receive up to ₹1.5 lakh per annum to cover tuition fees, academic materials, and related educational expenses.
The scholarship is renewed annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance and submission of progress reports.
Funds are directly transferred to the student’s institution or bank account to ensure transparency.

Additional Notes

Preference is given to candidates enrolling in professional undergraduate programs at recognized institutions.
The Kotak Education Foundation may periodically review scholars’ performance to continue the support.
Applicants are encouraged to provide truthful and updated information, as any false declaration can lead to disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Kotak Kanya Scholarship?
The Kotak Kanya Scholarship is a merit‑cum‑means scholarship program initiated by the Kotak Education Foundation, which is a CSR initiative of the Kotak Mahindra Group. This scholarship is designed to financially support academically meritorious young women from underprivileged or economically weaker backgrounds in India, helping them pursue professional undergraduate degrees in fields like engineering, medicine, law, pharmacy, nursing, design, architecture, or integrated science programming. The scholarship aims to empower women by reducing financial barriers and promoting higher education in professional courses.

2. Who can apply for the 2025‑26 cycle?
Female students (girls) across India who have secured first-year admission in the academic year 2025‑26 for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship are eligible. Applicants must have been admitted to a professional undergraduate course, such as Engineering, MBBS, BDS, Integrated LLB, B. Pharmacy, or B.Sc. Nursing, Integrated BS‑MS/BS‑Research, Design, Architecture, or another approved professional program at a recognized institute that is NIRF or NAAC accredited. Only students beginning their first year of study are considered, and the scholarship focuses on supporting students who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need.

3. What is the minimum educational qualification required to apply?
Applicants must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized central or state board. For the 2025-26 cycle, students generally need to have achieved at least 75% marks or an equivalent CGPA in their Class 12 examinations. The scholarship priorities students with strong academic records who have gained admission to approved professional courses.

4. What is the annual family income cap for eligibility?
To be eligible for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship, the applicant’s family income from all sources should typically not exceed ₹6,00,000 per annum for the 2025‑26 cycle. This criterion ensures that the scholarship reaches students who are academically meritorious but financially constrained, allowing them to pursue professional education without significant financial burden.

5. Which courses are covered under this scholarship?
The Kotak Kanya Scholarship supports students pursuing professional undergraduate programmed, including:

Engineering (B.Tech/B. E)
MBBS, BDS (Medical and Dental courses)
Integrated LLB (5-year law programme)
B.Pharmacy, B.Sc Nursing
Integrated BS‑MS/BS‑Research (IISER or similar institutions)
Design, Architecture, and other professional courses approved by the foundation

This ensures that students from diverse professional fields receive support, particularly in courses that require higher tuition or additional academic resources.

6. Does the institute for the course need special accreditation?
Yes. To be eligible, the applicant must be enrolled in an institute recognised for its academic reputation and accreditation. Typically, this includes NAAC/NIRF-accredited colleges or institutes of repute such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), or other professionally recognised institutions offering undergraduate programmes in approved fields. This ensures that the scholarship supports education at high-quality institutions.

Kotak Kanya Scholarship

7. What is the amount of scholarship offered?
Selected scholars are eligible for a financial award of up to ₹1,50,000 per year (or as per actual academic expenses, whichever is lower) for the duration of their undergraduate programme. The scholarship amount is intended to cover tuition fees, hostel charges, academic resources, and other necessary expenses, helping students focus on their studies without financial stress.

8. What expenses can the scholarship cover?
The funds provided under the Kotak Kanya Scholarship can be used for a variety of educational expenses, including:

Tuition and academic fees
Hostel or accommodation charges
Internet and digital learning resources
Transportation costs
Purchase of laptops, books, and stationery

This ensures that students can manage all major costs associated with professional education, including both tuition and essential academic tools.

9. Is there an age limit to apply?
There is no specific age limit published for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship. The primary eligibility criteria are being a female student, having secured admission in the first year of an approved professional course, meeting the academic benchmark of Class 12 marks, and falling within the income criteria set by the foundation.

10. Are male students eligible?
No. The Kotak Kanya Scholarship is exclusively for female students. This focus on supporting young women aligns with the scholarship’s mission to promote women’s education in professional fields and empower them to pursue higher studies in India.

11. What is the application mode and where to apply?
The application process for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship is completely online. Applicants can submit their forms via the Buddy4Study portal or directly through the Kotak Education Foundation website. The online platform allows applicants to register, fill in required personal and academic details, and upload supporting documents such as admission letters, income proofs, and mark sheets.

12. What is the last date to apply for the 2025‑26 cycle?
The last date to submit applications for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025‑26 is 31 October 2025. Applicants are strongly advised to check the official Buddy4Study portal or the Kotak Education Foundation website to confirm deadlines and ensure timely submission. Late applications are generally not accepted.

13. What is the selection process?
The selection process includes multiple stages:

Initial Screening: Academic records and financial need are reviewed.
Shortlisting: Candidates demonstrating merit and need are shortlisted.
Interview: Shortlisted applicants may be called for telephonic, virtual, or in-person interviews to assess aspirations, motivation, and career goals.
Final Decision: The foundation selects scholars based on merit, financial need, and interview performance.

The process ensures that scholarships are awarded to deserving students who meet both academic and financial criteria.

14. Is the scholarship renewable each year?
Yes. The Kotak Kanya Scholarship is renewable for each year of the undergraduate course, provided the student meets renewal conditions, which may include maintaining minimum academic performance, regular attendance, and good conduct. The foundation may require periodic updates on academic progress before releasing the next instalment.

Kotak Kanya Scholarship

15. Are the children of Kotak employees eligible?
No. Children of employees of the Kotak Mahindra Group, Kotak Education Foundation, or Buddy4Study are not eligible for the scholarship. This ensures fairness and prioritises students from other underprivileged backgrounds.

16. Can I apply if I took a gap year after Class 12?
Yes, candidates who have secured first-year admission in AY 2025‑26 are eligible for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship even if they took a gap year after Class 12. The gap year is allowed as long as the candidate meets all other eligibility criteria, including maintaining the required academic performance and fulfilling the income criteria. Applicants must have secured admission in a professional undergraduate program approved under the scholarship, such as Engineering, Medicine, Law, Architecture, or related courses.

17. Will the fund be disbursed to my bank account?
Yes. The scholarship amount is typically credited directly to the student’s bank account or the guardian’s account (if the student is a minor). Funds are released annually to cover tuition fees and other academic expenses.

18. Can I apply if I receive another scholarship simultaneously?
The official guidelines do not explicitly prohibit applying for multiple scholarships. However, applicants should verify the terms of each scholarship to ensure there are no conflicts or overlapping conditions. It is advisable to consult the foundation for clarification.

Kotak Kanya Scholarship

19. What happens if I fail to maintain academic performance or give up the course?
If a student fails to meet the scholarship’s renewal conditions, such as minimum marks, attendance, or course progression, the Kotak Kanya Scholarship may be discontinued. This ensures that funds are used effectively to support students who are actively pursuing their education.

20. How can I check the application status or who to contact for queries?
After applying, students can check the status on the platform used to apply (Buddy4Study or Kotak Education Foundation website). For any queries, applicants can contact the Kotak Education Foundation or Buddy4Study helpdesk via the official email or phone numbers provided in the scholarship notification.

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