The Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025-26 is a key initiative under the CSR project on Education & Livelihood by Kotak Mahindra Group Companies. The program is managed by the Kotak Education Foundation, aiming to support academically strong girl students from economically weaker backgrounds. This scholarship provides financial assistance to help meritorious girls pursue professional higher education after Class 12, ensuring they do not abandon their educational goals due to financial challenges.
Girls who have secured admission to top-ranked institutions such as NIRF/NAAC-accredited colleges, IISERs, or IISc Bangalore are encouraged to apply. With a substantial financial reward of INR 1.5 lakh per year, this scholarship helps students cover tuition fees, academic expenses, and other essential needs during the course of their graduation. The initiative not only promotes education but also bridges the gender gap in professional fields like Engineering, Medicine, Law, Architecture, and Science research.
The application process is fully online, making it accessible to eligible candidates across India. Since the scholarship renewal depends on yearly performance and the foundation’s discretion, beneficiaries are expected to maintain strong academic records throughout the program. Interested students must complete their application before the deadline of 15 December 2025.
Who Can Apply for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship?
The scholarship targets meritorious girls across India who aspire to pursue professional education but face financial challenges. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Only girl students are eligible.
- Must have secured 75% or above (or equivalent CGPA) in Class 12 board examinations.
- The annual family income should be below INR 6,00,000 from all sources.
- Applicants should have obtained admission in the first year of a graduation program for the academic year 2025–26.
- Admission must be in recognized and reputed institutes, such as:
- NIRF/NAAC accredited colleges
- IISER
- IISc Bangalore
- Professional courses in Engineering, MBBS, 5-year Integrated LLB, BS-MS programs, Design, Architecture, and similar fields
These criteria ensure that deserving students with strong academic potential receive the support they need to continue studying at renowned institutions.
Key Eligibility Summary Table
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | Only for girl students |
| Academic Requirement | Minimum 75% marks in Class 12 |
| Family Income Limit | Less than INR 6,00,000 annually |
| Admission Requirement | First-year admission in 2025–26 |
| Eligible Courses | Engineering, MBBS, Integrated Law, BS-MS, Design, Architecture, etc. |
| Eligible Institutes | NIRF/NAAC accredited colleges, IISER, IISc Bangalore & others |
Annual Reward: Scholarship Amount & Benefits
The Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025-26 offers one of the most substantial financial aids among private CSR scholarships.
Financial Support Offered
- Selected students will receive INR 1.5 lakh per year.
- The amount is aimed to support academic expenses such as:
- Tuition fees
- Books and study materials
- Accommodation and related educational needs
- Project or lab-related expenses depending on the course
Important Note About Renewal
The scholarship is renewable every year, but the continuation is:
- Subject to the student’s academic performance, and
- Entirely at the discretion of the Kotak Education Foundation.
This ensures that students remain consistent in their studies and maintain good academic standing.
How to Apply Online for Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025-26
The application procedure is digital, allowing eligible applicants from any part of India to submit forms without visiting any physical office. Here’s a step-by-step outline of the registration process:
Registration Steps
- Visit the official application portal (link provided below).
- Create an account using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in basic details such as name, Class 12 marks, family income, and course details.
- Upload the required documents in the specified format.
- Review the form to ensure all information is accurate.
- Submit the application before the final date.
Documents Required
Applicants are generally asked to upload the following documents:
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Admission proof for the academic year 2025–26
- Family income certificate (or income proof)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card or similar)
- Bank account details of the applicant
- Fee structure of the institution
Incomplete or incorrect documentation may lead to rejection, so students should verify all details before submitting.
Important Dates You Should Know
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Launch | 2025–26 Cycle |
| Last Date to Apply | 15 December 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
Students are advised not to wait until the final date to apply, as server issues or document-related delays can result in last-minute complications.
Selection Journey: How Candidates Are Shortlisted
While the foundation does not publicly detail each evaluation stage, the general selection flow is based on standard CSR scholarship practices:
- Academic merit forms the primary benchmark.
- Financial background is verified to confirm eligibility.
- Students admitted to reputed institutes receive preference.
- Shortlisted applicants may undergo document verification or further screening.
- Final selection is based on overall eligibility and available scholarship slots.
Once selected, students usually receive notification via email or the portal.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for submitting the Kotak Kanya Scholarship form. The entire process is free for all eligible applicants.
Quick Reference: Scholarship Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2025-26 |
| Conducted By | Kotak Education Foundation |
| Eligible Students | Meritorious girls from low-income families |
| Reward Amount | INR 1.5 lakh per year |
| Application Last Date | 15-12-2025 |
| Mode of Application | Online |