Higher education brings immense opportunities, but high costs often block the dreams of bright young girls. The Kotak Mahindra Group companies and the Kotak Education Foundation want to change this reality. They run a joint Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative called the Kotak Kanya Scholarship. This program offers powerful financial support to meritorious girl students from underprivileged families across India.
If you have completed Class 12 and want to pursue a professional degree, this program can help you. The Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026-27 provides up to INR 1.5 Lakh per year to cover your academic expenses. The financial aid continues until you complete your graduation.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about the Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026-27. You will learn about the eligibility criteria, the application process, the necessary documents, and the key deadlines.
Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026-27: Key Highlights
The following table provides a quick overview of the essential features of the scholarship:
| Feature | Details |
| Name of the Scholarship | Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026-27 |
| Launched By | Kotak Mahindra Group & Kotak Education Foundation |
| Target Audience | Meritorious girl students from underprivileged backgrounds |
| Financial Reward | Up to INR 1.5 Lakh per year |
| Eligible Courses | Professional Graduation (Engineering, MBBS, Architecture, Integrated LLB, Design, etc.) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
Main Benefits of the Kotak Kanya Scholarship
This program acts as more than a simple financial grant. It works to transform the lives of young women through holistic development.
1. Direct Financial Support
Selected scholars receive up to INR 1.5 Lakh every year. The money pays for essential academic costs. You can use the fund to cover your college tuition fees and hostel fees. It also pays for your internet expenses, transportation, books, stationery, and a laptop.
2. Mentorship and Life Skills
The Kotak Education Foundation provides mental well-being sessions and personal mentoring. These sessions teach valuable life skills. They help you build self-esteem, set career goals, and make independent choices.
3. Career Grooming and Finishing School
The foundation partners with top-tier training firms like Talerang and Plaksha University. These institutions run finishing school modules for the scholars. You will learn professional etiquette, communication skills, and corporate personality development. These lessons make you instantly job-ready.
4. Technical Academic Extensions
Engineering and medical students get extra assistance. The scholarship provides free subscriptions to premium learning platforms like Unstop and Marrow. This help allows you to develop advanced industry skills.
5. Corporate Exposure
Scholars routinely secure internships at global brands. Past students have worked at Google, Goldman Sachs, Jaguar Land Rover India, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and the University of Oulu in Finland.
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
You must meet strict merit-cum-means requirements to qualify for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026-27. Read the conditions below carefully before you apply:
- Gender: Only girl students can apply for this program.
- Academic Performance: You must score 75% or higher marks (or an equivalent CGPA) in your Class 12 board examinations.
- Year of Admission: You must secure admission to the first year of a professional graduation program in the current academic year (2026-27).
- Institutes of Repute: Your college must hold a valid NIRF or NAAC accreditation. The foundation welcomes students from premier institutions, including the top 17 IITs, leading NITs, National Law Universities (NLUs), and top medical colleges like AIIMS or JIPMER.
- Eligible Streams: The program accepts professional degrees such as Engineering, MBBS, Integrated LLB (5 years), Design, Architecture, and Integrated BS-MS / BS-Research courses at IISc Bangalore or IISERs.
- Family Income: Your family’s total annual income from all sources must sit below INR 6,00,000.
- Gap Year Policy: If you took a one-year break after your Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam to prepare for competitive entrance tests, you can still apply.
- Exclusions: Children of employees working at the Kotak Mahindra Group, the Kotak Education Foundation, and Buddy4Study cannot participate in this scholarship program.
Important Dates for 2026-27
Track the official dates closely so you do not miss the application window. The foundation will close the portal immediately after the deadline.
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | July 14, 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | October 15, 2026 |
Required Documents for the Application
You must upload clear, legible scanned copies of your official papers. Keep the following documents ready before you open the application form:
- Your Class 12 board examination marksheet.
- Valid income proof of your parents or legal guardians (such as an Income Certificate issued by a government authority).
- The Income Tax Return (ITR) documents of your parents for the Financial Year 2025-26 (if available).
- The official fee structure document for the academic year 2026-27 issued by your college.
- A Bonafide Student Certificate or an admission letter from your current college.
- Your college seat allocation document and your entrance examination scorecard (like JEE, NEET, or CLAT).
- Your Aadhaar Card for identity verification.
- The front page of your bank passbook or a cancelled cheque.
- A recent passport-size photograph.
- A valid disability certificate (if you belong to the PwD category).
- The death certificate of a parent (if you are a single-parent child or an orphan).
- Clear photographs of your residential house (both inside and outside views).
How to Apply Online for the Kotak Kanya Scholarship
The online application process remains simple. Follow these steps to complete your registration on the Buddy4Study portal:
1. Visit the Official Portal:
Open your web browser and go to the official Buddy4Study portal or click the application link on the Kotak Education Foundation website.
2. Register or Log In:
Log in using your registered user ID. If you do not have an account, register immediately using your email address, mobile number, or Google account.
3. Access the Scholarship Page:
Search for the ‘Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026-27’ link. Click the ‘Start Application’ button to open the blank form.
4. Fill in Your Details:
Enter your personal information, academic grades, college admission details, and family income details accurately into the fields.
5. Upload Scanned Documents:
Attach all the required files, including your marksheets, income certificates, house photographs, and bank details.
6.Preview and Submit:
Accept the terms and conditions checkbox. Click the ‘Preview’ button to check all your entered information, then click the ‘Submit’ button to finish.
Selection and Renewal Process
The Kotak Education Foundation uses a transparent, multi-stage merit-cum-means selection model:
- Initial Shortlisting: The foundation filters applications based on your academic marks (Class 12 performance) and your financial background.
- Interview Rounds: Shortlisted candidates must pass two consecutive rounds of personal interviews.
- Final Selection: The organizers award the scholarship based on a strict rank order system.
How You Receive the Money
The foundation transfers the scholarship fund directly to your bank account on an annual basis. If you remain a minor (under 18 years of age) at the time of selection, the fund goes to your parent’s or guardian’s bank account. The money moves to your personal account as soon as you turn 18.
Rules for Annual Renewal
You can renew the scholarship every year until your course ends. You must follow these renewal rules:
- Maintain regular attendance and avoid dropping out of your academic session.
- Keep your record free from any disciplinary issues at college.
- Secure at least a 6 CGPA every year, or clear all exams to get promoted to the next academic year.
- Upload your semester marksheets and your college fee receipts regularly to the online performance tracking system.
Official Helpdesk and Reference Links
If you experience technical issues during registration or have questions about the rules, contact the official management team.
Helpline Contact Information
| Contact Channel | Details |
| Official Helpline Phone | 011-430-92248 (Extension: 262) |
| Official Support Email | kotakscholarship@buddy4study.com |
Government and Official References
| Resource Organization | Official Web Link |
| Kotak Education Foundation Portal | Visit Official Website |
| Application Management Partner | Buddy4Study Portal |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I took a gap year?
Yes. You can apply if you have only a one-year break after your Class 12 or HSC exams to prepare for college entrance tests.
What courses qualify for this scholarship?
The scholarship supports professional graduation degrees. These include Engineering, MBBS, Architecture, Design, Integrated 5-year LLB, and Integrated BS-MS programs.
Does the scholarship cover my hostel fees?
Yes. The annual fund covers your tuition fees, hostel charges, books, stationery, transport, internet, and laptop purchases.
How much income limit allows me to apply?
Your total family income must remain below INR 6,00,000 per year to satisfy the economic requirements.
What academic grade do I need for renewal?
You must achieve at least a 6 CGPA every year or receive an official promotion to the next academic year from your college.