Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026: 1,000 Students Selected for ₹73,500 Financial Aid

Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), which implements education-focused corporate social responsibility initiatives for the Kotak Mahindra Group, has announced that 1,000 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have been selected for the Kotak Junior Scholarship, also known as “Future Ka Golden Ticket”.

The scholarship is designed to help meritorious students continue their education after Class 10, particularly those who may face financial difficulties while transitioning to higher secondary education.

Each selected student will receive financial assistance of ₹73,500 over 21 months, covering Classes 11 and 12. In addition to monetary support, the programme offers academic assistance, individual mentorship, career counselling, competitive entrance examination preparation and educational exposure visits.

Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026: Key Highlights

What Benefits Will Students Receive?

The Kotak Junior Scholarship programme aims to support students beyond financial assistance. Its broader objective is to help young people develop the academic and personal skills needed to pursue higher education and prepare for future careers.

The key benefits include:

1. Financial assistance: Each selected scholar will receive ₹73,500 over 21 months to support educational continuity through Classes 11 and 12.

2. Individual mentorship: Dedicated mentors will help students manage academic challenges, set goals and adapt to the transition from secondary to higher secondary education.

3. Academic support: Scholars will receive assistance aimed at improving their academic performance and preparing for examinations.

4. Career guidance: Students will receive guidance to help them explore educational pathways, career opportunities and competitive entrance examinations.

5. Exposure visits: Educational visits will introduce students to new learning environments and broaden their understanding of future opportunities.

6. Personal development: The programme also focuses on communication, confidence, time management, stress management and other skills that can help students navigate academic and social challenges.

Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026: Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is intended for academically meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families living in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

According to the programme's published eligibility information, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Class 10 marks: Students must have secured at least 85% overall in their Class 10 SSC, CBSE or ICSE board examinations in 2026.

Class 11 admission: Applicants must have secured admission to Class 11 at an eligible junior college or school within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for the 2026–27 academic year.

Family income: Annual parental income must be ₹3.20 lakh or below, subject to the official programme rules.

Residence: Applicants must reside within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Supporting documents: Students must provide the required academic, income and residence-related information as specified in the application guidelines.

Students should consult the official Kotak Education Foundation website and the applicable scholarship guidelines to confirm the complete eligibility conditions and documentation requirements.

How Does Kotak Education Foundation Support Scholars?

The foundation's approach combines financial assistance with ongoing engagement throughout the students' academic journey.

Mentors will track scholars' progress through periodic academic reviews during Classes 11 and 12. They will also work to address challenges such as examination pressure, language barriers, time management and adjustment to new academic environments.

Family engagement is another component of the programme, with home visits intended to strengthen support for students' continued education.

The objective is to help students remain focused on their studies while preparing for further education and career opportunities.

Kotak Education Foundation's Scholarship Initiatives

Kotak Education Foundation has been working in education and skills development for nearly two decades, focusing on children and young people from underserved communities.

According to the organisation's announcement, its scholarship initiatives have positively affected more than 7,909 scholars, including over 1,469 funded scholars who have graduated. The foundation also stated that it plans to support more than 5,655 scholars through its five scholarship programmes during the current year.

Its initiatives include the Kotak Junior Scholarship for students pursuing Classes 11 and 12, the Kotak Graduate Scholarship for undergraduate education and the Kotak Kanya Scholarship for eligible young women pursuing professional higher education.

The foundation also works on school education, teacher development, foundational learning, STEM education, communication skills, vocational training and employability.

What Did Kotak Education Foundation Say?

Arati Kaulgud, Director and Head of Scholarship at Kotak Education Foundation, said the organisation was pleased to welcome the new cohort of 1,000 scholars.

She highlighted the importance of supporting students at a crucial stage in their education and said the programme would focus not only on financial assistance but also on building confidence through mentoring, career guidance and family engagement.

The foundation intends to monitor students' progress throughout Classes 11 and 12 to strengthen educational continuity and improve their prospects after school.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many students have been selected for the Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026?

According to the supplied announcement from Kotak Education Foundation, 1,000 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have been selected.

What is the total scholarship amount?

Each selected student is set to receive ₹73,500 over 21 months, covering Classes 11 and 12.

Who is eligible for the Kotak Junior Scholarship?

Students who scored at least 85% in their Class 10 SSC, CBSE or ICSE examinations, secured eligible Class 11 admission in the MMR and meet the programme's income and residence requirements may qualify.

What is the annual family income limit?

The published eligibility information specifies an annual parental income limit of ₹3.20 lakh or below. Applicants should verify the current official guidelines.

Does the scholarship provide benefits beyond financial assistance?

Yes. The programme includes mentoring, academic assistance, career counselling, entrance examination preparation support and exposure visits.

Where can students find official information?

Students can visit the Kotak Education Foundation website for information about the organisation and its scholarship programmes.