Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026: 1,000 students selected to get Rs 73,500 financial aid each

The Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) has selected 1,000 students from economically disadvantaged communities across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for the Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026 – “Future Ka Golden Ticket”. Each selected student will receive financial assistance of Rs 73,500 over 21 months to support their education in Classes 11 and 12.

According to the foundation’s announcement, the Kotak scholarship also provides one-on-one mentorship, academic assistance, career guidance, competitive entrance examination preparation support and exposure visits. The programme aims to help students continue their education after Class 10 despite financial constraints.

The Kotak Education Foundation is the implementing agency for the education-focused corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Kotak Mahindra Bank.

Also read Education ministry extends NMMSS Scholarship 2026 application deadline to Oct 31

Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026: Eligibility criteria

The Kotak scholarship for Class 11 selection process considered students’ academic performance, family income and residence. According to the foundation, applicants had to meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Score at least 85% in the Class 10 SSC, CBSE or ICSE board examinations.
• Secure admission to Class 11 at a college within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
• Belong to a family with an annual income of less than Rs 3.2 lakh.
• Be a resident of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

The Kotak scholarship is designed to support students during the transition from Class 10 to Class 11 and help them continue their studies through Class 12.

Kotak Scholarship 2026: Mentorship and academic support

Apart from financial assistance, the programme provides regular mentorship to help scholars manage academic pressure, prepare for examinations and plan their careers. Mentors also support students with time management, goal-setting, task prioritisation and stress management.

The foundation said it would track the academic progress of selected students through structured mentorship and periodic reviews during Classes 11 and 12. Home visits are also part of the programme to strengthen family support for students.

Director and head of scholarship at Kotak Education Foundation, Arati Kaulgud, said, “We are delighted to welcome this year’s cohort of 1,000 Kotak Junior Scholars. Each of these students has shown exceptional determination to continue learning despite financial constraints, and it is our privilege to walk alongside them at this pivotal stage of their journey."

She added, "Beyond the financial support, our focus is on building their confidence through mentorship, career guidance and consistent engagement with their families, so that this scholarship truly becomes their Future Ka Golden Ticket."

Also read UP Scholarship 2026-27: Applications open for UG, PG, diploma students at scholarship.up.gov.in

Kotak Education Foundation scholarship programmes

The foundation said its scholarship initiatives have supported more than 7,909 scholars over the past 19 years, with over 1,469 funded scholars graduating as alumni.

In the current year, KEF plans to support more than 5,655 scholars across its five scholarship programmes. These include

• Kotak Junior Scholarship 2026, which supports students in Classes 11 and 12
• Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026, which helps meritorious young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursue professional higher education.
• Kotak Graduate Scholarship is another initiative aimed at supporting students pursuing undergraduate studies and preparing for their careers.

Through its scholarship, education and employability initiatives, the foundation works with students from underserved communities to improve access to education, develop skills and expand career opportunities.