Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Overview
The Kotak Junior Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), empowering them to pursue their education. This scholarship is especially helpful for students in Classes 11 and 12, as it supports them in completing their Class 12 education. The Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26 is offered by the Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), which was established on January 14, 2007, marking a significant milestone in its mission to combat urban poverty by focusing on education and livelihood initiatives.
KEF operates in economically disadvantaged areas of Mumbai, including the slums of Deonar, Govandi, Chembur, Kurla, and Dharavi. Its core objective is to empower children and young individuals from underprivileged families through various educational programs and vocational skills training initiatives. The ultimate goal is to equip them with employable skills and enable them to lead a life of dignity.
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Scholarship | Kotak Junior Scholarship Program |
| Provider Name | Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit and means |
| Eligibility | Applicants must have obtained over 85% marks in their Class 10 board examination (SSC/CBSE/ICSE) in 2025.
They must have secured admission in Class 11 at junior colleges/schools for Arts, Commerce or Science streams in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for the academic year 2025-26. The annual family income of applicants must be ₹3,20,000 or below. |
| Award | Scholarship of ₹3,500 per month for 21 months along with mentorship support, academic assistance, career guidance, and exposure visits. |
| Application Mode | Online through the Buddy4Study portal |
| Direct Application Link | Click Here |
| Academic Session | 2025-2026 |
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26 – Key Dates
Students interested in applying for the Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26 can do so now, as the application process has begun. The Kotak Mahindra Group has also announced the last date to apply, which is provided below.
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Application Dates 2025
| Events | Dates |
| Last date of application | June 30, 2025 |
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have secured more than 85% marks in their Class 10 examination (SSC/CBSE/ICSE) in 2025.
- They must have secured admission in Class 11 at junior colleges/schools for Arts, Commerce or Science streams within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for the academic year 2025-26.
- The annual family income of applicants must be ₹3,20,000 or below.
- Students must reside within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
- Children of employees of Kotak Education Foundation and Buddy4Study are not eligible to apply for the Kotak Junior Scholarship.
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Award 2025-26
The scholars selected for the Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26 will receive monthly financial assistance to pay for their tuition fees, books, stationery, travel expenses, and other educational needs. Detailed information about the benefits awarded to selected students is provided below.
- Scholarship of ₹3,500 per month during Class 11 and Class 12, totalling ₹73,500 for 21 months.
- Personalised mentorship to support students throughout their academic path.
- Career counselling to empower students to make well-informed future choices.
- Experiential learning opportunities, enhancing their education through exposure visits that broaden perspectives and deepen understanding.
Note:
- This scholarship amount will be paid on a quarterly/half-yearly basis.
- The scholarship funds can be used for paying the tuition fees, books, stationery, travel, and other related educational needs.
- The utilisation of the fund can be further tailored based on the specific requirements of the Kotak Education Foundation.
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Application Process
The application process of Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26 is completely online and can be completed easily by following the guide below.
- Visit the Buddy4Study website and from the ‘All Scholarships’ section, locate the Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26.
- Scroll down and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to access the application page.
- Please log in to fill out the application or create an account if you are new, using the ‘Create an Account’ button on the login page.
- You will now be redirected to the ‘Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26’ application form page.
- Click on the ‘Start Application’ button to begin the application process.
- Now you need to fill out the eligibility checklist to proceed with the application process.
- Next, you need to fill out all the required details in the online application form and then upload relevant documents.
- Check all the relevant boxes to accept the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and click on ‘Preview’.
- Thoroughly review all the information on the preview screen, and click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the application process.
Documents Needed for Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Application
- Income certificate of FY 2025-26 (उत्पन्नाचा दाखला) from the collector’s office (mandatory)
- Recent passport-size photograph (mandatory)
- Aadhaar card of both parents and the student (mandatory)
- PAN card of at least one earning parent/guardian
- SSC/ICSE/CBSE Class 10 mark sheet – e-copy allowed (mandatory)
- School leaving certificate
- If income tax is paid or an IT return is filed by any family member, then the latest copy of the IT return, along with 26AS/Form 16.
- Death certificate in the case of a single-parent
- Student’s bank account (bank statement or first page of bank passbook)
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Selection Process
The Kotak Junior Scholarship 2025-26 selection process involves multiple steps, including verification of merit, interview rounds, and more. You can understand the process by reviewing the steps below.
- Candidates will be shortlisted based on a combination of merit (Class 10 board exam performance), financial need, and personal challenges such as crises, orphanhood, single-parent upbringing, or having a disability.
- In the next stage, the top-ranked candidates will go through two interview rounds: an initial telephonic interview, followed by a final evaluation conducted by the KEF selection committee.
- A provisional scholarship offer letter will be issued to the selected candidates.
- The final selection and awarding of the scholarship are at the sole discretion of Kotak Education Foundation.
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program Contact Details
Students who have any doubts or questions regarding the Kotak Junior Scholarship Program can contact the scholarship provider via email or phone. The contact details of the Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) are provided in the table below.
Kotak Junior Scholarship Program – Contact Information & Timings
| Particulars | Contact Details | Timings |
| Phone Number | 011-430-92248 (Ext-325) | Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM (IST) |
| Email Address | kotakjunior@buddy4study.com | Any Time |
FAQs
Who can apply for the Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26?
Students currently studying in Class 11 or 12 who scored 85% or more in their Class 10 exams and whose family income does not exceed ₹3.20 lakhs are eligible.
Can students from outside Mumbai apply for the Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26?
No, only students residing in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are eligible for this scholarship.
What is the amount offered under the Kotak Junior Scholarship Program 2025-26?
Selected students receive ₹3,500 per month for 21 months while they are in Classes 11 and 12.
Which caste categories are eligible for the Kotak Junior Scholarship?
Students from all caste categories, including General, SC, ST, and OBC, are eligible to apply.
Where will the scholarship amount be credited?
The scholarship amount will be credited to the student's or their parent’s bank account as specified during application.