The Kotak Kanya Scholarship, run by Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), gives Rs 1.5 lakh a year to meritorious girls from low-income families who join a professional undergraduate course at a reputed institute. The reported conditions are 75% in Class 12 and family income below Rs 6 lakh. Applications are online; this page covers who qualifies, what to prepare and what we could not verify.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Kotak Kanya Scholarship |
| Run by | Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), the CSR arm of Kotak Mahindra Group |
| For | Girl students, first year of a professional UG course |
| Marks | At least 75% (or equivalent CGPA) in Class 12 |
| Family income | Below Rs 6 lakh a year |
| Award | Rs 1.5 lakh per year, for the duration of the degree |
| Last date | Not confirmed on the official page. A 2026-27 listing on Careers360 reports 30 September 2026, so the window has probably closed; check the Kotak Education Foundation page for the next round |
Last checked October 2026. Details come from Careers360 and DT Next reports; we could not open the Kotak Education Foundation site, so the official wording and current-cycle date are unverified.
What is the scheme?
Kotak Kanya is a CSR scholarship for girls who have cleared Class 12 well but may not afford a professional degree. Besides the money, the 2026 report says scholars receive mentoring, life-skills and mental well-being sessions.
Who runs it?
Kotak Education Foundation runs the programme. Reports show applications routed through a Buddy4Study link, so the portal may be operated by a partner. Employees and students linked to the Kotak Mahindra Group, KEF and Buddy4Study are listed as not eligible.
Who is eligible?
- Girl student who is a citizen of India.
- At least 75% in Class 12 board exams, or equivalent CGPA.
- Annual family income below Rs 6 lakh.
- Admission to the first year of a professional graduate course at an NIRF-ranked or NAAC-accredited institution.
- Eligible courses reported: engineering, MBBS, BDS, integrated LLB (5-year), B.Sc Nursing, B.Pharm, integrated BS-MS or BS research (IISERs, IISc), design and architecture.
- Not available to people connected with Kotak Mahindra Group, KEF or Buddy4Study.
Course lists vary slightly between years, so check the current list for your branch.
Benefit amount
Rs 1.5 lakh per scholar per year. The 2026 report says it continues until the graduate course is complete, but the 2024 report says renewal each year is at the sole discretion of the foundation, so continuation depends on annual performance review.
How to apply
- Open the official Kotak Kanya Scholarship page through Kotak Education Foundation’s website.
- Register or log in on the application portal.
- Fill in academic, family and admission details.
- Upload documents and submit.
- Keep a copy of your application and watch for emails and calls for the next round.
Documents
The articles did not list documents. Based on the eligibility, expect to prepare these and compare with the official list:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets.
- Admission letter or fee receipt for the first year.
- Income proof for the family.
- Aadhaar or other photo ID.
- Bank account details.
- Passport photograph.
Selection
The 2026 report only says scholars are selected from 136 top institutions. The stages (screening, interviews, document checks) are not described in what we read, so we cannot confirm them.
Last date
Earlier cycles closed around September (the 2024-25 round, for instance, listed 30 September). The date for the current cycle is not confirmed, so please look at the official page directly.
Renewal
Renewal is reported to be at the foundation’s discretion each year. Keep your marks up and respond to KEF communication promptly.
Tips
- Apply only after your admission is confirmed, since the scheme is for first-year students.
- Check your college is NIRF or NAAC accredited.
- Keep income documents recent and signed by the competent authority.
Fake page warning
Beware of fake pages. Every scholarship season, copycat websites, Telegram groups and WhatsApp forwards collect fees or personal details in the name of real programmes. A genuine scholarship does not charge an application fee, does not ask for your OTP, UPI PIN or card details, and does not promise guaranteed selection. Apply only through the Kotak Education Foundation or its stated application portal, and if you lose money, call 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in.
Is it only for toppers?
The 75% rule makes it merit-linked, but the income cap of Rs 6 lakh is just as important. A student with excellent marks but a family income above the limit will not qualify, while a student just above 75% from a low-income home can. Be honest in the income declaration, as documents are normally cross-checked.
Planning your year
- After the Class 12 results, shortlist colleges that are NIRF-ranked or NAAC accredited.
- Keep a copy of your admission or provisional allotment letter.
- Watch the Kotak Education Foundation website and trusted news for the application window.
- Prepare your income proof early, because it takes time to obtain.
- Apply as soon as the window opens rather than on the last day.
Questions about the money
Reports describe the amount as Rs 1.5 lakh per year, but how it is paid (to the student or to the institute) and in how many instalments was not stated in the sources we read. Ask the foundation through the official contact details given on the application page before relying on it to fund your fees.
If you do not qualify
Look at state scholarships, National Scholarship Portal schemes, and institute-level fee waivers. Many colleges have their own need-based aid, and some banks offer education loans for professional courses on easy terms for eligible students.
What we could not verify
What we could not verify: the Kotak Education Foundation page itself, the current-cycle last date, the official document list, the selection stages and the way the money is disbursed. Where the 2024 and 2026 reports differ (for example, on the course list and renewal wording), we have said so above instead of picking one version.
Conclusion
Kotak Kanya is one of the larger private scholarships for girls in professional courses. Check the official page for the open window, keep marksheets and income proof ready, and never pay anybody a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who runs the Kotak Kanya Scholarship?
Kotak Education Foundation, the CSR arm of Kotak Mahindra Group.
How much does Kotak Kanya pay?
Rs 1.5 lakh per year, as reported for recent cycles.
What marks are needed?
At least 75% or equivalent CGPA in Class 12.
What is the family income limit?
Below Rs 6 lakh per year as reported.
Which courses are covered?
Professional UG courses such as engineering, MBBS, integrated LLB, design and architecture at NIRF or NAAC institutions. Check the current list.
Can I apply after getting a seat?
Yes, it is for first-year students; apply once admission is confirmed and the window is open.
