The Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), the CSR implementing arm of the Kotak Mahindra Group, has launched the Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026 under the campaign theme “One in a Million”, aiming to identify and support 500 meritorious girl students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds across India during the 2026-27 academic year. Now in its sixth year, the scholarship programme seeks to help deserving students pursue professional higher education without financial constraints.
Since its inception in 2021, the Kotak Kanya Scholarship has supported 1,525 girls across 24 states. Besides financial assistance, the programme offers mentorship, career guidance, industry exposure and finishing school sessions to enhance employability and work readiness.
Ridhi Bhatia, Senior Vice President – Group CSR, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said the initiative aims to ensure that merit and ambition, rather than economic circumstances, determine a young woman’s future. Arati Kaulgud, Head of Scholarship Program at Kotak Education Foundation, said the programme has already produced graduates working in leading technology firms, top corporates and the healthcare sector, while inspiring the foundation to extend support to another 500 scholars.
Under the scheme, selected students will receive ₹1.5 lakh per year until completion of their professional degree. The scholarship covers courses including engineering, MBBS, architecture, design and integrated LLB at reputed NIRF- or NAAC-accredited institutions. Applicants must have secured at least 75% in Class 12, have an annual family income below ₹6 lakh, and be admitted to the first year of an eligible professional course.
KEF said its scholarship division has supported more than 4,000 scholars so far, with over 2,000 alumni now working as professionals across leading organisations and institutions.