Mumbai, October 12, 2026: Kotak Education Foundation (KEF), the implementing agency for the education-focused CSR initiatives of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has selected 1,000 meritorious students from economically disadvantaged communities across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for the Kotak Junior Scholarship programme, titled “Future Ka Golden Ticket.”

The scholarship supports students who have completed Class 10 through the SSC, CBSE or ICSE boards and are entering Class 11. It aims to help deserving students continue their education despite financial constraints by combining financial assistance with academic and personal development support.

Each selected scholar will receive ₹73,500 over 21 months, covering Classes 11 and 12. In addition to financial aid, the programme offers one-on-one mentorship, academic assistance, career guidance, competitive entrance examination preparation, exposure visits and home visits to strengthen family support systems.

Applicants were assessed against the programme’s eligibility criteria, which included securing at least 85% in their Class 10 board examinations, gaining admission to Class 11 at a college within the MMR, having an annual family income below ₹3.2 lakh and being a resident of the region.

The programme also focuses on helping students navigate the transition from school to college. Mentors support scholars in areas such as goal-setting, time management, task prioritisation, examination preparation and stress management. The initiative also seeks to strengthen critical thinking, communication, self-confidence and other 21st-century competencies.

“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. 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,” said Ms. Arati Kaulgud, Director and Head of Scholarship, Kotak Education Foundation.

Kotak Education Foundation said its scholarship initiatives have supported more than 7,909 scholars over its 19-plus-year history, with over 1,469 funded scholars having graduated. This year, the Foundation will support more than 5,655 scholars through its five scholarship programmes.

KEF will track the selected students’ progress through structured mentorship and periodic academic reviews during Classes 11 and 12, with the aim of supporting continuity in education and improving post-school academic outcomes among meritorious students from low-income families.