Kotak Kanya Scholarship vs Reliance Foundation Scholarship 2026–27: Which One Should You Apply For?

If you are looking for financial support for your college education, the Kotak Kanya Scholarship and Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship are two important opportunities to consider in 2026–27.

However, these scholarships are designed for different student profiles.

The Kotak Kanya Scholarship is mainly aimed at eligible girl students entering professional undergraduate courses. The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship supports eligible first-year undergraduate students across different streams.

So, which scholarship is right for you?

Kotak Kanya Scholarship

• Eligible girl students
• First-year professional undergraduate courses
• Class 12 academic requirement applies
• Family income criteria applies
• Scholarship support can be up to ₹1.5 lakh per year, subject to programme terms
• Designed for eligible professional courses

Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship

• Eligible first-year undergraduate students
• Students from different subject streams can apply
• Academic and income requirements apply
• Scholarship support can be up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of the degree
• Selection includes merit, means and aptitude assessment

The Kotak Kanya Scholarship is designed to support deserving girl students who want to pursue higher education in eligible professional undergraduate courses.

It can be particularly relevant for students entering courses such as engineering, medicine, architecture, design and other eligible professional programmes.

You should check your eligibility if you are:

• A girl student from India
• Entering the first year of an eligible professional undergraduate course
• Meeting the required Class 12 academic criteria
• Meeting the specified family income criteria
• Admitted to an eligible institution

The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship supports eligible first-year undergraduate students across India.

For the 2026–27 cycle, Reliance Foundation announced 5,000 undergraduate scholarships.

The programme is not restricted to female students. Eligible students from different undergraduate disciplines can explore the scholarship.

The scholarship provides financial support of up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of the degree, subject to programme terms.

This depends on your profile.

The Kotak Kanya Scholarship can provide up to ₹1.5 lakh per year, subject to the scholarship conditions.

The Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship provides up to ₹2 lakh over the duration of the degree.

Therefore, an eligible girl student entering a professional course may find Kotak Kanya particularly attractive because of its potential annual benefit.

At the same time, Reliance Foundation has a broader undergraduate student profile.

If you are a girl entering a professional undergraduate course and meet the Kotak Kanya eligibility requirements, Kotak Kanya should definitely be on your scholarship shortlist.

If you do not meet Kotak Kanya's requirements, you can check whether you qualify for the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship.

Reliance Foundation may be more relevant if you are:

• Male or female
• A first-year undergraduate student
• Studying an eligible regular undergraduate course
• From a household within the specified income limit
• Able to meet the academic and selection requirements

Don't choose a scholarship only because of the advertised scholarship amount.

Before applying, check:

• Your course
• Your year of study
• Class 12 marks
• Family income
• College or institution eligibility
• Required documents
• Application deadline
• Selection process

A scholarship that matches your profile is more valuable than a scholarship with a higher amount that you are not eligible for.

Don't limit your search to only two scholarships.

There are government, CSR, corporate, university and foundation scholarships available for students across India.

Not sure which scholarships you qualify for?

Check available scholarships on VIDYASCHOLAR and find opportunities that match your profile.

Check My Eligibility

Choose Kotak Kanya: If you are an eligible girl student entering a professional undergraduate course and meet its academic and income requirements.

Consider Reliance Foundation: If you are a first-year undergraduate student and meet its eligibility requirements.

The best scholarship depends on your profile, not just the scholarship amount.

Important: Scholarship eligibility, amounts, deadlines and selection criteria can change. Always verify the latest information on the official scholarship provider's website before applying.