Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26)
Scholarship Amount
About This Scholarship
The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025 - 26) is an initiative by Valvoline Cummins Private Ltd. (VCPL) designed to provide educational support and mentorship to students in Classes 9 to 12 from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and children of commercial drivers and mechanics. This program aims to ensure continuity in their education by providing financial assistance and comprehensive mentorship. The program focuses on students residing in the southern, eastern, and northeastern states of India, recognizing the unique challenges faced by students in these regions. By offering scholarships and mentorship, VCPL aims to empower these students, helping them overcome obstacles, set ambitious goals, and achieve academic excellence. The mentorship component of the program is particularly vital, as it focuses on instilling confidence, fostering self-belief, and equipping students with the skills they need to succeed academically and personally. VCPL's investment in these students goes beyond mere financial aid, aiming to create a lasting impact on their lives and their communities. The program's holistic approach – combining financial support with personalized guidance – reflects VCPL's commitment to nurturing future leaders and contributing to a more equitable society. Furthermore, the scholarship also emphasizes the importance of road safety through specific mentorship sessions, integrating relevant life skills into the educational support provided. This initiative highlights VCPL's broader commitment to community well-being and responsible citizenship. The program is designed to be accessible and transparent, ensuring that deserving students have the opportunity to benefit from this valuable support. The program's success will be measured not only by the number of scholarships awarded but also by the positive impact it has on the lives of the students and their families. Ultimately, the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 represents a significant investment in the future, empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Academic Standing: Students must be currently enrolled and studying in Classes 9 to 12.
Geographic Location: Applicants must be residents of one of the following southern, eastern, and north-eastern states of India: Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha, Bihar, Puducherry, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Background: The scholarship is specifically targeted towards students from the following backgrounds:
Children of commercial drivers (LMV/HMV).
Children of mechanics.
Students belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category.
Academic Performance: Applicants must have achieved a minimum score of 60% in their previous class to be considered eligible. This requirement ensures that the scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic potential and are committed to their studies.
Family Income (EWS Students Only): For students applying under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category, the total family income from all sources should not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum. This criterion ensures that the scholarship benefits those families who are most in need of financial assistance.
Exclusions: Children of employees of Valvoline Cummins Private Ltd. (VCPL) and its implementation partner organizations are not eligible to apply for the scholarship. This exclusion is in place to maintain fairness and impartiality in the selection process.
Note: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee the scholarship. Selection is based on a comprehensive assessment of the application, including academic performance, financial need (where applicable), and the completeness and accuracy of the submitted documents. The aim of these stringent requirements is to identify and support students who are not only academically promising but also come from backgrounds where the scholarship can make a significant difference in their educational journey. The scholarship's emphasis on both academic merit and socio-economic factors reflects VCPL's commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for all deserving students. The program also acknowledges the unique challenges faced by children of commercial drivers and mechanics, providing them with targeted support to overcome these barriers and achieve their full potential. Ultimately, the eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 reaches the students who need it most and can benefit the most from its financial and mentorship support.
Required Documents
To complete the application process for the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26), applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Proof of Identity: A valid Aadhaar card serves as the primary proof of identity for the applicant. The Aadhaar card should clearly display the applicant's name, photograph, and Aadhaar number. This document is essential for verifying the applicant's identity and ensuring the authenticity of the application.
Current Year Admission Proof: Applicants must provide documentation to verify their current enrollment in Classes 9 to 12. Acceptable forms of admission proof include:
Fee receipt from the current academic year.
Admission letter from the school or institution.
Institution identity card with the applicant's photograph and current academic year.
Bonafide certificate issued by the school or institution, confirming the applicant's enrollment.
Signed and Stamped Original Marksheet of the Previous Class: A copy of the marksheet from the previous academic year is required to demonstrate the applicant's academic performance. The marksheet must be an original document, duly signed and stamped by the school or institution. This document is crucial for assessing the applicant's academic merit and eligibility for the scholarship.
Documents to Prove Parents’ Profession: Depending on the applicant's background, one of the following documents must be submitted to verify the parents' profession:
For children of commercial drivers: A valid Commercial Driving License (LMV/HMV) of the parent.
For children of laborers: Shramik Card, if applicable.
For other professions: Confirmation from the employer or a self-declaration letter duly attested by the authority, clearly stating the parent's occupation.
Family Income Proof (Applicable for EWS Students): Applicants applying under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category must provide documentation to verify their family income. Acceptable forms of income proof include:
Income proof issued by Gram Panchayat/Ward Counselor/Sarpanch.
Income proof issued by SDM/DM/CO/Tehsildar.
Last three months’ salary slips or Income Tax Return (ITR) of the parents.
Bank Account Details of the Applicant: Providing the applicant's bank account details is necessary for the disbursement of the scholarship amount. The bank account should be in the applicant's name, and the details should include the account number, bank name, branch name, and IFSC code.
Photograph: A recent passport-size photograph of the applicant is required for identification purposes. The photograph should be clear and should accurately represent the applicant.
Note: In cases where the student or their family cannot pay the institute fees upfront and provide fee receipts, they can submit a fee letter issued by the institute to receive the scholarship amount in advance. However, they must subsequently submit the final receipts through the online scholar tracking system. All submitted documents must be clear, legible, and authentic. Any discrepancies or inconsistencies in the submitted documents may lead to the rejection of the application. VCPL reserves the right to request additional documents or information if deemed necessary for the verification process.
How to Apply
Applying for the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26) is a straightforward process facilitated through the Buddy4Study platform. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:
Step 1: Visit Buddy4Study and Review Details: Begin by visiting the Buddy4Study website. Carefully read through the detailed information regarding the scholarship eligibility criteria, the benefits offered, and the required documents. This initial step is crucial to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements before proceeding with the application.
Step 2: Click on the 'Apply Now' Button: Once you have thoroughly reviewed the scholarship details and confirmed your eligibility, locate and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button on the Buddy4Study page. This button will redirect you to the application portal.
Step 3: Log In to Buddy4Study: You will need to log in to Buddy4Study using your registered ID. If you already have an account, simply enter your credentials to access the application form.
Step 4: Registration (If You Are a New User): If you are a new user and do not have an existing Buddy4Study account, you will need to register on the platform. You can sign up using your email address, mobile number, or Gmail account. Follow the prompts to create your account and verify your details.
Step 5: Access the Application Form: After logging in or registering, you will be redirected to the ‘Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26)’ application form page.
Step 6: Start the Application Process: On the application form page, click on the ‘Start Application’ button to begin filling out the application form.
Step 7: Fill in the Required Details: Carefully fill in all the required details in the online application form. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information, as any discrepancies may lead to the rejection of your application. Pay close attention to the instructions provided for each field and provide all necessary details.
Step 8: Upload Relevant Documents: Upload all the required documents as specified in the scholarship guidelines. Ensure that the documents are clear, legible, and in the correct format. Double-check that you have uploaded all the necessary documents before proceeding to the next step.
Step 9: Accept the Terms and Conditions: Read the ‘Terms and Conditions’ carefully and accept them by checking the designated box. By accepting the terms and conditions, you acknowledge that you have understood and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the scholarship program.
Step 10: Preview Your Application: Before submitting your application, click on the ‘Preview’ button to review all the details you have filled in. Carefully check all the information to ensure that it is accurate and complete. Make any necessary corrections or updates before proceeding to the final step.
Step 11: Submit Your Application: If all the details filled in by you are correctly showing on the preview screen, click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the application process. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation message on the screen.
Important Note: Make sure to submit your application before the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. It is advisable to start the application process well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues or delays. Regularly check your email and the Buddy4Study platform for updates and notifications regarding your application status. By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that your application for the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26) is complete and submitted successfully.