Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025–26)
What Is the Muskaan Scholarship?
- A CSR-driven scholarship by Valvoline Cummins Pvt Ltd (VCPL), called the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0.
- Aims to financially support school students from underprivileged backgrounds—specifically children of commercial drivers (LMV/HMV), mechanics, and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families.
- Focused on students in Class 9 to 12 from southern, eastern, and north-eastern states of India, including Karnataka. (Buddy4Study)
Benefits of the Scholarship
- Financial support up to ₹ 12,000 per year, based on actual academic expenses (fees, uniforms, books, stationery). (Buddy4Study)
- Mentorship provided to selected students by VCPL employees, including sessions on road safety and personal development. (Buddy4Study)
- Renewal possible for subsequent years if the student maintains ≥ 60% marks and submits valid receipts, subject to fund availability. (Buddy4Study)
Who Is Eligible?
To apply, students must meet all of the following:
- Currently in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 in the academic year 2025–26. (Buddy4Study)
- Score of 60% or above in the previous academic year (2024–25).
- Belong to southern, eastern, or north-eastern Indian states, including Karnataka. (Buddy4Study)
- Parent/guardian must be either:
- A commercial driver (LMV or HMV), or
- A mechanic, or
- The family income must be ≤ ₹8 lakh per year. (Buddy4Study, Cigmapedia)
- Excludes children of VCPL employees or implementing partners. (Buddy4Study)
Documents Required to Apply
You will need to upload:
- Aadhaar card (front and back) of student
- Latest fee receipt, admission letter, bonafide or school ID for 2025–26
- Original, school-attested marksheet from 2024–25
- Passport-size photo of the student
- Proof of parent’s profession:
- Driving license (both sides for parent if driver)
- Self-declaration or Shramik card (if mechanic) (The Global Scholarship, The Global Scholarship, Cigmapedia, Buddy4Study)
- Family income proof:
- Certificate from Gram Panchayat/SDM/Tehsildar or
- Salary slips or ITR
- Bank details (passbook or canceled cheque) for direct scholarship credit (Cigmapedia, Buddy4Study, Muskaan Synergie Insights)
Important Deadlines & Timeline
| Milestone | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | July/August 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 30 September 2025 (Buddy4Study) |
| Shortlisting & Interviews | October–November 2025 |
| Scholarship disbursement | December 2025 onwards |
How to Apply Online (step-by-step)
The application is done via the Buddy4Study portal, contracted by VCPL.
Steps:
- Visit the official page on Buddy4Study – “Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025‑26)”. (Buddy4Study)
- Click “Apply Now” and sign in or register using email or mobile.
- Complete the online application form:
- Student and guardian details
- Academic and income information
- Upload all required documents in the specified format.
- Preview the application to verify all entries.
- Tick the terms & conditions box and Submit.
- Retain the digital or printed copy of your application for reference. (Buddy4Study)
Selection Process Explained
- Eligibility Check: Based on income, academic scores, and geographic criteria.
- Document Verification & Shortlisting.
- Panel Interview:
- Conducted online (Zoom) or at local campuses/camps.
- Focuses on aspirations, financial need, and purpose.
- Final Selection & Onboarding.
- Disbursement of scholarship up to ₹12,000, credited to bank account post-submission of expenditure receipts. (The Global Scholarship)
- Covers students from Classes 9 through 12.
- Open to specific groups: drivers, mechanics, or EWS families.
- Covers southern, eastern, northeastern states including Karnataka.
- Scholarship amount up to ₹12,000 and includes mentorship support.
- Requires ≥ 60% marks and annual renewal conditions. (Buddy4Study, The Global Scholarship, Cigmapedia)
Official Application Links & Resources
- Muskaan Scholarship portal: muskaan.synergieinsights.in – direct application and login site for 2025–26. (Muskaan Synergie Insights)
- Buddy4Study application page – hosts the scholarship listing and registration flow. (Buddy4Study)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Students in Classes 9‑12 from EWS, driver’s, or mechanic’s families with ≤ ₹8L annual income. |
| What is the scholarship amount? | Up to ₹12,000 per year, based on expense bills. |
| How is selection done? | Through shortlisting & online interview panel. |
| Can I renew? | Yes, if you continue academics, maintain ≥ 60%, and provide valid receipts. |
| What documents are mandatory? | Aadhaar, marksheet, admission proof, profession/income proof, bank details. |
| Is there an age limit? | No fixed limit; class‑level criteria applies. |
Why This Scholarship Matters
- Empowers education of socially and economically marginalized students.
- Provides both financial support and mentorship, helping shape academic and life goals.
- Covers key costs like tuition, uniforms, stationery—making schooling accessible.
- Affordable and inclusive with no application fee.
- Has recognized its positive impact by reaching over 2,000+ students since inception. (Cigmapedia, Buddy4Study, The Global Scholarship)
Tips for a Strong Application
- Prepare scanned copies of all documents in advance.
- Ensure marks ≥ 60% in previous academic year.
- Verify income and profession proofs carefully.
- Submit MUST receipts if you seek reimbursement.
- Apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
- Keep contact number active for interview calls.
- Maintain academic performance for possible renewal.
The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 is a well-rounded initiative combining educational support and mentorship for deserving students in Karnataka and other eligible states. With eligibility strictly defined and the award based on actual needs, it is ideal for high-performing students from driver, mechanic, or EWS backgrounds.
To proceed:
- Visit the official site at muskaan.synergieinsights.in and register.
- Ensure all documents are correct and your academic scores meet eligibility.
- Keep track of deadlines—apply by 30 September 2025.