IIT Bombay and the Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) have announced a groundbreaking partnership to level the playing field for women in STEM. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will provide comprehensive support to academically gifted young women from underserved communities, empowering them to pursue their dreams at one of India’s most prestigious institutions.
At the heart of this initiative lies the Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship, a financial lifeline offering Rs 2.85 lakh annually to deserving students throughout their undergraduate journey. But this scholarship goes beyond mere financial aid. Recognizing the multifaceted needs of these aspiring scholars, the program incorporates a holistic approach to development.
IIT Bombay will provide access to specialized “finishing school” activities, equipping students with essential life skills and career readiness tools. This includes mentorship sessions, workshops on effective communication and leadership, and guidance on navigating the professional world.
“We believe that talent knows no boundaries,” said a spokesperson for KEF. “This scholarship is not just about funding education; it’s about investing in the future of these brilliant young women and ensuring they have the resources and support to thrive both academically and personally.”
Eligibility Criteria:
The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship is open to exceptional female students who meet the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence: At least 75% marks or equivalent CGPA in Class 12 board examinations.
- Financial Need: Annual family income below Rs 5,00,000.
- IIT Bombay Admission: Secured admission to the first year of undergraduate programs at IIT Bombay for the academic year 2024-25, including BTech, BS, BDes, and integrated Master’s programs.
- JEE Advanced Ranking: Ranked within the top 20,000 in the JEE Advanced examination.
Beyond Financial Aid:
In addition to the substantial financial support, KEF will provide access to valuable resources to enhance the scholars’ academic experience:
- Unstop Subscriptions: Engineering students will benefit from subscriptions to Unstop, a platform offering internships, hackathons, and career development opportunities.
- Marrow Subscriptions: Medical students will receive subscriptions to Marrow, a leading online learning platform for medical education.
This partnership between IIT Bombay and KEF represents a powerful commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. This initiative paves the way for a brighter and more equitable future by providing comprehensive support to deserving young women.