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Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2026-27): Up to Rs. 12,000 for Children of Drivers, Mechanics & EWS Families

Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2026-27)
📂 National Scholarship   |  📅 May 27, 2026  |  👤 Menka Singh   |  ✔ Last Updated: May 27, 2026
Muskaan Scholarship Program: Good News for the Indian truck driver’s child who sits in Class 10 and quietly thinks about whether the family can afford my next year’s fees, that moment is exactly what the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 was created to address. Launched as a CSR initiative by Valvoline Cummins Private Limited (VCPL) — a 50:50 joint venture between Valvoline International Inc. and Cummins Inc. — this programme offers financial support and mentorship to school students from genuinely underserved backgrounds across southern, eastern and northeastern India.In brief: Class 9–12 students whose parent is a commercial driver or mechanic, or whose family earns under Rs. 8 lakh annually, can receive up to Rs. 12,000 per year for actual academic expenses — credited directly to their bank account.

Programme Overview: Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2026-27)

DetailInformation
Programme NameMuskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2026-27)
Offered ByValvoline Cummins Private Ltd. (VCPL)
Award AmountUp to Rs. 12,000 per year (based on actual expenses)
Additional BenefitMentorship support
Class EligibleClass 9, 10, 11, and 12
Minimum MarksAbove 60% in the previous class
Family Income LimitUp to Rs. 8 lakh per year
Who Can ApplyChildren of LMV/HMV drivers, mechanics, or EWS families
Eligible StatesSouthern, Eastern & Northeastern India (19 states/UTs)
Application ModeOnline — buddy4study.com
Cost to ApplyFree
Payment MethodDirect bank transfer post receipt submission
Deadline20-Aug-2026

Who Can Apply — Full Eligibility Criteria

Class and Marks

You must be studying in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 during the current academic year, and must have scored above 60% in your most recently completed class.

Parent’s Profession or Family Income

At least one of these three conditions must apply:

  • Your parent (father or mother) is a commercial driver holding a valid LMV, HMV, AWT, or ARTW driving licence
  • Your parent works as a mechanic (verified via a self-declaration form)
  • Your family belongs to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) with a total annual income not exceeding ₹8 lakh from all sources

Eligible States

Students from these states and union territories can apply: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Meghalaya.

Who Cannot Apply

Children of employees at Valvoline Cummins Private Ltd. or its implementation partner organisations are not eligible.

What Selected Students Receive

  • Up to Rs. 12,000 per year — paid against actual, verified academic expenses including tuition fees, books, uniform, and stationery. The amount is not a flat transfer; it is matched to your real costs.
  • Mentorship support — selected students are paired with mentors who help them set goals, manage academic challenges, and plan ahead. This non-financial benefit is often as valuable as the money itself.
  • Renewal possibility — continuation is subject to fund availability from VCPL in subsequent years.

Documents You Need Before Applying

DocumentWho Needs It
Recent passport-size photograph (within 6 months)All applicants
Previous year’s marksheet (showing above 60%)All applicants
Parent’s valid driving licence (front & back)Children of drivers
Self-declaration form for the mechanic professionChildren of mechanics
Income certificate or EWS proofEWS category applicants
Bank account details (student’s or parent’s)All applicants
School ID or admission proofAll applicants

Tip: Scan everything before opening the form. The portal times out — losing your uploaded files is frustrating and avoidable.

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How to Apply — Step by Step

  1. Open the official page — visit buddy4study.com/page/muskaan-scholarship-program
  2. Register for free — sign up with your email, phone, or Google account if you are new to Buddy4Study
  3. Click “Apply Now” — this opens the official application form
  4. Fill in your details — enter your name, class, marks, state, and parent’s profession accurately
  5. Upload documents — attach each file in the required section; check the format and size limits
  6. Preview before submitting — double-check your bank account number and marksheet details
  7. Submit and save — note your application reference number for tracking

⚠ Never pay anyone to apply. The application is completely free. Any website or agent asking for payment is a scam.

How Students Are Selected

  1. Application assessment — all submissions are screened for eligibility and completeness
  2. Due diligence — documents are verified; organisers may contact you for clarification
  3. Online interview — shortlisted students attend a brief interview focused on aspirations, financial need, and goals
  4. Final selection — successful candidates are notified and onboarded
  5. Money transfer — scholarship amount is credited to the bank account after submission of expense receipts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a student apply if their parent is both a driver and mechanic?

Yes. Meeting any one of the three conditions — driver, mechanic, or EWS — is sufficient to qualify.

Is this scholarship only for girls or boys?

Both boys and girls studying in Class 9 to 12 from eligible backgrounds can apply. There is no gender restriction.

What counts as an “actual academic expense”?

Tuition fees, books, stationery, and school uniform costs. You will need to submit receipts to receive the scholarship amount.

Will I get the full Rs. 12,000 automatically?

Not automatically. The amount is based on your documented expenses, up to the ₹12,000 ceiling. If your expenses are less, you receive the lower actual amount.

Should You Apply?

If you are a Class 9–12 student in one of the 19 eligible states, scored above 60%, and your parent drives a truck, repairs vehicles, or your family lives on a modest income — there is no reason not to apply.

The application is free. The money covers real costs. The mentorship is a bonus that many scholarship programmes simply don’t offer. And the process, while competitive, is fair and transparent.

Read More: AICTE Industry Fellowship Programme 2026

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