SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 offers up to Rs.30,000 in direct financial assistance to meritorious girl students who are daughters of heavy and light commercial vehicle (HCV/LCV) drivers across India. Applications are open until October 21, 2026 — and this could be the single most impactful scholarship available to this specific group of students right now. This guide is for girl students in Class 11–12 or pursuing UG/Diploma/Polytechnic in STEM and engineering fields whose fathers drive trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles. You will find every detail here: eligibility, scholarship amounts, required documents, step-by-step application process, and FAQs.
The SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 provides Rs.10,000 to Class 11–12 students (SML Saarthi) and Rs.30,000 to UG/Diploma/Polytechnic STEM students (SML Unnati). It is open to girl students who are daughters of commercial vehicle drivers with minimum 60% marks and family income below Rs.6,00,000. Last date to apply online is October 21, 2026.
- Provider: SML Mahindra Limited (CSR Initiative)
- Categories: SML Saarthi Scholarship & SML Unnati Scholarship
- Scholarship Amount: Rs.10,000 (Class 11–12) | Rs.30,000 (UG/Diploma/Polytechnic)
- Who Can Apply: Girl students — daughters of HCV/LCV drivers, bus drivers
- Minimum Marks: 60% in previous academic year
- Family Income Limit: Up to Rs.6,00,000 per annum
- Mode of Payment: Direct Bank Transfer (DBT)
- Application Start: September 21, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: October 21, 2026
- Application Mode: Online only via Buddy4Study portal
- What Is the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27?
- Who Should Apply for This Scholarship?
- SML Mahindra Scholarship Amount – Category-Wise Details
- SML Mahindra Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026-27
- How to Apply for SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27
- SML Saarthi vs SML Unnati Scholarship – Key Differences
- Advantages and Disadvantages of SML Mahindra Scholarship
- Important Terms Related to SML Mahindra Scholarship
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27?

The SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by SML Mahindra Limited, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India. It aims to remove financial barriers for girl students who are daughters of heavy and light commercial vehicle drivers — a community that plays a vital economic role in India’s logistics backbone yet often struggles to fund higher education for their children.
The program has two distinct scholarship categories. The SML Saarthi Scholarship supports students in Class 11 and Class 12, while the SML Unnati Scholarship supports girls pursuing undergraduate degrees, diplomas, or polytechnic courses in STEM and core engineering disciplines. Both categories are implemented through the Buddy4Study platform, which handles applications, document verification, and scholarship disbursal via Direct Bank Transfer (DBT).
SML Mahindra is part of the broader Mahindra Group ecosystem, which has been running the Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan since 2014 — making it one of the longest-running CSR scholarship programmes specifically for commercial vehicle drivers’ families in India. The 12th edition of that parent initiative awarded 1,000 scholarships of Rs.10,000 each, demonstrating the group’s long-term commitment to this community.
Who Should Apply for This Scholarship?
- 🚛 Daughter of a truck driver studying in Class 11 or Class 12 in any stream — this scholarship was made specifically for you.
- 🚌 Daughter of a bus driver (large passenger transport) pursuing a UG degree or polytechnic course in STEM or engineering.
- 🔧 Girl student in a diploma or polytechnic programme in core engineering — mechanical, civil, electrical, electronics, or allied fields.
- 📚 First-generation learner from a transport family with a household income not exceeding Rs.6 lakh per year who wants to continue education without financial stress.
- 🏙️ Students from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, UP, Uttarakhand, or Himachal Pradesh — these regions receive preference in selection.
- ♿ Students with disabilities (PwD) who meet the other eligibility criteria — special preference is given during selection.
- 👩 Students from single-parent households or orphaned students — preference is extended to these applicants where scholarships are available.
- 🏫 Students already enrolled at recognised schools, colleges, or polytechnic institutions across India with at least 60% marks in the previous year.
SML Mahindra Scholarship Amount – Category-Wise Details
The scholarship amount under the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 varies depending on which of the two scholarship categories you qualify for. All payments are made directly to the student’s bank account via DBT — no middleman, no delays.
| Scholarship Category | Target Students | Scholarship Amount | Mode of Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| SML Saarthi Scholarship 2026-27 | Class 11 or Class 12 (any stream) | Rs.10,000 | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) |
| SML Unnati Scholarship 2026-27 | UG / Diploma / Polytechnic in STEM & Core Engineering (any year) | Rs.30,000 | Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) |
The scholarship money is intended to cover educational expenses such as tuition fees, books, stationery, and other academic costs. Students in engineering and polytechnic programmes receive a higher amount (Rs.30,000) because their educational costs are significantly higher than those of higher secondary students.
SML Mahindra Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026-27
To qualify for the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27, applicants must meet all of the common eligibility criteria listed below, plus the specific criteria for their chosen scholarship category.
Common Eligibility Criteria (Both Categories)
- The applicant must be a girl student — the scholarship is exclusively for female candidates.
- She must be the daughter of a driver of a Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) or Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) used for carrying goods, OR a large passenger transport vehicle such as a bus. This includes truck drivers, bus drivers, pickup truck drivers, and last-mile delivery vehicle drivers.
- Annual family income from all sources must not exceed Rs.6,00,000.
- She must have secured a minimum of 60% marks (or equivalent CGPA/grade) in the previous academic year.
- Children of employees of SML Mahindra and Buddy4Study are NOT eligible to apply.
- Applicants whose parents are not commercial vehicle drivers as described above are not eligible.
SML Saarthi Scholarship 2026-27 — Additional Criteria
- Open to girl students studying in Class 11 or Class 12 (any stream) at recognised schools across India.
- Applicants must have passed the previous academic year.
SML Unnati Scholarship 2026-27 — Additional Criteria
- Open to girl students pursuing undergraduate degree, diploma, or polytechnic programs in STEM disciplines and core engineering fields at recognised institutions across India.
- Students in any year of their programme are eligible — it is not restricted to first-year students.
- Applicants must have passed the previous semester or academic year.
- If the results of the last even semester are not yet declared, students may be considered based on the results of the last odd semester.
Preference Categories (Where Scholarships Are Available)
Beyond the merit-based selection, preference may be extended to applicants from the following categories, subject to scholarship availability:
- Students from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and aspirational districts
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
- Students from single-parent households or orphaned students
- Transgender students
Required Documents
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Valid government-issued ID proof or masked Aadhaar card
- Current year admission proof (school/college ID, admission letter, bona fide certificate, or latest fee receipt)
- Previous academic year marksheet
- Fee receipts and fee structure from the institution
- Driving licence of the parent who drives the HCV/LCV or large passenger transport vehicle
- NSQF certificate or vocational course completion certificate (if applicable)
- Parental income certificate or ITR issued by a competent authority
- Bank account details — passbook copy or cancelled cheque in the applicant’s name or a joint account with a parent
- Supporting documents for special category applicants, if applicable (disability certificate, death certificate, transgender certificate, or orphan certificate)
How to Apply for SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27
The application process for the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 is entirely online through the Buddy4Study portal. Follow these 9 steps carefully:
- Visit the official scholarship page at www.b4s.in/bjga/SMLS1 and click on the “Apply Now” button.
- Log in to Buddy4Study using your registered Email, Mobile number, or Google account. If you are not yet registered, sign up for free — it takes under 2 minutes.
- Access the Application Form page after login — you will be redirected automatically to the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 application form.
- Click “Start Application” to begin filling in your details.
- Fill in all required personal and academic details in the online form — including parent’s occupation details, vehicle type, and driving licence number.
- Upload all required documents as listed in the eligibility section above. Ensure each document is clear, legible, and within the permitted file size.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions after reviewing the declaration statement carefully.
- Click “Preview” to review all the details you have entered before final submission.
- Click “Submit” to complete and send your application. You will receive a confirmation on the screen and via email/SMS.
Keep a scanned digital copy of your parent’s commercial vehicle driving licence, your latest marksheet, and your income certificate ready before you start the application. Incomplete applications or blurry documents are the most common reason for rejection. The deadline is October 21, 2026 — apply at least 5–7 days before to avoid last-minute portal traffic.
SML Saarthi vs SML Unnati Scholarship – Key Differences
Both categories fall under the same SML Mahindra Scholarship Program umbrella but serve different stages of education. Here is a detailed comparison to help you identify which one applies to you:
| Parameter | SML Saarthi Scholarship | SML Unnati Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Target Level | Higher Secondary (Class 11–12) | UG / Diploma / Polytechnic |
| Stream/Field | Any stream (Science, Arts, Commerce) | STEM & Core Engineering only |
| Year of Study | Class 11 or Class 12 | Any year of programme |
| Scholarship Amount | Rs.10,000 | Rs.30,000 |
| Minimum Marks | 60% in previous year | 60% in previous semester/year |
| Income Limit | Rs.6,00,000 per annum | Rs.6,00,000 per annum |
| Institution Type | Recognised schools across India | Recognised colleges/polytechnics |
| Best For | Girls in 11th–12th planning for engineering or technical education | Girls already enrolled in STEM/engineering courses |
If you are in Class 11 or 12, apply under SML Saarthi — the barrier is lower and the scholarship helps you complete higher secondary without financial stress. If you are already pursuing engineering, STEM degree, or a polytechnic course, apply under SML Unnati where the Rs.30,000 award can cover a substantial portion of your annual tuition or hostel expenses.
Advantages and Disadvantages of SML Mahindra Scholarship
Advantages
- ✅ High award for technical education: Rs.30,000 under SML Unnati is among the highest amounts for this specific target group in India.
- ✅ Completely online process: No need to travel to any office — the entire application, verification, and disbursal is handled digitally.
- ✅ Direct Bank Transfer: Money goes straight to the student’s account — no intermediaries or delays.
- ✅ Any stream at Class 11–12 level: The SML Saarthi category does not restrict by stream, making it accessible to students in Arts, Commerce, and Science alike.
- ✅ Legacy programme: Backed by the Mahindra Group’s 12+ years of scholarship history under Saarthi Abhiyaan, ensuring credibility and reliable disbursal.
- ✅ Special preference for vulnerable groups: PwD students, single-parent households, and orphaned students receive additional consideration.
Disadvantages
- ❌ Strict parent occupation requirement: Only daughters of HCV/LCV drivers and bus drivers qualify — students from other backgrounds are completely excluded.
- ❌ SML Unnati restricted to STEM/engineering: Girls in arts, commerce, law, medicine, or humanities at the UG level cannot apply for the Unnati category.
- ❌ Short application window: Applications opened September 21, 2026 and close October 21, 2026 — only one month to apply.
Important Terms Related to SML Mahindra Scholarship
- CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): A company’s obligation to contribute positively to society beyond its commercial operations. SML Mahindra’s scholarship is funded entirely under its CSR budget as required by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV): A motorised vehicle with a gross vehicle weight above 12,000 kg, typically heavy trucks, tankers, and long-haul freight carriers. Drivers of HCVs are specifically eligible.
- Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV): A commercial vehicle with gross weight between 3,500 kg and 12,000 kg — includes pickup trucks, mini-trucks, and last-mile delivery vehicles. Drivers in this category also qualify.
- STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — the academic fields eligible under the SML Unnati Scholarship for UG/Diploma/Polytechnic applicants.
- Buddy4Study: India’s largest scholarship platform and the official implementation partner for SML Mahindra Scholarship Program. All applications are submitted through the Buddy4Study portal.
- DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): The government-recognised payment mechanism through which the scholarship amount is credited directly into the student’s bank account — ensuring transparency and speed.
- Aspirational Districts: 112 districts identified by the NITI Aayog that face challenges in key social and economic indicators. Students from these districts are given preference under the SML Mahindra scholarship.
- Polytechnic Programme: A 3-year diploma course offered by government and private polytechnic institutes in technical trades such as electrical, civil, mechanical, and computer engineering. Eligible under SML Unnati.
- Bona Fide Certificate: An official letter from your school/college confirming that you are currently enrolled as a student — one of the accepted documents for admission proof in the scholarship application.
- Saarthi Abhiyaan: The flagship CSR scholarship initiative launched by Mahindra’s Truck and Bus business in 2014, which has benefited over 10,000 girls to date. The SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 is an extension of this legacy.
Important Dates and Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | September 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 21, 2026 |
| Document Verification | After application deadline (timeline as per Buddy4Study process) |
| Scholar Selection & Announcement | As per programme schedule — watch official portal |
| Scholarship Disbursal (DBT) | After final selection — direct to bank account |
Important Links
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online – SML Mahindra Scholarship | www.b4s.in/bjga/SMLS1 |
| Official Buddy4Study Scholarship Page | buddy4study.com/article/sml-mahindra-scholarship |
| SML Saarthi Scholarship Details | SML Saarthi Scholarship 2026-27 |
| SML Unnati Scholarship Details | SML Unnati Scholarship 2026-27 |
| Buddy4Study Support | buddy4study.com/support |
Conclusion
The SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 is one of the most targeted and generous private scholarships available to daughters of commercial vehicle drivers in India, offering up to Rs.30,000 in direct financial assistance. Whether you are in Class 11–12 (SML Saarthi) or pursuing an engineering degree or polytechnic course (SML Unnati), this scholarship can meaningfully offset your educational costs without any loan or repayment obligation. Apply online before October 21, 2026 at the official Buddy4Study portal — keep your documents ready, especially your parent’s commercial vehicle driving licence and your latest marksheet. Bookmark this page as we update it regularly with any deadline extensions or result announcements.
- SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 provides Rs.10,000 (Saarthi) and Rs.30,000 (Unnati) to eligible girl students.
- Exclusively for daughters of HCV/LCV drivers and bus drivers — the driving licence is a mandatory document.
- Minimum 60% marks in the previous academic year is required; family income must be below Rs.6,00,000/year.
- The application window is very short: September 21 to October 21, 2026 — do not delay.
- STEM and core engineering students get the higher Rs.30,000 Unnati award; Class 11–12 students from any stream get Rs.10,000.
- Apply online at www.b4s.in/bjga/SMLS1 — the entire process is free and digital.
Frequently Asked Questions About SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27
What is the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27?
The SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 is a CSR initiative by SML Mahindra Limited that provides financial assistance of Rs.10,000 to Rs.30,000 to meritorious girl students who are daughters of heavy and light commercial vehicle drivers or bus drivers across India. It operates through two categories: SML Saarthi for Class 11–12 students and SML Unnati for UG/Diploma/Polytechnic students in STEM and engineering fields.
Who is eligible for the SML Mahindra Scholarship 2026-27?
Eligibility is open to girl students across India who are daughters of HCV/LCV drivers (truck drivers, bus drivers, pickup drivers, last-mile delivery drivers), have scored at least 60% marks in the previous academic year, and whose family income does not exceed Rs.6,00,000 per annum. Students in Class 11–12 can apply under Saarthi; those in UG/Diploma/Polytechnic in STEM fields apply under Unnati.
How much scholarship money can I get under SML Mahindra Scholarship?
Selected students under SML Saarthi Scholarship 2026-27 receive Rs.10,000, while selected students under SML Unnati Scholarship 2026-27 receive Rs.30,000. Both amounts are disbursed directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) — no repayment is required as this is a scholarship, not a loan.
What is the last date to apply for SML Mahindra Scholarship 2026-27?
The last date to apply for the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27 is October 21, 2026. Applications opened on September 21, 2026. Submission is online only through the Buddy4Study portal at www.b4s.in/bjga/SMLS1. No offline or postal applications are accepted.
What documents are required to apply for SML Mahindra Scholarship?
Key documents include: passport-size photo, government ID / Aadhaar card, admission proof (school/college ID or bona fide certificate), previous year marksheet, fee receipt, parent’s commercial vehicle driving licence (most critical document), income certificate/ITR, and bank account details (passbook or cancelled cheque). Special category applicants (PwD, single-parent, transgender) need additional supporting documents.
What is the difference between SML Saarthi and SML Unnati Scholarship?
The SML Saarthi Scholarship is for girl students in Class 11 or 12 in any academic stream, offering Rs.10,000. The SML Unnati Scholarship is for girl students pursuing undergraduate degrees, diplomas, or polytechnic courses specifically in STEM and core engineering fields, offering Rs.30,000. Both have the same income and marks criteria, but differ in education level, stream restriction, and award amount.
Can Arts or Commerce students apply for SML Mahindra Scholarship?
Students in Class 11 and 12 from any stream including Arts and Commerce can apply under the SML Saarthi Scholarship. However, for the SML Unnati Scholarship (UG/Diploma/Polytechnic level), only students pursuing STEM disciplines and core engineering fields are eligible. Arts, Commerce, Law, and Humanities UG students are not eligible for the Unnati category.
How is the SML Mahindra Scholarship amount paid?
The SML Mahindra Scholarship amount is paid entirely through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) directly to the selected student’s bank account. There is no physical cheque or cash disbursement. Ensure you provide accurate bank account details (account number, IFSC code) in the application form. The account should be in the student’s name or a joint account with a parent.
Is there any application fee for SML Mahindra Scholarship 2026-27?
No, there is absolutely no application fee for the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program 2026-27. The application process through the Buddy4Study portal is completely free of charge. Beware of any third party or agent asking for payment to “help” you apply — this is a scam. Apply only through the official link at www.b4s.in/bjga/SMLS1.
Does my father’s truck have to be a Mahindra vehicle to qualify?
No. The scholarship is open to daughters of drivers of any brand of heavy or light commercial vehicle. The application form asks for the vehicle manufacturer and licence details, but eligibility is not restricted to Mahindra vehicle drivers. Whether your father drives a Tata, Eicher, Ashok Leyland, BharatBenz, or any other brand of HCV/LCV or bus, you are eligible to apply.
Last Updated: October 2026 | This page is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark it for the latest information on the SML Mahindra Scholarship Program.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Scholarship details, amounts, and eligibility criteria are sourced from the official Buddy4Study portal and published notifications. Always verify current details at the official application page before submitting your application. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with SML Mahindra Limited or Buddy4Study.






