Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27 – Rs.12,000 for Class 9-12 Students, Apply by 30 Sep

Note: West Bengal appears in some versions of the official Buddy4Study listing. Always verify the most current state list on the official portal at buddy4study.com before applying, as the list may be updated.

Documents Required for the Muskaan Scholarship Application

Keeping your documents ready before you start the online application will help you complete the form in one sitting. All files must be uploaded in a clear, readable format (PDF or JPG). Here is the complete list of documents required:

• 📄 Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card of the student
• 📸 Passport-size photograph of the student (recent, clear background)
• 📋 Admission Proof for Current Year: Fee receipt, admission letter, school ID card, or bonafide certificate
• 📝 Academic Marksheet: Signed and stamped original marksheet of the previous class (showing 60%+)
• 🚗 Parental Profession Proof (choose ONE):
  • Commercial Driving License of the parent — for driver category applicants
  • Shramik Card — for mechanic or labour category applicants
  • Employer confirmation letter or self-declaration attested by a gazetted authority
• 💰 Family Income Proof (choose ONE):
  • Income certificate issued by Gram Panchayat / Ward Councillor / Sarpanch
  • Income certificate issued by SDM / DM / CO / Tehsildar
  • Last 3 months’ salary slips or Income Tax Return (ITR) of the parent
• 🏦 Bank Account Details: Passbook copy or cancelled cheque of the student’s own bank account (not parent’s)

How to Apply for Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27 — Step-by-Step Process

The application process is entirely online through the Buddy4Study platform. Follow these steps carefully to complete your application before 30 September 2026:

1. Visit the Official Page: Go to buddy4study.com/page/muskaan-scholarship-program or the official scholarship portal at muskaan.valvolinecummins.com.
2. Register or Log In: If you are new, click “Create an Account” and register using your email ID, mobile number, or Google account. If you already have a Buddy4Study account, log in directly.
3. Click “Apply Now”: You will be redirected to the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2026-27) application form page.
4. Check Your Eligibility: Fill in the short eligibility check form — confirm your class, state, parent’s profession, marks, and family income.
5. Click “Start Application”: Begin the multi-step online form covering personal details, academic information, family background, and subjective answers about your circumstances.
6. Fill in All Details: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card. Enter your class, previous year marks percentage, parent’s profession, and annual family income accurately.
7. Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of all required documents listed above. Ensure each file is clear and legible. Check the format (PDF/JPG) and size limits specified on the portal.
8. Review and Preview: Click “Preview” to review all entered information. Pay special attention to your bank account number — an error here will delay your payment.
9. Accept Terms and Submit: Tick the Terms & Conditions checkbox and click “Submit.”
10. Save Your Reference Number: Note down or screenshot your application reference number to track your application status later.

How Are Students Selected? — The Muskaan Scholarship Selection Process

The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 uses a multi-stage selection process to ensure that the most deserving and genuinely eligible students receive support. Here is how each stage works:

Muskaan Scholarship vs National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — Key Differences

Many students are confused about whether to apply for the Muskaan Scholarship or a government scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal. Both serve different purposes and students may apply to both. Here is a comparison:

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Muskaan Scholarship Program

Before applying, it helps to understand what this scholarship does well and where it has limitations — especially compared to government scholarship programs.

Advantages

• ✅ Specifically designed for underserved transport worker families — unlike generic scholarships, this one directly targets children of drivers and mechanics, making selection competition lower
• ✅ Covers actual school expenses — tuition fees, books, uniforms, and stationery are all reimbursed, not just tuition
• ✅ Renewal is available — students who maintain 60%+ marks can reapply each year through Class 9 to 12, giving up to 4 years of support
• ✅ Mentorship sessions included — road safety awareness training by VCPL professionals adds career value beyond financial aid
• ✅ Application is 100% free and online — no agent fees, no travel required, no offline paperwork

Disadvantages

• ⚠️ Reimbursement-only model — you must spend money first and submit receipts, which can be a barrier for the most cash-constrained families
• ⚠️ Geographic restriction — students in northern and central India (Delhi, UP, MP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra) are not eligible
• ⚠️ Renewal subject to fund availability — VCPL can withdraw or modify the program based on CSR budget allocation
• ⚠️ Student must have their own bank account — a procedural hurdle for younger Class 9 students from rural areas

Important Terms Related to the Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27

Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the application form, document checklist, and scholarship conditions with confidence.

• CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): A legal obligation under the Companies Act, 2013, requiring companies with net profits above Rs.5 crore to spend 2% on social welfare activities. The Muskaan Scholarship is VCPL’s CSR contribution to education.
• EWS (Economically Weaker Section): A category of students whose family’s annual income is below Rs.8 lakh from all sources combined. This is one of the three qualifying categories for this scholarship.
• LMV (Light Motor Vehicle): A vehicle weighing below 7,500 kg. A parent holding a commercial LMV driving license qualifies as a “commercial driver” for this scholarship — includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, and delivery vehicles.
• HMV (Heavy Motor Vehicle): A vehicle weighing above 7,500 kg. Truck, bus, and tanker drivers with an HMV license qualify under the commercial driver category.
• Buddy4Study: India’s largest online education funding platform with over 17 lakh student beneficiaries. It processes applications, verifies documents, and coordinates disbursement on behalf of VCPL for this scholarship.
• Reimbursement-Based Scholarship: A type of financial aid where the scholarship amount is paid only after the student submits valid fee receipts, rather than being paid in advance. This scholarship follows the reimbursement model with an advance option for certain cases.
• Bonafide Certificate: An official letter from the school confirming the student’s current enrollment, class, and roll number. It serves as proof of admission for scholarship applications.
• Shramik Card: A labour identification card issued by state governments to registered workers in the informal sector — mechanics, construction workers, and daily wage labourers. It serves as proof of parental profession for mechanic-category applicants.
• Scholarship Renewal: The process of reapplying for the same scholarship in a subsequent academic year. For Muskaan, renewal requires proof of promotion to the next class, 60%+ marks, and fresh expense receipts. Renewal is subject to fund availability.
• Road Safety Mentorship: A session conducted by VCPL professionals for selected Muskaan scholars covering road safety awareness, traffic rules, and vehicle safety — directly relevant to families whose livelihoods depend on road transport.

Important Links — Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27

Conclusion — Apply for Muskaan Scholarship Before 30 September 2026

The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2026-27) is a genuinely valuable opportunity for Class 9–12 students from transport worker and EWS families in southern, eastern, and northeastern India. With up to Rs.12,000 in annual support, a mentorship component, and the possibility of annual renewal through all four years of secondary school, this is one of the few CSR scholarships specifically built for the children of India’s commercial driving community. The application is free, entirely online, and open until 30 September 2026 — there is very little time left.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, do not wait. Gather your documents, create a Buddy4Study account, and submit your application at muskaan.valvolinecummins.com today. Bookmark this page — we update it whenever official details change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Muskaan Scholarship Program 2026-27

What is the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0?

The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 is a CSR initiative by Valvoline Cummins Private Ltd. (VCPL), implemented through Buddy4Study, that provides up to Rs.12,000 per year to Class 9–12 students who are children of commercial drivers (LMV/HMV), mechanics, or belong to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category in 18 states across southern, eastern, and northeastern India.

What is the last date to apply for the Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27?

The last date to apply for the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2026-27) is 30 September 2026. Applications are accepted only through the online Buddy4Study portal. No extension has been announced; students are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Who is eligible for the Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27?

Students studying in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12 who are children of commercial drivers (LMV/HMV), children of mechanics, or from the EWS category are eligible. They must be studying in one of 18 eligible states in southern, eastern, or northeastern India, must have secured 60% or more in their previous class, and their annual family income from all sources must not exceed Rs.8 lakh. Children of VCPL or Buddy4Study employees are not eligible.

How much scholarship money will I receive?

The Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27 provides up to Rs.12,000 per year. However, the exact amount disbursed depends on your actual verified educational expenses — including tuition fees, books, uniforms, and stationery. Students who spent less than Rs.12,000 in documented expenses will receive only the amount covered by valid receipts. The payment is made via direct bank transfer to the student’s own account.

Which states are eligible for the Muskaan Scholarship?

The 18 eligible states and UTs are: Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Tripura. Students from all other states — including Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan — are not eligible for this program.

Can I use my parent’s bank account for the scholarship payment?

No. The Muskaan Scholarship 2026-27 requires the scholarship amount to be disbursed only to the student’s own bank account — a parent’s or guardian’s account will not be accepted and will lead to rejection of the application. Students who do not have a personal bank account should open a zero-balance savings account at any nationalised bank before applying. For younger students, a minor’s bank account with a parent as guardian is acceptable at most banks.

What documents are needed for the Muskaan Scholarship application?

Required documents include: Aadhaar card, recent passport-size photograph, current year admission proof (fee receipt or school ID), previous class marksheet (60%+), proof of parent’s profession (driving license for drivers, Shramik Card or employer letter for mechanics), family income certificate, and the student’s own bank account details. All documents must be uploaded in a clear, legible format during the online application.

Can the Muskaan Scholarship be renewed in subsequent years?

Yes, the Muskaan Scholarship can be renewed annually. To renew, students must have been promoted to the next class, scored 60% or above in the previous class, and submit fresh receipts for the new academic year’s expenses. Renewal is subject to the continued availability of funds with VCPL and is not guaranteed automatically — students must actively apply for renewal each year through the Buddy4Study portal.

Is there an auto-rickshaw driver’s child eligible for this scholarship?

Yes. Parents who drive auto-rickshaws or other light commercial vehicles and hold a valid LMV commercial driving license qualify as “commercial drivers” under the Muskaan Scholarship eligibility rules. The scholarship is not limited to truck or bus drivers — any parent operating a commercial vehicle with a valid LMV license qualifies.

Can I apply for both Muskaan Scholarship and government scholarships simultaneously?

Yes, you can apply for the Muskaan Scholarship and government scholarships on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) at the same time. There is no restriction against receiving both. In fact, eligible students are encouraged to apply to all scholarships they qualify for — each one is processed independently and covers different portions of educational expenses.

What is the helpdesk contact for the Muskaan Scholarship?

For any queries or application assistance, contact the Muskaan Scholarship helpdesk at 011-430-92248 (Extension 346), available Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can also email muskaanscholarship@buddy4study.com for written queries. For the official application form, visit muskaan.valvolinecummins.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and deadlines are subject to official notifications from Valvoline Cummins Private Ltd. and Buddy4Study. Always verify the latest information on the official portal before applying. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with VCPL or Buddy4Study.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2026-27.

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