Muskaan Scholarship 2025-26 for Class 9-12 Students

The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26) is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Valvoline Cummins Private Limited (VCPL) aimed at supporting the education of students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Below is a structured and point-wise breakdown of the entire scholarship program for better clarity.

About the Scholarship Program

• The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 is launched by Valvoline Cummins Private Limited (VCPL).
• It provides financial assistance up to INR 12,000 to eligible students.
• The scholarship supports students from Classes 9 to 12.
• It is designed for children of:

1. Commercial drivers (LMV/HMV)
2. Mechanics
3. Students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

Geographic Coverage

• Students from the following regions are eligible:

1. Southern India: Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry
2. Eastern India: Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal
3. Northeastern India: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualification:

• Must be studying in Classes 9 to 12.
• Must have secured at least 60% marks in the previous academic year.

Background:

• Must belong to one of the following categories:

1. Children of commercial drivers (LMV/HMV)
2. Children of mechanics
3. EWS category (with family income up to INR 8 lakh per annum)

Income Criteria (for EWS students only):

• Total family income from all sources must not exceed INR 8 lakh per annum.

Not Eligible:

• Children of VCPL employees or their implementation partners.

Scholarship Benefits

• Financial assistance of up to INR 12,000, based on actual educational expenses.
• Covers:

1. Tuition fees
2. Books and study materials
3. Uniforms
4. Stationery

• Mentorship support, including:

1. Sessions on road safety
2. Guidance for goal setting and academic planning

Required Documents

• Aadhaar Card (Proof of Identity)
• Proof of current year admission (any one):

1. Fee receipt
2. Admission letter
3. School ID card
4. Bonafide certificate

• Signed and stamped marksheet of the previous class
• Passport-size photograph
• Bank account details of the student

For Parent’s Profession (choose one):

• Commercial Driving License (for drivers)
• Shramik Card
• Self-declaration letter or employer certificate (duly attested)

For EWS Income Proof (choose one):

• Income proof from Gram Panchayat/Sarpanch/Ward Counselor
• Income certificate from SDM/DM/CO/Tehsildar
• Last 3 months’ salary slips or ITR

Fee Letter Provision:

• If a family is unable to pay fees upfront, they can submit a fee letter issued by the institute.
• The scholarship may be released in advance.
• Final receipts must be uploaded later via the online scholar tracking system.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the official scholarship page on Buddy4Study.
2. Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button.
3. Log in using your registered email, mobile number, or Google account.
4. If not registered, create an account on Buddy4Study.
5. Navigate to the Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025–26) page.
6. Click on ‘Start Application’.
7. Fill in all required personal and academic details.
8. Upload the necessary documents.
9. Accept the Terms and Conditions.
10. Click on ‘Preview’ to verify the filled data.
11. If all information is correct, click ‘Submit’.

Selection Process

The selection process is detailed and involves multiple stages:

• Initial Screening: Based on eligibility and application completeness.
• Shortlisting: Evaluated on socio-economic background and academic record.
• Document Verification
• Telephonic Interviews
• Panel Interviews: Conducted via Zoom or in offline Muskaan camps.
• Final Selection: Approved by VCPL panel.
• Onboarding and Scholarship Disbursal: Up to INR 12,000, based on actuals submitted.

Scholarship Renewal Criteria

Students may apply for renewal next year, subject to:

• Promotion to the next academic class.
• Maintaining a minimum of 60% marks.
• Providing valid fee receipts for academic expenses.
• Renewal depends on the availability of funds with VCPL.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
• Students are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute delays.

Important Links

• Apply Online: Buddy4Study-Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025–26)
• Employment Declaration Form PDF: Download Here

About Valvoline Cummins Private Limited (VCPL)

• VCPL is a 50:50 joint venture between:

1. Valvoline International Inc. (subsidiary of Valvoline Global Operations)
2. Cummins India Ltd.

• VCPL is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of lubricants, greases, and allied automotive fluids.
• Product offerings include:

1. Engine oils
2. Radiator coolants
3. Gear oils
4. Brake fluids

• VCPL is one of India’s fastest-growing lubricant companies.
• The Muskaan Scholarship reflects the company’s commitment to social development through education.

Conclusion

The Muskaan Scholarship Program 2.0 (2025-26) is a transformative opportunity for students in Classes 9 to 12 across India’s southern, eastern, and northeastern regions. With a combination of financial support and mentorship, the program addresses key barriers to education for students from marginalized communities. Interested and eligible students should apply well before the deadline of 30 September 2025 to benefit from this impactful initiative.