IIT Bombay Launches Kotak Kanya Scholarship to Empower Women in STEM with ₹2.85 Lakh Annual Aid

MUMBAI, AUGUST 14, 2024 – IIT Bombay has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kotak Education Foundation (KEF) to introduce the Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship, a pioneering initiative designed to support the education and personal development of women from neglected communities. This scholarship not only offers financial assistance of ₹2.85 lakh per year but also focuses on the holistic growth of recipients through mentoring, mental well-being and life skills training sessions, preparing them for successful careers in STEM fields.

Empowering Women in STEM

The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship stands out for its comprehensive approach to supporting women in STEM, aiming to close the gender gap in these fields.

Financial Aid: The scholarship provides ₹2.85 lakh annually to cover educational expenses until graduation at IIT Bombay.

Holistic Development: Beyond financial support, the program includes mentoring, mental well-being and life skills training sessions, ensuring scholars are well-prepared for professional challenges. This comprehensive support system is designed to empower women students, particularly those pursuing degrees in STEM disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, applicants must achieve at least 75% in their Class 12 board exams, have a family income below ₹5 lakh, and ranked among the top 20,000 in the JEE Advanced exam.

Features of the Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship

Mentorship Programs: The scholarship offers access to experienced mentors who guide students through their academic and career challenges, ensuring they are well-prepared for future professional endeavors.
Life Skills and Mental Well-being: Scholars receive training in essential life skills, such as leadership and communication, alongside sessions focused on mental well-being, ensuring a balanced and holistic educational experience.
Educational Resources: KEF enhances the academic experience by providing specialized resources, such as Unstop subscriptions for engineering students and Marrow subscriptions for medical students.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders

The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a strategic initiative designed to empower the next generation of women leaders in STEM. By providing both educational and personal development support, IIT Bombay and the Kotak Education Foundation are addressing the gender gap in STEM fields and contributing to broader societal goals of gender equality and inclusive growth.

A representative from KEF remarked, “This scholarship is about more than just financial support; it’s about creating future leaders. We are committed to ensuring that these women have every opportunity to succeed and make a lasting impact in their fields and communities.”

Statistical Overview

Annual Financial Support: ₹2.85 lakh per student.
Eligibility Criteria: Minimum 75% in Class 12, family income under ₹5 lakh, top 20,000 rank in JEE Advanced.
Target Group: Women students enrolled in BS, BTech, BDes, and integrated Master’s programs at IIT Bombay.

Broader Implications for Women in STEM

The introduction of the Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship is part of a broader movement to support women in STEM. With India’s focus on becoming a global leader in technology and innovation, initiatives like these are crucial for nurturing talent from all backgrounds. By targeting underserved communities, this scholarship not only promotes educational equity but also contributes to the nation’s goals of inclusive development.

The Kotak Kanya-IIT Bombay Scholarship sets a new standard for educational support in India. By combining financial aid with comprehensive personal and professional development programs, IIT Bombay and KEF are ensuring that the next generation of women leaders is well-equipped to face the challenges of the future. This initiative is not just about education; it is about empowerment, providing women from neglected communities with the tools they need to succeed and lead. For more details visit official IIT Bombay website.

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