Mumbai: The K.C. Mahindra Education Trust has awarded interest-free loan scholarships totalling ₹4.26 crore to 92 students pursuing postgraduate education, while expanding the seven-decade-old programme to include scholars studying at Indian universities for the first time.
The scholarships were awarded under the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies, with individual assistance ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹12 lakh. The amounts were determined on the basis of applicants’ academic records and performance during the final interviews, according to the Trust.
The expansion to Indian institutions marks a significant change for the scholarship programme in its 70th year. Since its establishment in 1956, the scholarship had primarily supported Indian students pursuing postgraduate education overseas.
The original programme was created at a time when several specialised academic disciplines were not widely available in India. Its objective was to help talented Indian students acquire advanced knowledge abroad and subsequently contribute to the country’s development.
By including postgraduate courses offered in India, the Trust has acknowledged the growing strength of the country’s higher education ecosystem—and, perhaps equally importantly, the fact that academic excellence no longer requires a stamped passport.
The 2026 scholarship cycle attracted more than 1,744 applications from across India. Following a multi-stage selection process, 99 candidates were shortlisted for the final interviews, which were held in Mumbai on July 7 and 8.
The Trust said scholarships were awarded to all shortlisted candidates who appeared for the interviews, resulting in a final group of 92 recipients.
The selection committee included Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the K.C. Mahindra Education Trust; trustees Bharat Doshi, Ulhas Yargop and Leena Labroo; Dr. Indu Shahani, President and Chancellor of ATLAS SkillTech University; and Ranjan Pant, Non-Executive and Non-Independent Director, Mahindra Group.
Other committee members included Rucha Nanavati, Chief of Advanced Technologies – FEB, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Rohit Thakur, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; and Farida Balsara, Senior Vice-President, CSR, Mahindra Group.
The first day of interviews concluded with a networking event involving scholars and members of the selection committee. The gathering was intended to encourage exchanges across academic disciplines and help students build professional and intellectual connections.
Speaking about the scholarship, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, K.C. Mahindra Education Trust, said: “Each year, meeting the K.C. Mahindra Scholarship awardees renews my optimism about India’s future. This year is especially meaningful as we welcome outstanding students pursuing postgraduate studies not only at leading global institutions but also at India’s finest universities. Recognising excellence wherever it flourishes is both refreshing and essential, and I am delighted that the scholarship now reflects aspirations of a new generation of talented young Indians. My heartfelt congratulations to all the scholars.”
Established as the Trust’s first scholarship initiative, the programme has gradually expanded beyond its initial focus to support students across a wider range of academic disciplines.
Its decision to support postgraduate education both within India and overseas reflects a broader shift in student opportunities. As Indian universities expand their research capabilities and specialised programmes, scholarship providers are increasingly looking beyond geography and focusing instead on academic merit, potential and access.
For the 92 recipients, the assistance offers more than financial support. It also places them within a 70-year legacy built around the idea that investing in higher education can produce benefits far beyond an individual degree—a principle that has aged rather better than most things introduced in 1956.
