The prestigious Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship programme for 2024 has been officially announced, targeting students pursuing Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) courses. This initiative aims to support deserving students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in their academic journey towards becoming skilled dental professionals.The last date to apply for both scholarships is 31st October 2024, and students can apply through the Buddy4Study platform.
The scholarship is designed to encourage academic excellence in dental studies, offering a one-time financial award to eligible students. The programme covers both BDS and MDS students, with a particular focus on students from specific states like Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Eligibility Criteria for BDS Students
The Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship 2024-25 for BDS students is open to Indian nationals currently enrolled in any year of the BDS programme. Below are the key eligibility conditions:
• Applicants must have passed their Class 12 board exams with at least 65%.
• Students in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of BDS must have secured at least 60% in their previous semester.
• The student must be studying in a recognised government or private institution.
• The annual family income of the applicant should be less than INR 8 lakh.
• Preference will be given to students from Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Children of employees from Buddy4Study or Colgate India are not eligible for this scholarship.
Benefits for BDS Students
BDS students selected under this programme will receive a one-time financial award of INR 75,000. This scholarship can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing dental studies, especially for students from economically weaker sections.
Eligibility Criteria for MDS Students
For MDS students, the scholarship is open to those currently enrolled in a recognised institution for the Master of Dental Surgery course. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
• Applicants must have cleared their Class 12 board exams with a minimum of 65%.
• They should have secured more than 60% in their BDS degree.
• The family’s annual income should be less than INR 8 lakh.
• As with the BDS scholarship, preference will be given to students from the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Benefits for MDS Students
MDS students who are selected for the scholarship will also receive a one-time financial award of INR 75,000. This support is aimed at helping them continue their advanced dental studies without financial hurdles.
Application Process
To apply for the Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship, students must follow these steps:
1. Visit the Buddy4Study website and log in with your registered ID. If not registered, students can sign up using their email, mobile number, or Google account.
2. Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship 2024-25’ application page.
3. Click on the ‘Start Application’ button and fill in all the required details.
4. Upload the necessary documents, including Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, income proof, and academic records.
5. After reviewing the application, click on ‘Submit’ to complete the process.
Direct Link to Apply for Colgate Keep India Smiling Scholarship 2024
Required Documents
Both BDS and MDS applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of their application:
• Aadhaar card or another valid photo ID.
• Passport-size photograph.
• Income proof, such as salary slips or income certificate.
• Proof of admission (college ID or bonafide certificate).
• Current academic year fee receipt.
• Bank account details for scholarship disbursement.
• Marksheets or grade cards of the previous class.
• Disability certificate (if applicable).
Key Dates and Next Steps
The application window for both BDS and MDS students closes on 31st October 2024. Students are advised to apply early and ensure that all required documents are submitted. Once the application is processed, selected students will be notified via the Buddy4Study platform.
This scholarship programme is an excellent opportunity for deserving students to continue their dental education with financial support from Colgate. The initiative not only promotes academic excellence but also ensures that talented students from underprivileged backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their professional goals in the field of dentistry.
