Yash Chopra Foundation Scholarship Program 2026

Yash Chopra Foundation expands Scholarship Program to 11 scholars, with first-ever students pursuing Robotics, AI & technology-led courses

 

YCF Scholarship 2026
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The Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF), the philanthropic arm of Yash Raj Films, continues to take forward the vision of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra by giving back to the industry that has given abundant love to YRF for over 50 years.

Through the YCF Scholarship Program, the Foundation supports the children of registered Hindi film industry and FWICE union members in pursuing higher education by providing financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakhs per student. While the program has traditionally supported students pursuing media, film and creative disciplines, this year marks an important expansion, with the scholarship extending to a wider range of professional and technical courses including Robotics & Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, IT, Management, Law and Medical studies. Notably, this is the first year that students pursuing Robotics and technology-led courses have been selected under the program, reflecting the evolving landscape of the film and creative industries and the growing role of technology in shaping its future.

This year, 11 talented students have been selected after a merit- and need-based screening process from over 300 registered applicants. These scholars will receive the financial assistance towards their course fees for the 2026–27 academic year:

 

  1. Aryan Singh - B.Tech in CSE (AI & ML), Thakur Shyamnarayan College of Engineering
  2. Asma Choudhary - PG in M.Com (Banking and Finance), NM College
  3. Jaid Kalim - B.Tech in Electronics and Computer Science, Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Bandra
  4. Jay Siddeshwar Jangam - UG in Mass Communication & Journalism, CVM University, Gujarat
  5. Nidhi Subhashchandra Yadav - B.Sc. in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Systems, Thakur College
  6. Pranjal Pramod Kapure - B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bhilai
  7. Prathamesh Pradip Karanjolkar - MCA, TIMSCDR - Thakur Institute of Management Studies, Career Development & Research
  8. Rudra Mangesh Damle - UG in B.Com (Financial Markets), Pillai College of Arts, Commerce & Science, New Panvel
  9. Sachin Vishwakarma - B.Tech, K. J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Mumbai
  10. Uzma Sarfaraz Khan - PG in M.Sc. (IT), Vivek College of Commerce
  11. Valencia Rojiyar Madhura - B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering (Cyber Security), NMIMS College of Engineering

 

Akshaye Widhani, CEO Yash Raj Films, shared, “The Hindi film industry has always been built on the contribution of people working across every level of the ecosystem, and the YCF Scholarship Program is our way of extending that support to the next generation of their families. What is particularly meaningful this year is seeing that support evolve with the aspirations of the students themselves. From media and management to Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, engineering and medicine, the 11 scholars represent a much wider spectrum of possibilities than when we first started this program. As the industry changes, it is important that the opportunities we create for its families evolve with it too. We are happy to play a small part in helping these students access the education and careers they aspire to.”

Through this initiative, YCF continues to support the children of the industry's behind-the-scenes workforce, the technicians, light men, spot boys and other daily wage workers who are an integral part of Hindi cinema by helping turn their academic aspirations into opportunities for a brighter future.


Need Help?
contact@yashchoprafoundation.org
Contact: +91 7876053131 | +91 8850449940

Every child deserves the chance to dream big
The Yash Chopra Foundation stands with your family in your child’s educational journey

Voices from the Ground: Meet Our Scholarship Recipients

 

Living Their Dream, Thanks to YCF
For these students, the YCF Scholarship is more than just a grant—it’s an entry into a world they could only dream of. With the right support, they are now equipped to build successful careers in media and cinema while honoring the legacy of their families.

Virtual Soft Skills Sessions

As part of its commitment to holistic development, YCF introduced Virtual Soft Skills Sessions for film industry workers and their children. These sessions were designed to build essential life skills, boost confidence, and enhance readiness for education and employment opportunities.
The sessions, facilitated by professional trainers, covered key topics such as:

  • Effective communication and active listening
  • Stress management and mindfulness
  • Adaptability in changing work environments
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Time management and prioritization
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Work–life balance and self-care
The interactive format included storytelling, reflection exercises, and peer-sharing, making the sessions engaging and relevant to the challenges faced by daily wage film workers.

Impact
  • Participants: 50–70 film industry workers and their children
  • Outcomes: Improved communication, greater self-awareness, better stress management, and increased confidence to navigate both personal and professional challenges
Impact Summary
Through these sessions, YCF provided beneficiaries with tools for personal growth and resilience, helping them strengthen their well-being while enhancing employability and adaptability in the demanding film industry environment.

Cataract Screening Camp & Surgery Support
As part of its healthcare interventions, the Yash Chopra Foundation (YCF), in partnership with Bhaktivendata Hospital, organized a Free Cataract Screening Camp – 2025 exclusively for members of the Hindi film industry. The initiative aimed to detect early signs of cataract and other eye-related illnesses, which remain critical health concerns for aging daily wage workers and directly affect their quality of life and earning ability.

What Was Included
  • Free cataract screening for individuals aged 40+
  • Surgical support for eligible members aged 60+
  • Prescription eyeglasses for those diagnosed with vision issues
Timeline
  • September 5–12, 2025
Who Could Register
  • Film Federation members aged 40 and above
  • Valid union card holders
Key Outcomes (2024–2025)
  • Total beneficiaries screened: 621
  • Cataract surgery cases detected: 38
  • Eyeglasses prescribed and to be distributed: 441
Impact Summary
The Cataract Camp provided accessible, cost-free eye care services to vulnerable members of the film fraternity. By restoring vision through timely screenings, surgeries, and eyeglass distribution, YCF not only improved the health and dignity of its beneficiaries but also safeguarded their ability to continue working and sustaining their families.

YCF aims to expand cataract surgeries to 100 beneficiaries and double the reach of the Saathi Program in the coming year.