By YTC Ventures Education Desk | Technocrat’ Magazine
September 21, 2025
In a landmark move celebrating its Platinum Jubilee, the State Bank of India (SBI) has thrown open the doors for the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025-26, a transformative initiative under its CSR arm, SBI Foundation.
With a whopping Rs 90 crore earmarked to support 23,230 meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds, this program offers financial aid ranging from Rs 15,000 to an impressive Rs 20 lakh annually—until the completion of the selected course.
Aimed at bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, the scholarship targets students from Class 9 to postgraduate levels, including specialized streams like medicine, IITs, IIMs, and even overseas studies. Applications are live now, with the deadline set for November 15, 2025—don’t miss your chance to turn academic aspirations into reality.Launched on September 18, 2025, this edition builds on SBI Foundation’s legacy since 2015, having touched over 20 million lives through 698 projects in education, healthcare, and beyond.
SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty emphasized, “By creating a strong ecosystem around these scholars, we aim to empower them to become torchbearers of progress and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.” Whether you’re a school topper eyeing IIT or a postgraduate dreamer bound for global universities, here’s everything you need to know to apply.
Why the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship Matters
Education remains the great equalizer, yet financial hurdles often sideline bright minds from low-income families. The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship steps in as a lifeline, prioritizing merit over means. It’s not just funding—it’s a commitment to holistic development, with a special focus on SC/ST students pursuing advanced degrees at top global institutions.
By covering tuition, fees, and more, it ensures that economic barriers don’t dim the spark of potential. This year, the program’s scale—Rs 90 crore for 23,230 students—underscores SBI’s role as a catalyst for inclusive growth in India’s education landscape.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is inclusive yet competitive, open to Indian nationals from families with modest incomes (typically up to Rs 6 lakh annually, with preference for under Rs 3 lakh). Key eligibility highlights include:
| Category | Academic Level/Stream | Minimum Marks Requirement | Family Income Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Students | Class 9 to 12 | 85% aggregate | Rs 6 lakh p.a. |
| Undergraduate | Any UG course at NIRF top 300/NAAC ‘A’ institutes | 85% in Class 12 | Rs 6 lakh p.a. |
| Postgraduate | Any PG course at top institutes | 75% in UG | Rs 6 lakh p.a. |
| Medical Students | MBBS/BDS or equivalent | 85% in relevant exams | Rs 6 lakh p.a. |
| IIT Scholars | B.Tech/JEE Advanced qualifiers | JEE rank-based | Rs 6 lakh p.a. |
| IIM/MBA Students | PGDM/MBA at IIMs | CAT percentile-based | Rs 6 lakh p.a. |
| Overseas Students | Studies at top global universities (e.g., ANU, Boston U) | 75-85% in previous qual. | Rs 6 lakh p.a. |
Note: Priority for SC/ST candidates in overseas categories; all applicants must be enrolled in recognized programs.
Scholarship Amounts: Tailored Support for Every Stage
Financial aid is disbursed annually based on course duration and needs, ensuring sustained support:
| Category | Scholarship Amount (Annual) | Maximum Total Support |
|---|---|---|
| School (Class 9-12) | Rs 15,000 – Rs 20,000 | Up to Rs 80,000 |
| Undergraduate | Rs 30,000 – Rs 50,000 | Up to Rs 2 lakh |
| Postgraduate | Rs 50,000 – Rs 1 lakh | Up to Rs 3 lakh |
| Medical | Rs 1 lakh – Rs 2 lakh | Up to Rs 10 lakh |
| IIT Scholars | Rs 50,000 – Rs 1.5 lakh | Up to Rs 6 lakh |
| IIM/MBA | Rs 1 lakh – Rs 2 lakh | Up to Rs 4 lakh |
| Overseas Studies | Up to 50% of tuition (max Rs 20 lakh) | Up to Rs 20 lakh |
These amounts cover tuition, books, and living expenses, with disbursal directly to institutions or accounts.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying is straightforward via the official portal. Head to sbiashascholarship.co.in and follow these steps:
- Register Online: Visit the website and click “Apply Now.” Provide basic details like name, email, mobile, and Aadhaar number.
- Fill the Form: Enter academic history, family income, and course details. Upload scanned documents.
- Submit Documents: Ensure all files are in PDF/JPG format (under 2MB each).
- Review and Submit: Double-check for accuracy and hit submit. You’ll receive a confirmation email with an application ID.
- Track Status: Use your ID to monitor progress on the portal.
Pro Tip: Start early—portal glitches peak near deadlines. Applications opened on September 18, 2025, and close on November 15, 2025.
Required Documents: Be Prepared
To avoid rejections, gather these essentials:
- Academic Proof: Marksheets of last qualifying exam (Class 10/12/UG as applicable).
- Identity & Address: Aadhaar card, PAN, or voter ID; domicile certificate.
- Financials: Income proof (ITR/salary slips), fee receipt, bank passbook.
- Admission Evidence: Offer letter or enrollment proof from the institute.
- Category Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC (if applicable).
- Photograph: Recent passport-size photo.
All documents must be self-attested and clear.
Selection Process: Merit Meets Need
Applications undergo a multi-stage review:
- Initial Screening: Based on eligibility and document completeness.
- Merit Evaluation: Academic scores, entrance ranks (e.g., JEE/CAT/NEET).
- Need Assessment: Family income and essay on financial challenges (for shortlisted candidates).
- Final Approval: By SBI Foundation committee; results by December 2025.
Shortlisted applicants may need to attend virtual interviews.
Beyond the Bucks: The Bigger Impact
This isn’t just about money—SBI’s ecosystem includes mentorship, skill workshops, and networking events to nurture scholars into leaders. Past recipients have gone on to top firms and startups, crediting the program for their breakthroughs.
As India aims for a $5 trillion economy, initiatives like this fuel the talent pipeline.The clock is ticking—November 15, 2025, is your deadline.
Visit sbiashascholarship.co.in today and take the first step toward a brighter future.
For queries, email scholarships@sbi.co.in or call the helpline at 1800-11-5522. SBI isn’t just banking on India—it’s investing in its youth.
What’s your story? Apply now and let it unfold.
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