The SBI Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the State Bank of India, has launched the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026. The programme is among the largest corporate scholarship initiatives in the country and will support 25,707 meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families with annual scholarships ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹15 lakh, depending on the category of study.
Applications opened on July 22, 2026, and will remain open until September 4, 2026. Eligible students can apply through the official portal at www.sbiashascholarship.co.in.
Wide Range of Academic Pathways Covered
The scholarship is designed to support students at multiple stages of education. It covers:
- School students studying in Classes 9 to 12
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in NIRF Top 300 institutions or NAAC A-rated colleges and universities
- Medical students pursuing MBBS
- Students at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
- Students pursuing master’s programmes at universities ranked among the Top 200 in the QS World University Rankings
The breadth of categories reflects an effort to assist learners from secondary school through higher education and international study.
Financial Support and Funding Partners
Scholarship amounts vary according to the level and type of course, with the highest support available for select postgraduate and overseas programmes. The initiative is co-funded by several SBI Group entities, including SBI General Insurance, SBI Life, SBI Securities, SBI Pension Fund, SBI Ventures, SBI Trustee and SBI Operations Support.
Speaking on the launch, Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI, said the programme aims to ensure that deserving students receive equal opportunity to pursue quality education regardless of their financial background. He described the effort as a means to nurture future leaders, innovators and professionals who will contribute to India’s growth.
Eligibility Focus on Merit and Need
While detailed criteria are available on the official portal, the programme targets students who demonstrate strong academic performance and belong to families with limited income. Preference is typically given to those meeting minimum marks or CGPA requirements in the previous academic year, along with specified annual family income limits that differ for school and higher education applicants.
Applicants are advised to carefully review the category-specific guidelines, required documents and benefits listed on the scholarship website before submitting their forms.
A Significant Corporate Contribution to Education Access
Corporate scholarship programmes of this scale play an important role in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity. By covering a wide spectrum of courses and institutions, the Asha Scholarship seeks to reduce financial barriers that often force capable students to abandon or compromise their educational goals.
Students and parents interested in the scheme should complete the application process well before the September 4 deadline. Complete information on eligibility, scholarship amounts, required documents and the application procedure is available at www.sbiashascholarship.co.in.
