The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship is a significant educational funding initiative by the SBI Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the State Bank of India. It is designed to empower academically gifted students from low-income families across India, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of higher education.
This scholarship provides substantial, multi-year financial assistance to students entering the first year of their undergraduate studies, helping them cover essential academic expenses.
This program matters because it directly addresses the critical issue of college dropouts due to financial hardship. By offering a consistent stream of funding for the entire duration of a degree course, the Asha Scholarship provides students with the stability needed to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential.
It is more than just a one-time grant; it is a commitment to fostering India’s future talent pool, enabling bright minds from underprivileged backgrounds to become leaders and professionals in their chosen fields. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the scholarship for the upcoming academic session.
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About the scholarship
The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship was established by the SBI Foundation as part of its mission to bring about positive change through strategic CSR interventions. The foundation focuses on key areas like education, healthcare, livelihood, and environmental sustainability. This specific scholarship program is a cornerstone of its educational initiatives, aiming to create an inclusive society by providing equal opportunities for all.
The primary objective of the scholarship is to identify and support meritorious students who have excelled in their Class 12 examinations but whose families lack the financial resources to fund their college education. The target group is specifically first-year undergraduate students enrolled in recognised degree programs at institutions anywhere in India.
By providing ₹50,000 annually, the scholarship helps cover tuition fees, hostel charges, books, and other related academic costs, thereby reducing the financial burden on the students and their families and promoting uninterrupted learning. The program reflects SBI’s long-standing commitment to nation-building through the empowerment of its youth.
Scholarship at a glance
| DATA | Detail |
| Scholarship Name | SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship |
| Provider | SBI Foundation |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-cum-Means |
| Level | Undergraduate (First Year) |
| Country/Nationality | India |
| Course(s) covered | Any full-time undergraduate degree course from a recognized Indian institution. |
| Minimum qualification | Passed Class 12 or equivalent. |
| Minimum marks/GPA | Minimum 75% marks in Class 12 examinations. |
| Income cap (if any) | The income limit is below ₹3,00,000 for school students and below ₹6,00,000 for others. |
| Duration of award | For the entire duration of the undergraduate course (3-4 years), subject to annual renewal. |
| Selection process | Screening based on academic merit and financial need, followed by a personal interview. |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application fee | None |
| Official website | https://www.sbifoundation.in/ |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following criteria to be considered for the scholarship. The criteria are based on the guidelines released for the most recent application cycle.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Current Course: Applicants must be enrolled in the first year of any undergraduate degree program at a recognized educational institution in India.
- Academic Performance: Applicants must have secured a minimum of 75% marks in their Class 12 board examinations.
- Family Income: The income limit is below ₹3,00,000 for school students and below ₹6,00,000 for others.
- Exclusions: Students receiving scholarships from other private sources for the same purpose are generally not eligible.
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Notification Release | October 2025 |
| Application Start Date | October 2025 |
| Application End Date | 15 November 2025 |
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare scanned copies of the following documents before starting the Sbi platinum jubilee asha scholarship 2025 application. Ensure all documents are clear, legible, and in the specified format (usually PDF or JPEG).
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, or any other government-issued ID.
- Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card or other official address proof.
- Academic Documents:
- Class 10 Marksheet
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Proof of Admission:
- Admission letter or offer letter from the college/university for the first-year undergraduate course.
- College ID card for the current academic year.
- Latest fee receipt paid for the current academic year.
- Income Proof:
- A valid Income Certificate issued by a competent government authority (e.g., Tehsildar, Revenue Officer).
- Form 16 or salary slips of parents (if applicable).
- Bank Account Details:
- A scanned copy of the first page of the applicant’s bank passbook or a cancelled cheque showing the applicant’s name, account number, and IFSC code.
- Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant.
Financial Benefits
The scholarship offers significant financial support to help students manage their educational expenses throughout their degree.
- Scholarship Amount: Support for beneficiaries is offered on an annual basis until they complete their course, with the assistance amount varying anywhere between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,00,000 depending on the eligibility and program.
- Frequency: The amount is disbursed annually.
- Duration: The scholarship is provided for the entire duration of the undergraduate course (e.g., 3 years for B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. or 4 years for B.E./B.Tech.), provided the student meets the renewal criteria.
- Renewal: To continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years, scholars must pass their annual examinations and be promoted to the next academic year. They may be required to submit their promotion mark sheets to the foundation.
- Disbursement: The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the bank account of the selected student.
Salient Features
- Merit-cum-Means Basis: The scholarship uniquely balances high academic achievement (75% in Class 12) with genuine financial need (For school students, the family income should be less than ₹3,00,000, while for all other categories, it should be less than ₹6,00,000.), ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
- Pan-India Eligibility: It is open to students from all states and union territories of India, promoting national inclusivity.
- Course Agnostic: Unlike many scholarships tied to specific fields like engineering or medicine, this program supports students in any undergraduate stream (Arts, Science, Commerce, etc.).
- Multi-Year Support: It offers sustained financial backing for the entire course duration, providing long-term stability rather than a one-time grant.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The scholarship amount is credited directly into the student’s bank account, ensuring transparency and eliminating intermediaries.
- Zero Application Fee: There are no processing or application fees, making it accessible to all eligible students regardless of their economic situation.
- Transparent Selection Process: The selection involves a two-stage process of screening and a personal interview, ensuring a holistic assessment of the candidate.
- Promotes Higher Education: By easing the financial burden, the scholarship directly encourages students from economically weaker sections to enroll in and complete their higher education.
Application Process
The process to Sbi platinum jubilee asha scholarship 2025 apply online is straightforward and conducted through a dedicated online portal:
STEP 1: Visit the official website of the bank at sbiashascholarship.co.in.
STEP 2: On the homepage, click on “Apply Now” under your preferred level of study.
STEP 3: Click again on “Apply Now” and register using your mobile number or Gmail ID.
STEP 4: Fill in the application form, upload the required documents, accept the terms, review, and submit your application.
STEP 5: You will then be successfully enrolled in the scholarship program.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can a student in the second or third year of their degree apply for this scholarship? No, this scholarship is exclusively for students who are in the first year of their undergraduate program.
Is there any reservation for specific categories like SC/ST/OBC? The official guidelines do not specify any category-based reservations. The selection is primarily based on academic merit and financial need.
How is the selection process conducted? The selection is a multi-stage process. First, all applications are screened based on the eligibility criteria (marks and income). Shortlisted candidates are then invited for a personal interview (which may be conducted online or offline). The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the interview and their overall profile.