The State Bank of India (SBI) Foundation has launched the third edition of its SBI Asha Scholarship Programme, aiming to support 10,000 talented students from underprivileged backgrounds across India. This flagship programme offers financial assistance ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20 lakh, depending on the level of study.
The initiative is open to students from Class 6 to postgraduate level. The scholarship offers distinct categories for school students, undergraduates, postgraduates, and those studying at premier institutions like IITs and IIMs.
Interested students have until October 1 to submit their applications. All relevant information, including eligibility criteria and the application form, can be accessed at the official website, sbifashascholarship.org.
Additionally, a specialised ‘Study Abroad’ category has been introduced for SC and ST students pursuing master’s degrees and higher education at renowned institutions worldwide.
SBI ASHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS
Eligibility
- Applicants must be studying in Class 6 to 12 in the current academic year.
- Students should have secured 75% or above in their previous academic year.
- The gross annual family income should not exceed INR 3,00,000.
- Open to Indian nationals.
Note:
- 50% of slots are reserved for female applicants.
- Preference will be given to SC/ST applicants.
Benefits:Each selected student will receive INR 15,000.
SBI ASHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR UG STUDENTS
Eligibility
- Open to students pursuing undergraduate courses from premier universities/colleges in India, as per the NIRF Top 100 rankings.
- Students must have secured 75% or above in their previous academic year.
- The gross annual family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000.
Note:
- Preference for students with family incomes below INR 3,00,000.
- 50% of slots reserved for female applicants.
- Preference for SC/ST applicants.
Benefits:Selected students can receive up to INR 50,000.
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SBI ASHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR PG STUDENTS
Eligibility
- Open to postgraduate students from premier universities/colleges in India, as per the NIRF Top 100 rankings.
- Students must have secured 75% or above in their previous academic year.
- The gross annual family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000.
Note:
- Preference for students with family incomes below INR 3,00,000.
- 50% of slots reserved for female applicants.
- Preference for SC/ST applicants.
Benefits:Selected students can receive up to INR 70,000.
SBIF ASHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR IIT STUDENTS
Eligibility
- Open to students pursuing undergraduate courses from any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in India.
- Students must have secured 75% or above in their previous academic year.
- The gross annual family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000.
Note:
- Preference for students with family incomes below INR 3,00,000.
- 50% of slots reserved for female applicants.
- Preference for SC/ST applicants.
Benefits:Selected students can receive up to INR 2,00,000.
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SBI ASHA SCHOLARSHIP FOR IIM STUDENTS
Eligibility
- Open to students pursuing MBA/PGDM courses from any Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in India.
- Students must have secured 75% or above in their previous academic year.
- The gross annual family income should not exceed INR 6,00,000.
Note:
- Preference for students with family incomes below INR 3,00,000.
- 50% of slots reserved for female applicants.
- Preference for SC/ST applicants.
Benefits:Selected students can receive up to INR 7,50,000.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Previous academic year’s marksheet
- Government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar card)
- Current year fee receipt
- Proof of current admission
- Bank account details
- Proof of income
- Applicant’s photograph
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
HOW TO APPLY FOR SBI ASHA SCHOLARSHIP
- Click the ‘Apply Now’ button.
- Log in to Buddy4Study with your registered ID.
- If not registered, create an account using your Email/Mobile number/Google account.
- Complete the SBIF Asha Scholarship Program 2024 application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Preview and submit the form if all details are correct.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process is merit-based and considers both academic performance and financial need.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo telephonic interviews, followed by document verification for final selection.
Once selected, the scholarship amount will be directly transferred to the students’ bank accounts.
MISSION OF THE PROGRAMME
Since its inception in 2022, the Asha Scholarship has supported 3,198 students, disbursing over Rs 3.91 crore in funds. SBI Foundation’s goal is to ensure access to quality education for students from underserved communities.
SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, emphasised the bank’s commitment to social progress: “Asha Scholarship embodies SBI’s core value of service beyond banking⦠Asha Scholars will play an important role in achieving our Nation’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”