SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 – Rs.15 Lakh for Class 9 to PG, IIT, IIM, Medical

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 is one of India’s largest corporate scholarship programmes, backed by a total fund of Rs.100 crore. Run by SBI Foundation — the CSR arm of State Bank of India — this initiative covers students from Class 9 all the way through IIT, IIM, Medical (MBBS) and even overseas postgraduate programmes. This guide is for Indian students aged 14 to 30 who score at least 75% marks and come from families earning up to Rs.6 lakh per year. We cover every category, scholarship amount, eligibility criterion, required documents, step-by-step application process, and all important dates.

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📋 Table of Contents

What Is the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026?

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship is a merit-cum-means scholarship launched by SBI Foundation as part of State Bank of India’s Platinum Jubilee (75th anniversary) celebrations. The programme specifically targets academically strong students from economically weaker backgrounds, ensuring that financial hardship does not stop deserving students from pursuing quality education.

For the 2026-27 academic session, the programme has a total outlay of Rs.100 crore and aims to benefit 25,707 students across seven scholarship categories. Financial assistance is disbursed directly to the selected scholar’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), eliminating any middlemen and ensuring timely payments.

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The scholarship is renewable annually, subject to the student maintaining the required academic performance and continuing to meet the income eligibility criteria. SBI Foundation — established in 2015 under Section VIII of the Companies Act — has a strong track record of supporting thousands of students across India every year through structured CSR initiatives.

Scholarship Amount — Category-Wise Breakdown (2026-27)

The scholarship amount under the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 varies significantly depending on the academic level and category of study. School students receive up to Rs.15,000 per year, while overseas postgraduate students can receive up to Rs.15,00,000 per year. Here is the complete category-wise breakdown:

The scholarship funds are intended to cover tuition fees, hostel and accommodation charges, books and study materials, examination fees, and educational equipment. All selected students receive funds directly in their registered bank account — no third-party disbursement is involved.

Who Should Apply for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026?

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 is designed for a wide range of students across India. The following profiles are ideally suited for this scholarship:

• 🎓 Class 9 to 12 students studying in a recognised school in India, from families earning up to Rs.3 lakh per year
• 🏛️ Undergraduate students enrolled in NIRF Top 300 or NAAC ‘A’-grade institutions, with family income below Rs.6 lakh
• 📚 Postgraduate students at NIRF Top 100 universities or NITs, scoring above 75% in their previous year
• 🩺 MBBS students at AIIMS or NIRF Top 50 medical colleges, from lower-income families
• ⚙️ IIT students (undergraduate) at any IIT in India, who cleared JEE Advanced and need financial support
• 💼 IIM students (MBA/PGDM) who have a valid CAT scorecard and family income below Rs.6 lakh
• ✈️ SC/ST students pursuing postgraduate studies at a QS Top 200 global university abroad
• 👩‍🎓 Female students from any of the above categories — 50% of all seats are reserved for women

Eligibility Criteria — Full Details for Each Category

Each category of the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 has its own specific academic, income, and institutional requirements. Read the criteria for your relevant category carefully before applying:

School Students (Class 9–12)

• Must be Indian nationals currently studying in Class 9, 10, 11, or 12
• Must have secured at least 75% marks or 7.0 CGPA in the previous academic year
• SC/ST relaxation: minimum 65% marks (10% relaxation)
• PwBD relaxation: minimum 60% marks
• Gross annual family income must not exceed Rs.3,00,000
• School must be a recognised institution (government or private)

Undergraduate (UG) Students

• Must be pursuing a UG programme at a NIRF Top 300 institution or NAAC ‘A’-grade college
• All NITs are also eligible institutions for this category
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the previous academic year
• Gross annual family income must not exceed Rs.6,00,000
• Preference given to applicants with income below Rs.3,00,000

Postgraduate (PG) Students

• Must be enrolled in a PG programme at a NIRF Top 100 university or college
• Minimum 75% marks in the previous academic year
• Gross annual family income must not exceed Rs.6,00,000
• 50% reservation for female applicants applies

Medical (MBBS) Students

IIT Students (Undergraduate)

• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate programme at any IIT in India
• Must have a valid JEE Advanced scorecard
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the previous academic year
• Gross annual family income must not exceed Rs.6,00,000

IIM Students (MBA/PGDM)

• Must be enrolled in an MBA or PGDM programme at any IIM
• Must have a valid CAT scorecard (current or previous year)
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the previous academic year
• Gross annual family income must not exceed Rs.6,00,000

Overseas Studies (SC/ST Students Only)

• Open only to SC/ST students pursuing postgraduate or higher studies abroad
• Must be enrolled in or have a confirmed offer from a QS Top 200 ranked global university
• Valid GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LNAT, or LSAT scorecard required (where applicable)
• Minimum 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the previous qualifying examination
• Gross annual family income must not exceed Rs.6,00,000

Documents Required for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026

Applicants must keep the following documents ready in digital format (PDF/JPG) before starting the application. Incomplete documents are the primary reason for application rejection:

Note: An SBI bank account is preferred for scholarship disbursement. If you do not have one, open a zero-balance SBI account at the nearest branch before applying. Overseas applicants must additionally provide a valid passport, visa, and English language scores or a statement of purpose.

How to Apply Online for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026 — Step-by-Step

The application process for the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 is entirely online and free of charge. Follow these steps carefully to submit a complete and correct application:

1. Visit the Official Portal — Go to www.sbiashascholarship.co.in or apply through Buddy4Study.
2. Register or Log In — Create a new account using your email ID, mobile number, or Google account. If you have applied before, log in with your existing credentials.
3. Select Your Scholarship Category — Choose the correct track: School (Class 9–12), Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Medical (MBBS), IIT, IIM, or Overseas Studies.
4. Click “Start Application” — The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026-27 application form will open on screen.
5. Complete Your Profile — Enter all required details: personal information, date of birth, contact details, address, family income, gender, category, disability status (if applicable), and APAAR ID (if available).
6. Fill Academic Details — Enter your course, institution name, NIRF ranking, NAAC grade (if applicable), and previous year exam marks or CGPA.
7. Upload Documents — Upload all required documents in PDF or JPG format as specified. Ensure files are clear and legible.
8. Complete eKYC — Verify your Aadhaar-linked mobile number via OTP for eKYC completion.
9. Review and Submit — Carefully review all entered information and uploaded documents. Accept the terms and conditions, then click “Submit.” Note: once submitted, the application cannot be modified.
10. Save Your Application ID — Record your unique Application ID for future reference and status tracking.

Selection Process for SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026

Selection for the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026 is a multi-stage process that evaluates both academic performance and financial need. Here is how candidates are shortlisted:

1. Initial Academic Screening — All applications are ranked based on the percentage of marks secured in the previous academic year and the declared family income. Higher marks and lower income are given priority.
2. Document Verification — Shortlisted candidates must submit authentic copies of their marksheets, family income certificate, Aadhaar card, and institutional admission proof for verification.
3. Telephonic Interview — Selected candidates appear in a telephonic interview conducted by SBI Foundation or its authorised partner. This assesses genuine financial need and academic intent.
4. Final Selection and Announcement — Final results are published on the official scholarship portal. Selected applicants are also notified via their registered email address.
5. Scholarship Disbursement — Funds are transferred directly to the selected scholar’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Reservation breakdown: 50% of all scholarship seats are reserved for female applicants. Within the overall allocation, 25% of seats are reserved for SC candidates and 25% for ST candidates. General, OBC, and other category students compete for the remaining 50% of seats.

SBI Asha Scholarship 2026 vs Other Major Scholarships in India

How does the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship compare with other prominent Indian scholarships? The comparison below helps you understand where it stands in terms of coverage, amount, and eligibility:

Pros and Cons of SBI Asha Scholarship 2026

Advantages

• ✅ Wide academic coverage — from Class 9 to overseas PG, no other corporate scholarship covers so many levels in one programme
• ✅ High scholarship amounts — Rs.15 lakh for overseas SC/ST students and Rs.5 lakh for IIM students are among the highest in the corporate scholarship space
• ✅ Free application — no application fee, no hidden charges
• ✅ Direct bank transfer — scholarship amount goes directly to the student’s account, ensuring full benefit reaches the scholar
• ✅ Renewable annually — selected students can continue receiving the scholarship throughout their course without reapplying from scratch
• ✅ Strong reservation policy — 50% for women and 50% for SC/ST ensures equitable access

Disadvantages

• ❌ Institution restriction — UG/PG students must study in NIRF Top 300 or NAAC ‘A’-grade institutions; students at unranked colleges are not eligible
• ❌ Overseas category limited to SC/ST — General, OBC, and EWS students cannot apply for the overseas studies track
• ❌ Telephonic interview required — adds a step that may disadvantage students in remote areas with poor connectivity

Important Terms Related to SBI Asha Scholarship 2026

Understanding the following terms will help you navigate the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship application and selection process correctly:

• Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: A scholarship that considers both academic merit (marks) and financial need (family income). The SBI Asha Scholarship uses both criteria for selection.
• SBI Foundation: The CSR arm of State Bank of India, established in 2015 under Section VIII of the Companies Act. It manages the Asha Scholarship programme on behalf of SBI.
• NIRF Ranking: National Institutional Ranking Framework, published annually by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Eligibility for UG/PG category requires the institution to be in NIRF Top 300.
• NAAC Accreditation: National Assessment and Accreditation Council grade. For the UG category, the institution must hold at least ‘A’ grade NAAC accreditation.
• DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer): The government’s mechanism for sending financial aid directly into beneficiary bank accounts. The SBI Asha Scholarship uses DBT for scholarship disbursement.
• eKYC: Electronic Know Your Customer verification using Aadhaar-linked mobile number OTP. Required to complete the scholarship application.
• QS Top 200: QS World University Rankings — a global university ranking. The overseas category requires enrolment at a QS Top 200 institution.
• APAAR ID: Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry — a unique student ID being rolled out by the Government of India. Optional for 2026 applications but recommended.
• Renewal: The process by which a selected scholar continues receiving the scholarship in subsequent academic years without full re-application, provided they maintain required marks and income conditions.
• Section VIII Company: A non-profit company structure under the Companies Act 2013, used by SBI Foundation, which mandates reinvestment of all income into charitable objectives.

Important Dates — SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27

Important Links — SBI Asha Scholarship 2026

Conclusion — Final Thoughts on SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 is a transformative opportunity for meritorious students from economically weaker families across India. Backed by a Rs.100 crore fund and targeting 25,707 students across seven academic levels — from Class 9 to overseas postgraduate studies — it remains one of the most comprehensive and high-value scholarship programmes in the country. Whether you are a school student looking for Rs.15,000 in support or an IIM aspirant seeking Rs.5 lakh to ease your MBA costs, this scholarship has a category designed for your needs.

If you meet the eligibility criteria — 75% marks, income under Rs.6 lakh, and enrolment in a recognised institution — you should apply without delay. The last date is 19 September 2026. Visit sbiashascholarship.co.in to complete your free online application. Bookmark this page for result updates and renewal information.

Frequently Asked Questions About SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026

What is the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026?

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 is a merit-cum-means scholarship programme run by SBI Foundation — the CSR arm of State Bank of India. It provides financial support of Rs.15,000 to Rs.15,00,000 per academic year to 25,707 students from Class 9 to postgraduate, IIT, IIM, Medical (MBBS), and overseas studies. The total fund for 2026-27 is Rs.100 crore.

What is the last date to apply for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026?

The last date to submit the online application for the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026-27 is 19 September 2026. Applications opened on 22 July 2026. Students are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues on the official portal.

What is the minimum family income limit to be eligible?

The family income limit differs by category. For school students (Class 9–12), the gross annual family income must not exceed Rs.3,00,000. For all higher education categories — including undergraduate, postgraduate, Medical (MBBS), IIT, IIM, and overseas studies — the income limit is Rs.6,00,000 per annum. Preference is given to applicants with income below Rs.3 lakh.

How much scholarship will IIM students receive under the SBI Asha Scholarship?

IIM students (pursuing MBA or PGDM programmes) can receive up to Rs.5,00,000 per academic year under the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026. To be eligible, students must have a valid CAT scorecard, score at least 75% marks in their previous academic year, and have a family income not exceeding Rs.6 lakh.

Can General category students apply for the overseas studies scholarship?

No. The overseas studies category under the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 is exclusively open to SC and ST students. General, OBC, and EWS students are not eligible for this track. Overseas applicants must be pursuing postgraduate or higher studies at a QS Top 200 ranked global university and must have a valid entrance scorecard (GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LNAT, or LSAT).

What marks are required to qualify for the SBI Asha Scholarship?

The general minimum requirement is 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA in the previous academic year for most categories. SC/ST students receive a 10% relaxation, bringing their minimum to 65% marks or 6.3 CGPA. Students with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) may qualify with a minimum of 60% marks, subject to applicable category guidelines.

Is the SBI Asha Scholarship renewable every year?

Yes, the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship is renewable annually. Selected scholars can continue to receive the scholarship throughout the duration of their course, provided they maintain satisfactory academic performance and continue to meet the income eligibility criteria each year. SBI Foundation aims to support scholars from selection until course completion.

How is the SBI Asha Scholarship amount transferred?

The scholarship amount is transferred directly into the selected student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). No third-party or institutional disbursement is involved. An SBI bank account is preferred but not mandatory. Students must ensure their bank account details are correctly entered during the application process to avoid disbursement delays.

Which institutions are eligible for the undergraduate category?

For the undergraduate category, applicants must be enrolled in an institution ranked within the NIRF Top 300 or holding a NAAC ‘A’ grade accreditation. All National Institutes of Technology (NITs) are also included as eligible institutions. Students at unranked or lower-accreditation colleges are not eligible for the UG track under this scholarship.

Is there an application fee for the SBI Asha Scholarship?

No. The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship application is completely free of charge. Students can apply online through the official portal at sbiashascholarship.co.in or through Buddy4Study without paying any fee. If any website asks you to pay to apply for this scholarship, it is fraudulent — always apply only through the official portal.

What is the helpline number for SBI Asha Scholarship queries?

For queries related to the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026, students can contact the helpline at 011-430-92248 (Extension 303). Alternatively, email queries can be sent to sbiashascholarship@sbifoundation.co.in or sbiashascholarship@buddy4study.com. The support team can assist with application issues, document queries, and status checks.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest information on SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 results and renewal dates.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All scholarship-related decisions are at the sole discretion of SBI Foundation. Students must verify all eligibility criteria and dates on the official portal at sbiashascholarship.co.in before submitting their application. Applying for the scholarship does not guarantee selection.

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