SBI Foundation launches the Rs 100 crore Asha Scholarship 2026 for 25,707 students, offering annual financial assistance from Rs 15,000 to Rs 15 lakh.
MUMBAI (India CSR): SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank of India, has announced the launch of the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 – one of India’s largest corporate scholarship programmes. The initiative reaffirms the SBI Group’s commitment to expanding equitable access to quality education and empowering India’s next generation of leaders, innovators, and nation-builders.
Instituted in 2022 as part of the State Bank of India’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship has emerged as one of India’s largest corporate scholarship programmes. In its 2026 edition, the programme will support 25,707 meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families across the country, helping them pursue academic excellence and realise their aspirations without financial barriers.
The scholarship programme offers annual financial assistance ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 15,00,000, depending on the category, and provides support throughout the duration of the selected course, subject to fulfilment of the prescribed renewal criteria.
The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 supports students across multiple academic pathways, including:
- School students (Classes 9–12)
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying at NIRF Top 300 or NAAC A-rated institutions
- Medical (MBBS) students
- Students enrolled at IITs and IIMs
- Students pursuing master’s programmes abroad at universities ranked among the Top 200 in the QS World University Rankings
Applications for the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 will remain open from July 22, 2026, to September 4, 2026.
Speaking on the launch of the scholarship programme, Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman, State Bank of India, said, “The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship embodies SBI’s enduring commitment to nation-building by investing in India’s greatest strength – its young talent. We believe every deserving student should get an equal opportunity to pursue quality education and realise their aspirations, irrespective of financial circumstances. By expanding access to quality education across diverse academic pathways, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators and professionals who will drive India’s growth and global competitiveness. Through this initiative, we aim to empower over 25000 scholars to become the torchbearers of progress and contribute meaningfully towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
The initiative is a flagship education intervention under SBI Foundation’s broader mission of creating sustainable social impact through investments in education, healthcare, livelihood generation, environmental sustainability and community development. This programme is co-funded by other SBI Group entities – SBI General Insurance, SBI Life, SBI Securities, SBI Pension Fund, SBI Ventures, SBI Trustee, and SBI Operations Support, as well.
The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship reflects the State Bank of India’s long-standing belief that education remains one of the most powerful enablers of social mobility and national progress. Through sustained investments in education and youth development, the Bank continues to strengthen pathways for talented students to unlock their full potential and contribute to India’s development journey.
Applications for the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026 will remain open from July 22, 2026, to September 4, 2026. Eligible students can apply through the official scholarship portal at www.sbiashascholarship.co.in, where detailed eligibility criteria, scholarship categories, benefits and application guidelines are available.
SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of the State Bank of India, is committed to service beyond banking and currently operates across all states and union territories of India. Its initiatives span education, livelihood and skill development, rural development, healthcare, sports, environment, empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Women Empowerment. Upholding the ethos of the SBI Group, the Foundation strives to design impactful and inclusive programs that create opportunities for sustainable growth and development, fostering a more equitable society.
