SBI Asha Scholarship

The SBI Asha Scholarship Program is a major scholarship program, run by the SBI Foundation with the primary goal of providing financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections across India.

Through this scholarship, they aim to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any student from continuing their education and fulfilling their academic aspirations.  

Check Your Free Credit Score Now

The SBI Foundation is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the State Bank of India (SBI), established in 2015 to promote inclusive growth. It drives initiatives across diverse sectors like education, healthcare, rural development, and women empowerment.

It has served over 20 million beneficiaries through 698 projects nationwide. Backed by SBI's vast legacy, the Foundation is committed to equitable and sustainable development as a core part of the bank's mission. 

Read on to learn more about the features, eligibility criteria and application process for the SBI Asha Scholarship Program. 

Features of the SBI Asha Scholarship Program 

The State Bank of India (SBI) Foundation has launched the SBI Asha Scholarship program as a part of its education initiative called Integrated Learning Mission (ILM). The scholarship ensures financial aid to support the bright students of low-income families across the country, thereby enabling them to continue with their education.

This project covers a wide range of sectors starting from rural development to education, and many more.

The following are the some of the vital details regarding the SBI Asha Scholarship program:

  1. The scholarship program provides under the following categories:
  2.  School students - Currently enrolled in Class 9 to 12.
  3. Higher education - Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate (PG) courses and Medical courses.
  4. Premier institutions - students pursuing courses at top-ranked institutions like IITs, IIMs.
  5. Overseas education - SC/ST students pursuing Master's or higher courses at international universities.
  1. The scholarship amount offered is course - dependent 
  2. School Students (Classes 9-12): Up to Rs.15,000. 
  3. Undergraduate Students: Up to Rs.75,000. 
  4. Postgraduate Students: Up to Rs.2,50,000 (amounts are often higher for medical and IIM courses). 
  5.  Overseas Education: Up to Rs.20,00,000 or 50% of course-related expenses (whichever is less).
  1. 50% of slots are reserved for female candidates and 50% for SC/ST students (25% SC, 25% ST).
  1. The application process for this scholarship is completely online.

Eligibility Criteria for the SBI Asha Scholarship

The following are the required eligibility criteria to apply for SBI Asha Scholarship program under various categories:

For School students:

1.      Applicants must be Indian nationals.

2.      Candidates must be enrolled in class 9 to class 12.

3.      Minimum marks obtained in previous academic session should be 75% or above.

4.      The total income of the family should not exceed Rs.3 lakh.

5.      Students residing in any part of the country are eligible for the scholar program.

For Undergraduate & Postgraduate students:

1.      Applicants must be Indian nationals.

2.      Candidates must be pursuing an Undergraduate course (any year) from a premier university/college in India (listed in the Top 300 NIRF Institutes or with a NAAC rating 'A' and above).

3.      Applicants must have secured 7 CGPA or 75% marks or above in their previous academic year.

4.      The gross annual family income of the applicant must not exceed Rs. 6,00,000.

For Medical students:

1.      Applicants must be Indian nationals.

2.      Students must be pursuing a Medical degree (any year) from a premier university/college in India (listed in the Top 300 NIRF Institutes).

3.      Applicants must have secured 7 CGPA/75% marks or above in their previous academic year.

4.      The gross annual family income of the applicant must not exceed Rs. 6,00,000.

For IIT students:

1.      Applicants must be Indian nationals.

2.      Students must be pursuing an Undergraduate course (any year) from an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in India.

3.      Applicants must have secured 7 CGPA/75% marks or above in their previous academic year.

4.      The gross annual family income of the applicant must not exceed Rs. 6,00,000.

For IIM students:

1.      Applicants must be Indian nationals.

2.      Students must be pursuing MBA/PGDM courses (any year) from an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in India.

3.      Applicants must have secured 7 CGPA/75% marks or above in their previous academic year.

4.      The gross annual family income of the applicant must not exceed Rs. 6,00,000.

For Overseas students:

1.      Applicants must be Indian nationals.

2.      Students must be pursuing a Postgraduate and above courses.

3.      The institution abroad must be included in the Top 200 in QS/THE World University Rankings (for 2024-25).

4.      Applicants must belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.

5.      Applicants must have secured 7 CGPA/75% marks or above in their previous academic year.

6.      Students with a gross annual family income of up to Rs. 6,00,000 are eligible.

Required Documents for SBI Asha Scholarship

sbi asha scholarship

Given below is the list of required documents to apply for SBI Asha Scholarship program: 

●       Academic Records: Marksheet from the previous academic year (Class 10/Class 12/Graduation/Postgraduation, as applicable for various categories).

●       Identity Proof: Government-issued identity proof (Aadhaar card).

●       Financial Documents: Current year fee receipt, Bank account details of the applicant (or parent), Proof of income (Form 16A/income certificate from a government authority/salary slips, etc.).

●       Admission Proof: Proof of current year admission (admission letter/institution identity card/bonafide certificate).

●       Personal Documents: Photograph of the applicant.

●       Additional Documents: Caste Certificate (Wherever Applicable).

How to Apply for SBI Asha Scholarship?

The following are the steps to apply for SBI Asha Scholarship program: 

  1. Visit the official website to apply for SBI Asha Scholarship 
  2. Click on ‘Apply Now’ button under the SBI Asha Scholarship Program 
  3. A box will pop up asking you to sign in using Google account, email address, or mobile number 
  4. Click on ‘Register’ if you are new 
  5. Enter required details, such as valid email, mobile number, and name, and create a password, and click on ‘Register’ 
  6. For verification, you will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your phone and email 
  7. You will be redirected to the SBI Asha Scholarship program page 
  8. To start your application, click on ‘Start Application’ 
  9. Upload the required documents and enter the necessary information 
  10. Click on ‘I Agree’ to the Terms and Conditions 
  11. Review you application once again to ensure that the information entered are accurate 
  12. To complete your application, click on ‘Submit’ 

Selection Process 

The selection procedure for SBI Asha Scholarship program is as given below:

Initial shortlisting

  1. The application is first assessed as per the eligibility criteria. 
  2. Candidates need to meet the requirements, such as financial need and a minimum academic performance standard. 

Verification of documents

  1. Rigorous verification of documents will be initiated once the candidates are shortlisted. 
  2. Documents required for verification are income certificates, academic certificates, and other relevant documents. 

Telephonic interview

  1. The candidates are invited for a telephonic interview after verification of documents. 
  2. Candidates need to discuss their aspirations, academic achievements and financial situations. 

Final Selection

  • The final candidates are chosen based on proper evaluation of their academic merit, financial need, interview performance, and document verification.

Why You Should Apply for the SBI Asha Scholarship

Here are the reasons why you should apply for the SBI Asha Scholarship program:

1.  Financial Aid: The scholarship program offers financial aid to the student to cover education expenses, such as purchasing books, tuition fees, stationary, and others.

2.  Academic inspiration: The scholarship program inspires the students with the stories of other SBI Asha scholars who have overcome their challenges

3.  Additional support: The scholarship offers mentorship, guidance, and to the candidates along with skill development training offered by the SBI Foundation and its partners.

4.  Broad coverage: Offers wide exposure to opportunities and networks to fulfil their goals.

5. Annual Renewal: The scholarship is renewable annually throughout the course, subject to the student maintaining the minimum eligibility criteria.

Inclusivity: The scholarship program has reservations to ensure inclusivity with 50% of slots reserved for female candidates and 50% of slots reserved for SC/ST students

SBI Asha Scholarship Program Contact Details

You can contact support center for SBI Asha Scholarship program to reach out for queries related to the scholarship program and here are the contact details: 

  1. Phone:  011-430-92248 (Extension 303)
  2. Email: ashascholarship@sbifoundation.co.in

FAQs on SBI Asha Scholarship Program

  • What is the SBI Asha Scholarship Program?

    SBI Asha Scholarship program is an initiative of SBI Foundation that offers financial assistance to the academically bright student who belong to low-income families residing in India. 

  • Who is eligible for the SBI Asha Scholarship?

    The eligible candidates for SBI Asha Scholarship program are those students with 75% marks in recent academic sessions and have enrolled for class 6 to 12. Besides, students should belong to low-income families with annual income less than Rs.3 lakh. 

  • How is the fund disbursed under the SBI Asha Scholarship program?

    The Rs.10,000 fund is disbursed under the SBI Asha Scholarship program and deposited to the bank account of the candidate provided by them while filling out the application form. 

  • What is the scholarship amount for the SBI Asha Scholarship?

    The scholarship amount for SBI Asha Scholarship program is Rs.10,000, deposited to the candidate's bank account as mentioned while filling in the application. 

  • What is the fee to apply for this scholarship program?

     No fee is charged to the candidates applying for the SBI Asha Scholarship program. The candidates can directly apply for the scholarship program through the official website free of cost.

  • Can a 12th-passed student apply for this scholarship?

    No, a class 12th passed student cannot apply for this scholarship to get the financial aid as the candidate applying for the scholarship scheme must have enrolled for class 6 to 12.

  • How many times can I apply for the scholarship?

    The eligible candidates can apply for the scholarship only once and not more than that. 

  • Am I eligible for this scholarship if my family income is Rs.2 lakh p.a.?

    Yes, as per the SBI Asha Scholarship program, if your family income annually is less than Rs.3 lakh, then you are eligible for this scholarship.

  • Am I eligible for this scholarship if my family income is Rs.2 lakh p.a.?

    Yes, as per SBI Asha Scholarship program, if your family income annually is less than Rs.2 lakh then you are eligible for this scholarship. 

  • How can I check the status of my SBI Asha Scholarship application?

    You can check your SBI Asha Scholarship program application status by visiting the official website ‘https://www.sbifoundation.in/focus-area-detail/SBIF-Asha-Scholarship' linked with Buddy4Study. 

Disclaimer
Display of any trademarks, tradenames, logos and other subject matters of intellectual property belong to their respective intellectual property owners. Display of such IP along with the related product information does not imply BankBazaar's partnership with the owner of the Intellectual Property or issuer/manufacturer of such products.