SBI Launches Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025: Empowering 23,230 Meritorious Students with Up to ₹20 Lakh Aid

September 22, 2025 – In a landmark initiative marking its 75th anniversary, the State Bank of India (SBI) through its CSR arm, SBI Foundation, has unveiled the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025. This ambitious program aims to nurture the aspirations of 23,230 talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India, with a committed budget of ₹90 crore for FY26. By providing financial support ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹20 lakh annually, the scholarship seeks to bridge the gap between merit and opportunity, fostering inclusive growth and nation-building.

Launched on September 18, 2025, the program builds on the success of the Asha Scholarship instituted in 2022, which has already impacted thousands of young minds. SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating, “As we mark our Platinum Jubilee celebrations this year, we take immense pride in launching the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship. Through this initiative, we will support 23,230 of India’s brightest young minds from humble backgrounds, nurturing their aspirations and enabling them to realize their full potential.”

The scholarship underscores SBI Foundation’s broader mission, having implemented 698 projects worth ₹1,428 crore and benefiting over 20 million individuals in areas like education, healthcare, and skill development since its inception in 2015.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025 is open to Indian nationals from low-income families pursuing education from Class 9 onwards. Key eligibility requirements include:

• Academic Merit: Applicants must have secured at least 75% marks or a 7.0 CGPA in the previous academic year (relaxed to 60% or 6.0 CGPA for students with disabilities).
• Family Income: Annual household income should not exceed ₹3 lakh.
• Educational Levels Covered:
• Class 9 to 12 (school students).
• Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) programs.
• Specialized courses at IITs, IIMs, medical institutions, and even overseas studies.

No SBI bank account is required for application; any valid bank account can be used for disbursal. Renewal is possible annually, subject to maintaining the eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Benefits: Tailored Financial Support

The program offers tiered financial assistance based on the applicant’s educational stage, ensuring comprehensive coverage until course completion:

Category	Maximum Annual Scholarship Amount
Class 9-12	₹15,000
Undergraduate (UG)	₹75,000
Postgraduate (PG)	₹2.5 lakh
IIT Students	₹2 lakh
IIM/MBA Students	₹5 lakh
Medical Courses	₹4.5 lakh
Overseas Studies	₹20 lakh

These benefits aim to alleviate educational expenses, allowing recipients to focus on academic excellence without financial burdens.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Applications are accepted exclusively online via the official portal at www.sbiashascholarship.co.in. The process is straightforward and begins with registration on the Buddy4Study platform:

1. Visit the official website and click “Register Now” or log in if already registered.
2. Complete your profile with personal, academic, and financial details.
3. Navigate to the “SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025-26” section and select “Start Application.”
4. Upload required documents, including mark sheets, income proof, and admission letters.
5. Submit the form and track status under “Applied Scholarships” in your account.

Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute rushes. The portal also provides category-specific guidance for school, college, and specialized streams.

Selection Process: Merit and Transparency

Selections are conducted through a rigorous, multi-stage process emphasizing academic performance and financial need:

1. Initial Shortlisting: Based on academic scores and family income verification.
2. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates submit supporting proofs.
3. Final Review: A committee evaluates applications for transparency and fairness.

The process ensures equitable representation from diverse regions, castes, and genders, aligning with SBI’s vision of inclusive education.

Deadline and Key Dates

• Application Opens: September 18, 2025
• Application Closes: November 15, 2025
• Results Announcement: Expected in early 2026 (tentative)

With the deadline approaching, eligible students are urged to apply promptly to secure their educational future.

Impact and Future Outlook

The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025 not only commemorates SBI’s legacy but also reinforces its role in shaping India’s demographic dividend. By empowering underprivileged youth, the program promises to cultivate future leaders in fields from engineering to medicine. As SBI Foundation continues its CSR endeavors, initiatives like this highlight the transformative power of accessible education in driving socio-economic progress. For more details, visit the official portal or follow updates on SBI’s social channels.