SBI Foundation opens applications for Asha Scholarship 2026, offers awards up to ₹15 lakh

The SBI Foundation has started the application process for the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship Program 2026, under which scholarships worth ₹100 crore will be awarded to support students from economically weaker backgrounds across India.

According to the foundation, the initiative aims to benefit 25,707 students by helping reduce financial barriers to education and supporting learners at different stages of their academic journey.

The scholarship program is open to students studying in Classes 9 to 12, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, MBBS, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and overseas master's programs.

To be eligible, applicants must have secured at least 75% marks or a 7.5 CGPA in the previous academic year.

Higher education applicants must also be enrolled in eligible institutions, including NAAC accredited institutions with Grade A or above, institutions ranked among the top 300 in NIRF 2025 to 2026, or universities placed in the top 200 of the QS 2025 to 2026 rankings, depending on the scholarship category.

The annual family income limit is ₹300,000 for school students and ₹600,000 for college-level applicants. Candidates have been advised to review the detailed eligibility conditions on the official scholarship portal before submitting their applications.

The scholarship amount ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹15 lakh, depending on the category. The foundation said financial assistance may continue throughout a student's course, subject to fulfillment of the prescribed eligibility requirements.

Eligible candidates can apply online through the official SBI Asha Scholarship portal by completing the application form and uploading the required documents.

The last date to submit applications is Sept 4, 2026. Applicants have been advised to complete the process before the deadline and ensure all necessary documents are uploaded correctly to avoid rejection.