SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27
DeekshaUpdated on 01 Oct 2026, 01:51 PM IST
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The SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026-27 is one of India's largest merit-cum-means scholarship programmes, run by SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of State Bank of India. It supports meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds all the way from Class 9 to postgraduate, professional and overseas study, with awards ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹15,00,000 per year.
This guide covers the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27 eligibility criteria, category-wise scholarship amount, required documents, the application timeline and what to do if you missed this year's deadline.
SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27 at a Glance
Table
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2026-27 |
| Organised by | SBI Foundation (CSR arm of State Bank of India) |
| Scholarship amount | ₹15,000 to ₹15,00,000 per academic year, depending on category |
| Application mode | Fully online, free of cost |
| Eligible levels | Class 9 to 12, undergraduate, postgraduate, MBBS, IIT, IIM and eligible overseas postgraduate study |
| Students targeted (2026-27 cycle) | 25,707 meritorious students, backed by a ₹100 crore financial aid initiative |
| Programme reach since inception | Over 36,428 students supported with more than ₹130 crore in financial aid |
| Official application portal | sbiashascholarship.co.in |
2 columns · 9 rows
SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27 Important Dates
Table
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application start date | July 22, 2026 |
| Original last date to apply | September 4, 2026 |
| Extended last date to apply | September 19, 2026 |
| Current status | Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are closed as of the extended deadline |
2 columns · 5 rows
SBI Foundation extended the original September 4, 2026 deadline by two weeks to September 19, 2026, to allow more eligible students to apply. If you are reading this after that date, the application window for this specific cycle has closed; check the official portal for any further extension notice or for the next scholarship cycle.
SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an Indian national from an economically weaker background.
- Annual family income should be within ₹3,00,000 for the school category and ₹6,00,000 for undergraduate, postgraduate and other higher-education categories.
- You need at least 75 percent marks or a 7.0 CGPA in your previous academic year to qualify.
- A 10 percent relaxation on the minimum academic requirement applies to eligible SC and ST applicants, while PwBD applicants are eligible with 60 percent marks.
- You must be enrolled in, or hold a valid offer from, an institution recognised as eligible for your chosen scholarship track.
- The Overseas Studies track is open only to SC/ST Indian nationals pursuing or holding an offer for a postgraduate or higher programme abroad.
- Undergraduate applicants generally need to be studying at a Top 300 NIRF-ranked or NAAC 'A' and above accredited institution.
Eligibility conditions can differ slightly by track, so always confirm the exact criteria for your specific category on the application form before you begin filling it.
SBI Asha Scholarship Amount by Category
Table
| Category | Maximum scholarship amount (per year) |
|---|---|
| School Students (Class 9 to 12) | ₹15,000 |
| Undergraduate (Top 300 NIRF institutions) | ₹75,000 |
| Postgraduate | ₹2,50,000 |
| Medical (MBBS) | ₹4,50,000 |
| IIT Students | ₹2,00,000 |
| IIM Students | ₹5,00,000 |
| Overseas Studies (SC/ST, postgraduate and above) | ₹15,00,000 |
2 columns · 8 rows
The amount you are eligible for depends entirely on the track you apply under, so read your category's specific benefit and eligibility rules carefully before applying rather than assuming the maximum figure automatically applies to you.
Documents Required for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27
- Valid photo identity proof, such as Aadhaar card
- Previous academic year's mark sheet
- Family income certificate
- Category certificate, where applicable (SC/ST/PwBD)
- Bonafide or admission proof from your current institution
- Bank passbook, with an SBI account preferred
- Recent passport-size photograph
How to Apply for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27
- Visit the official SBI Asha Scholarship portal and select 'Apply Now'.
- Create a new account, or sign in if you have already registered on the portal.
- Complete your profile with accurate personal, academic and family details.
- Choose the scholarship category or track that matches your current level of study.
- Fill in the online application form carefully, since details cannot always be edited after submission.
- Upload all required documents in the specified format and size.
- Review the completed form and submit it before the application deadline.
- Save or print the confirmation page for your own records.
The entire process is online and completely free. SBI Foundation, or any of its representatives, will never ask you to pay a fee to apply for or receive this scholarship.
Selection Process and Inclusion Focus
Selection under the SBI Asha Scholarship is merit-cum-means based, weighing both academic performance and financial need. The programme has a strong focus on inclusion, with defined provisions for female applicants, SC/ST students and persons with disabilities, so make sure your category and supporting documents are filled in accurately, since this can directly affect your eligibility and the benefits you qualify for.
Is the SBI Asha Scholarship Renewable?
Yes. SBI Foundation states that the scholarship is renewable for subsequent years until course completion, provided the scholar continues to meet the minimum academic criteria each year. Selected students should keep track of any renewal formalities communicated by the foundation to avoid a gap in disbursement.
A scholarship like this only works if eligible students actually apply. Every year, capable candidates miss out simply because they assumed they would not qualify, without ever checking the official criteria.
What to Do If You Missed the September 19 Deadline
- Keep checking the official SBI Asha Scholarship portal for any further extension notice, since deadlines have been revised before in this programme.
- Set a reminder to watch for the next application cycle, which typically opens in the following academic year.
- In the meantime, explore other active, genuine scholarship and financial aid programmes relevant to your course and category.
- Keep your documents, such as income certificate and mark sheets, updated and ready so you can apply quickly once a new cycle opens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27?
The original deadline was September 4, 2026, which SBI Foundation extended to September 19, 2026. Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are closed as of that extended date; check the official portal for any further update or the next application cycle.
What is the maximum amount under SBI Asha Scholarship?
The maximum amount is ₹15,00,000 per year, available under the Overseas Studies track for eligible SC/ST postgraduate applicants. Other tracks range from ₹15,000 for school students to ₹4,50,000 for MBBS students and ₹5,00,000 for IIM students, depending on the category.
Who is eligible for SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27?
Indian students from economically weaker backgrounds, studying from Class 9 through postgraduate and professional courses including MBBS, IIT and IIM, are eligible, subject to minimum academic marks and family income limits specific to each track.
Is there an income limit for SBI Asha Scholarship?
Yes. The annual family income limit is ₹3,00,000 for the school category and ₹6,00,000 for undergraduate, postgraduate and other higher-education categories.
Can MBBS students apply for the SBI Asha Scholarship?
Yes. There is a dedicated Medical (MBBS) track under the scholarship, offering up to ₹4,50,000 per year to eligible medical students who meet the academic and income criteria.
Is the SBI Asha Scholarship application free?
Yes. The application process is completely free and fully online. SBI Foundation does not charge any fee to apply for or receive this scholarship.
Is the SBI Asha Scholarship renewable every year?
Yes. SBI Foundation states the scholarship is renewable for subsequent years until course completion, as long as the scholar continues to meet the minimum academic criteria each year.
What if I missed the SBI Asha Scholarship 2026-27 deadline?
Keep checking the official portal for any extension notice, since this programme's deadline has been revised before. Otherwise, watch for the next annual cycle, which typically opens in the following academic year, and keep your documents ready in advance.