SBIF Asha Scholarship Program
Up to ₹15000 Scholarship
The SBIF Asha Scholarship offers vital financial support to bright Indian students from low-income families for school (Class 9-12), undergraduate, and postgraduate studies, including premier institutions and overseas education for SC/ST categories.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
1 academic year (renewable based on eligibility and reapplication)
Eligibility
Open to Indian students from Class 9 to postgraduate level. Applicants must have a minimum of 75% marks in their previous academic year. Annual family income should not exceed ₹3,00,000 for school students and ₹6,00,000 for undergraduate/postgraduate students. SC/ST students are eligible for overseas education with preference given to those with family income up to ₹3,00,000. Preference is also given to female applicants.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 14 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Minimum 75% marks in the previous academic year for all applicants. For school students, 75% attendance in the current class is also required.
- Prerequisites
- Minimum 75% marks in the previous academic year (or equivalent GPA).
- Indian nationality and valid identification proofs.
- Annual family income not exceeding INR 3,00,000 for school students and some PhD programs, and INR 6,00,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate students (including overseas education).
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Up to ₹15000
Financial assistance varies by academic level. For Class 9 to 12, students can receive up to ₹15,000 per year. Undergraduate students can receive up to ₹50,000, while postgraduate students can receive up to ₹70,000. IIT undergraduate students are eligible for up to ₹2,00,000, and IIM MBA/PGDM students can receive up to ₹7,50,000. For SC/ST students pursuing master's or postgraduate courses abroad, the scholarship can provide up to ₹20,00,000 per year or 50% of course-related expenses, whichever is less.
Opens doors to
The scholarship provides crucial financial support, enabling students to pursue education at top institutions including the top 100 NIRF-ranked universities/colleges, IITs, and IIMs. It also supports SC/ST students for master's or postgraduate courses at premier universities outside India, as per QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education World University Rankings, significantly enhancing their higher education prospects.
Career pathways
Recipients gain a significant competitive advantage in their career paths due to access to quality education from top Indian and international institutions. This includes enhanced employability, better job opportunities in leading companies, and the potential for higher earning capacities. The scholarship fosters a strong academic foundation and professional network, leading to successful and impactful professional careers.
Recognition
National Recognition
What it covers
- Tuition fees
- Books and materials
- Stationery
- Other educational expenses
- Hostel fees (where applicable)
- Living expenses (for overseas education)
Skills your child builds
Key dates
Last edition
- Registration opened
- 22 Jul 2026
- Registration closed
- 30 Sept 2026
How to apply
- 1Visit the official Buddy4Study website (buddy4study.com) or the SBI Foundation website (sbifoundation.in).
- 2Register or log in to your account using your Google account, email address, or mobile number.
- 3Complete your profile with all necessary personal, academic, and financial details.
- 4Navigate to the SBIF Asha Scholarship section and click on 'Apply Now' or 'Start Application'.
- 5Fill in all the required details accurately in the online application form, ensuring no fields are left blank.
- 6Upload all relevant documents as specified in the eligibility and prerequisites section. Ensure documents are clear, legible, and in the prescribed format (e.g., PDF, JPEG).
- 7Carefully read and accept the 'Terms and Conditions' and the 'Privacy Policy'.
- 8Preview your application thoroughly to ensure all information is correct, complete, and consistent.
- 9Submit the application before the deadline. It is highly advisable to download a copy of the submitted application for future reference and regularly track your application status through the portal.
Rules and guidelines
- Applicants must meet the minimum academic performance of 75% in their previous academic year.
- Annual family income must not exceed the specified limits (INR 3 lakh for school students, INR 6 lakh for UG/PG).
- All required documents, including income and academic proofs, must be submitted accurately and on time.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in a recognized educational institution.
- For overseas education, SC/ST applicants must have an acceptance letter from a top-ranked international university.
Technology requirements
- Device capable of accessing online application portal (computer, laptop, or smartphone)
- Stable internet connection for accessing the online application portal.
- A valid email address and mobile number for registration and communication.
- Access to a scanner or a good quality camera for digitizing required documents.
About this opportunity
The SBIF Asha Scholarship Program, a flagship initiative by the SBI Foundation under its Integrated Learning Mission (ILM), is one of India's most impactful scholarship programs. It provides crucial financial assistance to academically bright students from low-income families across India, ensuring that deserving students can pursue their education without financial constraints.
This scholarship supports students from Class 9 to 12, as well as those pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate courses at top institutions. This includes the top 100 NIRF-ranked universities/colleges, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and MBA/PGDM courses from Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). A significant provision also exists for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students pursuing master's or postgraduate courses at premier universities outside India, as per QS World University Rankings or Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The SBI Foundation, as the CSR arm of the State Bank of India, is deeply committed to contributing to the socio-economic development and betterment of underprivileged sections of society through ethical interventions that promote growth, equality, and a positive societal impact. The program emphasizes fostering inclusivity and equal opportunity in education, aiming to bridge the financial gap for dedicated students and help them realize their educational dreams.
This scholarship is generally a one-time award for an academic year, but eligible students may reapply in subsequent years if they continue to meet the stringent eligibility criteria and maintain academic excellence. The program aims to create a lasting positive impact on the lives of its beneficiaries, empowering them to become future leaders and contributors to society. With a focus on academic merit and financial need, the SBIF Asha Scholarship ensures that talented students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The scholarship supports students across a wide range of educational levels and institutions, encompassing diverse curricula. This includes standard school curricula for Class 9-12, comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate university curricula in various disciplines (Engineering, Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Medical), and specialized research topics for PhD programs. The specific curriculum covered depends entirely on the student's chosen course of study and the institution they are enrolled in, with the scholarship providing financial enablement for their academic pursuits.
Frequently asked questions
How can students maximize their chances of selection for this scholarship?
Students can increase their application strength by maintaining high academic records, providing correct financial information, and ensuring all required documents are submitted legibly and by the deadline. Highlighting extracurricular achievements and community involvement can also enhance the profile.
What are the key factors considered during the scholarship selection process?
The selection process considers academic merit, financial need, and the student's enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Performance in telephonic interviews and thorough document verification are also important for final selection.
How does this scholarship contribute to the long-term academic and career goals of recipients?
This scholarship provides necessary financial support, enabling students to pursue high-standard education at top institutions. This access to improved educational opportunities can greatly improve academic qualifications, skill development, and lead to improved career prospects and professional networks.
What documentation is crucial for a successful scholarship application?
Important documents include academic marksheets, proof of income, Aadhaar card, admission letter or bonafide certificate, and bank account details. Ensuring all documents are legible, valid, and consistent with the information provided in the application is vital.
Are there specific academic achievements that strengthen a scholarship application?
Securing a minimum of 75% marks in previous academic years is a main requirement. For SC/ST and PwBD applicants, a relaxed percentage is considered. High performance in competitive exams or academic projects can further enhance an application.
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