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How to Apply for the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025 – Full Guide

When you’re a student dreaming about college, professional studies or even studying abroad, the biggest barrier is often money. For 2025, State Bank of India (SBI) is making a bold move to remove that barrier for thousands of deserving students. With the launch of the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025, a massive effort has begun to support students from class 9 through post-graduation. 

What’s the big deal this year

SBI marks its 75th year by offering this scholarship to 23,230 students across India. The remarkable part? The financial support ranges from ₹15,000 up to ₹20 lakh per year, depending on the level of study.  The programme is one of the largest education-support efforts by a bank in recent memory, and that scale alone is worth attention.

But beyond the numbers, what matters most is what this means for students: If you’ve got the talent and ambition, you may be able to erase the worry of tuition fees.

Who can apply?

The eligibility covers a wide range, from class 9 all the way to postgraduate levels (including studies abroad for SC/ST students). Some highlights:

• Indian students are enrolled in classes 9 through postgraduate levels, and even those targeting top professional institutes like IITs, IIMs, or medical colleges. 
• Minimum academic performance: at least 75% marks or 7.0 CGPA in the previous year. 
• Family income cap: Up to ₹3 lakh for school-level students; up to ₹6 lakh for college/postgraduate students. 
• For SC/ST students studying abroad at master’s or higher levels, that option is covered too. 

Simply put: If you’re academically strong and financially constrained, you might qualify.

How much support do you get?

The financial aid depends on your study level and institution. Here’s the breakdown:

• For school-level students (class 9–12): around ₹15,000/year. 
• For students in college / professional programmes, support increases significantly.
• For students in premium institutions (NIRF top 300 or NAAC ‘A’ rated) or those studying abroad: up to ₹20 lakh/year. 

This kind of scholarship could fully cover your tuition and major educational costs, which is life-changing for many families.

Why SBI is doing this

SBI’s initiative is part of its CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts, and the timing is symbolic, marking 75 years of the bank’s service. The bank has committed around ₹90 crore for this scholarship programme in FY26.  Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty emphasised the aim: to empower bright students from humble backgrounds and support India’s mission of becoming a “Viksit Bharat by 2047.” 

Deadline & Application process

If you’re interested, mark your calendar: Applications close on 15 November 2025. 

Here’s how to apply:

1. Visit the official portal: sbiashascholarship.co.in
2. Fill in academic & personal details.
3. Upload supporting documents (marksheets, income certificate, institution admission proof).
4. Submit before the deadline.
5. Keep tracking your application status via the portal.

Make sure you double-check all details — missed documents or errors could delay your application.

Tips to strengthen your chances

• Focus on academics: The 75%/7.0 CGPA cutoff means your last year’s record matters.
• Use the correct institution category: For higher financial aid, being enrolled in a top-rated institution helps.
• Prepare your documents early: Income certificate, identity proof, and the previous year’s mark sheet; gather them well ahead.
• Write a good personal statement (if required): Show your ambition, your background, and why this aid matters.
• Check for updates: Sometimes portals change or additional rounds are added, so stay alert.

Should you bother applying?

If you tick the boxes, strong academics + financial need, absolutely yes. Even if you’re unsure, filling out the application costs nothing and keeps your options open. A chance like this doesn’t come often: up to ₹20 lakh/year is rare for a scholarship of this scale in India.

But even if you don’t qualify this time, treat it as a goal: raise your academic performance, reduce family income (if possible via scholarships/employment), and aim for a top institution. That way, you’ll be better prepared next time.

Final thoughts

The SBI Asha Scholarship 2025 is more than just financial aid; it’s a statement of belief that talent should not be held back by money. If you’re eligible or nearly eligible, consider this your opportunity to turn ambition into reality.

Set a reminder, check your eligibility, prepare your documents, and apply before 15 November 2025. It might just be the one decision that changes your educational journey.