Pune: The SBI Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the State Bank of India, has introduced the third edition of its Asha Scholarship Program for the year 2024.

This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to 10,000 deserving students across India, with a focus on those from underprivileged communities.

The program offers scholarships for students starting from Class 6 up to postgraduate levels, with the amount ranging between INR 15,000 and INR 20,00,000 annually.

In addition to supporting school and college students, the program has a specialized focus on those studying at premier Indian institutes like IITs and IIMs.

A notable feature of this year’s scholarship is the ‘Study Abroad’ category, which is designed specifically for students from SC and ST communities. This category will provide financial support for higher education, including master’s programs and above, at prestigious international universities.

Applications for the scholarship opened on August 16, 2024, and will continue until October 1, 2024. Students interested in applying can submit their applications online at the official website, https://www.sbifashascholarship.org/.

The website also provides detailed information on eligibility requirements and the application process. For further assistance, students can reach out via email or phone through the dedicated helpline.

The Asha Scholarship Program was created to identify and uplift academically talented students from underserved backgrounds, with the ultimate goal of making higher education accessible to all. Launched in 2022, the program has already made a significant impact, distributing ₹ 3.91 crore to support 3,198 students.

SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty remarked, “We are extending this life-changing initiative to 10,000 students this year. The future of these Asha Scholars is bright, and they will contribute significantly to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.”