Neha BaruahThe SBI Foundation has introduced the 3rd edition of its Asha Scholarship Program, aiming to empower 10,000 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India. This scholarship initiative is designed to offer financial aid to students in need, helping them overcome financial barriers and continue their education seamlessly.
What is the Asha Scholarship Program?
Launched in 2022, the Asha Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students ranging from Class 6 up to postgraduate studies. Depending on the educational level and specific needs of the student, scholarships can vary from ₹15,000 to as much as ₹20,00,000 per year. This comprehensive support aims to ensure that no deserving student is deprived of quality education due to financial constraints.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The Asha Scholarship Program categorizes applicants based on their educational levels:
- School Students: For those in Class 6 and above.
- Undergraduate Students: For those pursuing their bachelor’s degree.
- Postgraduate Students: This is for students enrolled in master’s programs.
- Students at IITs and IIMs: Special support is available for those studying at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Additionally, the program offers a special “Study Abroad” scheme tailored specifically for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students aspiring to pursue higher education overseas.
Application Process
The application window for the Asha Scholarship Program opened on August 16, 2024, and will close on October 1, 2024. Interested students can review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications through the official website: www.sbifashascholarship.org.
Impact of the Asha Scholarship Program
Since its inception, the Asha Scholarship Program has made a significant impact by distributing ₹3.91 crore in financial aid to 3,198 students throughout India. This initiative has played a crucial role in making education more accessible for students facing economic challenges.
SBI’s Vision and Commitment
Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI, emphasized that the Asha Scholarship Program reflects the bank’s broader mission of contributing to society beyond just financial services. He believes that the Asha Scholars will be pivotal in driving India’s progress towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, a vision termed “Viksit Bharat.”
The SBI Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting education through the Asha Scholarship Program is a step toward a more inclusive and educated India.
Neha Baruah
