CENTRAL SECTOR SCHOLARSHIP 2025-26. SCHEME FOR COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS (PM-USP CSSS)
Sponsored by Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India
ABOUT THE CENTRAL SECTOR SCHOLARSHIP 2025-26 SCHEME
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana. It aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from low-income families to help cover part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher education.
Number and Distribution of Scholarships
A maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually for undergraduate/postgraduate studies, including professional courses like Engineering and Medicine. Scholarships are equally divided between boys and girls and are further allocated among state education boards in proportion to the population of 18-25-year-olds, with special provisions for UTs including 3% earmarked for Ladakh.
Scholarship Amount
| Level of Study | Scholarship Amount (per annum) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (First 3 years) | ₹12,000 | 3 years |
| Postgraduate/Professional (4th & 5th year) | ₹20,000 | 2 years (where applicable) |
| For Technical Courses (e.g., B.Tech) | ₹12,000 (1st–3rd year) ₹20,000 (4th year) | 4 years |
Note: For academic year 2021-22, the rate is ₹10,000 for the first three years.
Eligibility
- Merit-based: Students should be in the top 20 percentile of successful candidates in Class XII in their respective Boards.
- Income Limit: Parental income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per annum (Income Certificate required for fresh applications only).
- Type of Study:
- Only regular full-time degree courses are eligible.
- Not eligible: Correspondence/distance education, diploma courses.
- Recognized Institutions: Must be enrolled in institutions recognized by AICTE, UGC, or relevant regulatory bodies with valid AISHE code.
- No Other Scholarships: The applicant must not be receiving any other scholarship or fee waiver from any government source.
- Renewal Conditions:
- Minimum 50% marks in annual exams.
- Minimum 75% attendance.
- No involvement in disciplinary or criminal activities.
Reservation Policy
The scheme follows the Central Reservation Policy:
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- OBC: 27%
- PwD (benchmark disability ≥ 40%): 5% horizontal reservation
Vacant slots in any category may be reallocated to other eligible categories to maximize utilization.
Application Process
- Applications for fresh and renewal scholarships are to be submitted online at the National Scholarship Portal: www.scholarships.gov.in
- Documents are verified through DigiLocker and by both the Institution Nodal Officer (INO) and State Nodal Officer (SNO).
- Bank Account: Applicants must have a bank account in their name for DBT disbursement.
Important Dates for Academic Year 2025-26
- Application Start Date: 30.06.2025
- Last Date for Submission (Fresh and Renewal): 31.10.2025
- Institutions to Complete Online Verification: Within stipulated deadlines announced on the NSP
Grievance Redressal
For complaints or queries:
- Visit: http://pgportal.gov.in/grievancenew.aspx
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 011-20862360
Contact Details
CENTRAL SECTOR SCHOLARSHIP 2025-26
National Scholarship Division
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
West Block-1, 2nd Floor, Wing 6, Room No. 6
R. K. Puram, Sector 1, New Delhi – 110066
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 011-20862360
Note to Aspirants
Please ensure institute nodal officers verify online applications (both fresh and renewal) on the portal within timelines. Failure to do so will render applications invalid.
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