PM-USP CSSS 2026: Up to ₹20,000 Annual Scholarship, Eligibility & Application Process
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Quick answer
The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship provides financial aid of ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per year to meritorious students pursuing higher studies. Eligible applicants must be above the 80th percentile in Class 12 with an annual family income of up to ₹4,50,000. Eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarships Portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Up to ₹20,000 per annum |
| Ministry / department | Ministry of Education |
| Level | Central Government |
| Income limit | ₹4.5 lakh |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. It extends financial support to brilliant students from low-income households to help manage their routine educational expenses during college. Up to 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually based on Class 12 board examination performance for regular graduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.
Benefits
- ₹12,000 per annum at the graduation level for the first three years of college and university courses.
- ₹20,000 per annum at the post-graduation level.
- ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th year for students in five-year integrated or professional degree programmes.
- Technical degree students (such as B.Tech or B.Engg.) receive ₹12,000 per annum for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, and ₹20,000 in the 4th year.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) credit directly into the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
- A total quota of up to 82,000 fresh scholarships distributed each year.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Must score above the 80th percentile in the relevant stream from the Class 12 board examination (10+2 pattern or equivalent).
- Must be enrolled in a regular degree course.
- Must study at an institution or college recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or the relevant regulatory body.
- Gross family or parental income must not exceed ₹4,50,000 per annum.
- Must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account opened in the applicant's name.
- For annual renewal, the student must secure at least 50% marks in the annual examination and maintain at least 75% attendance.
Who cannot apply
- Students pursuing education through correspondence or distance learning modes.
- Students enrolled in diploma courses.
- Students receiving benefits from any other scholarship programme, state-sponsored scholarship, or fee waiver and reimbursement scheme.
Documents required
- Class 12th mark sheet (Fresh applicants)
- Family income certificate (Fresh applicants)
- Category or caste certificate for reserved category applicants (Fresh applicants)
- Disability certificate, if applicable (Fresh applicants)
- Previous year mark sheet (Renewal applicants)
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account details
How to apply
- 1Open the National Scholarships Portal (NSP) and navigate to the One Time Registration (OTR) page.
- 2Agree to the terms, register your active mobile number, and complete Aadhaar e-KYC verification using the received OTP.
- 3Download the NSP OTR and Aadhaar FaceRD mobile apps from Google Play Store to finish face authentication and receive your 14-digit OTR number.
- 4Log in to the NSP Applicant Login using your OTR number and set up a new account password.
- 5Access the Application Form from the dashboard, enter your details, verify records via DigiLocker, upload the necessary documents, and click Final Submit.
Frequently asked questions
How much financial assistance is provided under PM-USP CSSS?+
Undergraduate students receive ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years, and postgraduate students receive ₹20,000 per annum. Students in five-year professional or integrated courses get ₹20,000 per annum in their 4th and 5th years.
What is the Class 12 percentage requirement for this scholarship?+
Applicants must be placed above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in their respective stream and examination board in Class 12.
What is the annual family income ceiling?+
The gross annual family income of the candidate must not exceed ₹4,50,000.
Can students pursuing diploma or distance learning apply?+
No, students pursuing diploma courses or distance and correspondence education are excluded from this scheme.
What are the rules for renewing the scholarship every year?+
To renew, a student must obtain a minimum of 50% marks in their annual examination and maintain at least 75% attendance.
How can I track the payment status of the scholarship?+
You can track disbursement status on the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal under the 'Know Your Payment' section using your Aadhaar number, bank account number, or NSP Application ID.
Can a student apply for renewal if they missed the renewal deadline in a particular year?+
Yes, missing the cut-off forfeits the scholarship for that specific year, but the student can apply for renewal in the subsequent year if all eligibility conditions are fulfilled.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)