The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students is a major merit-cum-means scholarship scheme implemented by the Ministry of Education under PM-USP Yojana to support meritorious students from economically weaker families pursuing higher education. Under the scheme, eligible students receive yearly scholarship assistance for Graduation, post-graduation, and certain Professional courses through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Central Sector Scholarship Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Central Sector Scheme Of Scholarships For College And University Students |
| Official Scheme Name | PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students |
| Implemented By | Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education |
| Scheme Type | Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme |
| Scheme Started | 2008 |
| Total Fresh Scholarships | 82,000 Every Year |
| Scholarship Distribution | 41,000 Boys + 41,000 Girls |
| Graduation Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 Per Annum |
| Post-Graduation Scholarship Amount | ₹20,000 Per Annum |
| B.Tech/B.E. Scholarship Structure | ₹12,000 for First 3 Years + ₹20,000 in 4th Year |
| Income Limit | Maximum ₹4.5 Lakh Per Year |
| Eligibility Basis | Above 80th Percentile in Class 12 Board Examination |
| Eligible Courses | Regular Graduation and Post-Graduation Courses |
| Application Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
Introduction of Central Sector Scheme Of Scholarships For College And University Students: A Brief Insight
Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students, officially operated under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana, is a major merit-cum-means scholarship scheme implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The scheme was started in 2008 to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker families pursuing higher education.
Under the scheme, eligible students receive yearly scholarship assistance for Graduation, post-graduation, and certain Professional courses to help them manage educational and day-to-day academic expenses while studying in recognised institutions across India.
The Central Sector Scholarship currently provides 82,000 fresh scholarships every year, making it one of the largest higher education scholarship schemes of the Central Government. Out of the total scholarships, 41,000 are reserved for boys and 41,000 for girls. Scholarships are distributed among State Education Boards, CBSE, and CISCE according to prescribed allocation rules.
One of the most important eligibility conditions under the scheme is the 80th percentile rule. Students should understand that eligibility is based on being above the 80th percentile in the relevant stream of the Class 12 Board Examination, which is different from simply scoring 80% marks.
The scheme is available only for students pursuing regular degree courses in recognised institutions having a valid AISHE Code. Students studying through distance mode, correspondence courses, Diploma programmes, or students already receiving another scholarship are not eligible under official PM-USP CSSS guidelines.
The complete application and renewal process is conducted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), where students need to complete OTR registration, application submission, institute verification, and renewal formalities according to prescribed timelines.
Students looking for other major scholarship schemes can also explore programmes like the Ishan Uday Scholarship Scheme for North Eastern Region students, the PMSSS Scholarship Scheme for Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, the AICTE Pragati Scholarship Scheme for girl students pursuing technical education, the AICTE Saksham Scholarship Scheme for specially-abled students, and the AICTE Swanath Scholarship Scheme for students facing difficult family situations.
Overall, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students has become an important financial support scheme for meritorious students because it helps eligible beneficiaries continue higher education without excessive financial burden while promoting merit-based educational support across India.
Students searching for more scholarships, internships, education loans, and welfare programmes can also explore other initiatives available under the Central Government Schemes List section according to their eligibility and educational background.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Selected students under the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students receive yearly financial assistance to support higher education expenses while pursuing regular undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
- ₹12,000 per annum scholarship for the graduation level during the first 3 years
- ₹20,000 per annum scholarship for Post-Graduation level
- ₹20,000 per annum during 4th and 5th year for eligible professional/integrated courses
- B.Tech/B.E. students receive ₹12,000 for first 3 years and ₹20,000 in 4th year
- Scholarship transferred directly into Aadhaar-seeded savings bank account through DBT/PFMS
- 82,000 fresh scholarships are provided every year
- 41,000 scholarships reserved for boys and 41,000 for girls
- Scholarship available up to a maximum of 5 years, subject to renewal eligibility
- Reservation benefits available for SC, ST, OBC, and Benchmark Disability students
Scholarship Amount Chart Under PM-USP CSSS
The scholarship amount under the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship varies according to the year of study and course type. The current rates are applicable from Academic Year 2022-23 onwards :
| Course Level | Year of Study | Scholarship Amount Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation (General/Professional) | Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 | Rs. 12,000 per annum |
| Post Graduation | Year 1, Year 2 | Rs. 20,000 per annum |
| Professional/Integrated Course (5 years) | Year 4 and Year 5 | Rs. 20,000 per annum |
| B.Tech/B.Engg (4 years) | Year 1, Year 2, Year 3 | Rs. 12,000 per annum |
| B.Tech/B.Engg (4 years) | Year 4 | Rs. 20,000 per annum |
Important: B.Tech and B.Engg students receive scholarship up to graduation level only – maximum 4 years. Students pursuing B.Tech/BE are NOT eligible for scholarship at the Post Graduation level under PM-USP CSSS.
Important: The scholarship amount for AY 2021-22 was Rs. 10,000 for the first 3 years. The revised rate of Rs. 12,000 is applicable from AY 2022-23 onwards.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Students applying under the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students must fulfil all eligibility conditions prescribed under the official PM-USP CSSS guidelines.
- Applicant must be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream in the Class 12 Board Examination
- The student must be pursuing a regular degree course
- Correspondence, distance mode, and Diploma courses are not eligible
- Applicant must be studying in an institution recognised by AICTE/UGC or the respective regulatory body
- Annual parental/family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh
- Students should not be availing the benefit of any other scholarship, fee waiver, or reimbursement scheme
- Applicant must have taken admission in the first year of a regular graduation course
- Students who dropped out after Class 12 are not eligible
- Applicant must apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- The institution should have a valid AISHE Code
Reservation Benefits
- 15% reservation for SC category students
- 7.5% reservation for ST category students
- 27% reservation for OBC category students
- 5% horizontal reservation for Benchmark Disability students having 40% or more disability
Documents Required to be Attached
Students applying under the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) need to keep the following documents ready during the NSP application and verification process.
- Class 12 marksheet
- Family Income Certificate
- Category/Caste Certificate wherever applicable
- Disability Certificate, wherever applicable
- Aadhaar Card or Aadhaar Enrollment ID (EID)
- Aadhaar-seeded savings bank account details
- Recent passport size photograph
- Admission proof of a regular graduation course
For Renewal Application
- Previous year marksheet
- Promotion proof wherever required
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Eligible students can apply online for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Fresh and renewal applications are accepted only through NSP.
Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal and complete One Time Registration (OTR) using Aadhaar details and an active mobile number.
Step 2: Log in using Aadhaar Number or OTR Number.
Step 3: Select Domicile State and choose the “Post-Matric” option to generate Application ID.
Step 4: Fill in General Information, Category details, Academic details, and institution details carefully.
Step 5: Select “PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students” from the scholarship list.
Step 6: Upload the required documents and submit the application form.
Step 7: After submission, the application is verified by the Institute Nodal Officer (INO).
Step 8: Verified applications are further checked by the State Higher Education Department/State Nodal Agency (SNO).
Step 9: The merit list is generated on NSP, and selected students receive a scholarship through DBT/PFMS into an Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
Step 10: Renewal applicants need to apply again on NSP every academic year before the prescribed deadline.
Important: Students should carefully select an institution using the correct AISHE Code because wrong institution selection may lead to verification failure.
Important: Name, Father’s Name, and Roll Number should exactly match the Class 12 marksheet and Aadhaar records to avoid NSP visibility issues.
Merit List and Selection Process Explained
The selection process under the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students is conducted through a merit-based allocation system on NSP.
- 82,000 fresh scholarships are provided every year
- 41,000 scholarships reserved for boys and 41,000 for girls
- Scholarships distributed among State Boards, CBSE, and CISCE
- Allocation based on the state population in the age group 18 to 25 years
- Stream-wise distribution ratio is Humanities : Science : Commerce = 3 : 3 : 1
- Reservation benefits available for SC, ST, OBC, and Benchmark Disability students
- Merit list prepared based on 80th percentile criteria
- Final selection list generated and displayed on the NSP portal
Difference Between 80% Marks and 80th Percentile in CSSS
Many students wrongly believe that scoring 80% marks in Class 12 automatically makes them eligible under the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students. However, the official PM-USP CSSS eligibility rule is based on the 80th percentile, not simply 80% marks.
This means a student must be placed among the Top 20% successful candidates in the relevant stream of the respective Board Examination.
- Eligibility is based on percentile ranking, not fixed percentage marks
- Separate merit consideration happens for Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams
- The percentile varies according to the performance of students in the respective Board
- The top 20th percentile list is prepared by the concerned Board authorities
- Students not included in the eligible percentile list cannot avail CSSS benefits
Important Links Available
- Apply Online Through National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students Guidelines
- Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students FAQ
- AISHE Code Check Portal
- Scholarship Grievance Portal
- Ministry of Education Official Website
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
Students facing issues related to NSP registration, CSSS scholarship application, verification, renewal, payment status, or Aadhaar seeding can contact the Scholarship Division of the Ministry of Education through the following details.
- Department: Scholarship Division, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
- Telephone Number: 011-20862360
- Email ID: ns1-scholarship@gov.in
- Address: West Block 1, 2nd Floor, Wing 6, Room No. 6, R.K. Puram, Sector 1, New Delhi – 110066
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students?
Ans. It is a merit-cum-means scholarship scheme implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, under PM-USP Yojana since 2008 to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker families pursuing higher education.
Q. How many scholarships are available every year under CSSS?
Ans. 82,000 fresh scholarships are provided every year, including 41,000 for boys and 41,000 for girls.
Q. What is the scholarship amount under PM-USP CSSS?
Ans. Eligible students receive Rs. 12,000 per year for the first 3 years of graduation and Rs. 20,000 per year at the post-graduation level. B.Tech/BE students receive Rs. 12,000 for years 1-2-3 and Rs. 20,000 in year 4 – scholarship for 4 years only.
Q. What does above the 80th percentile mean for CSSS eligibility?
Ans. It means the student must be among the Top 20% successful candidates in the relevant stream of the respective Class 12 Board Examination. This is based on percentile ranking – not simply scoring 80% marks. The Top 20th percentile list is prepared by the concerned Board authorities.
Q. What is the income limit for the CSSS scholarship?
Ans. Gross parental/family income should not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum. An Income Certificate is required only for fresh applicants.
Q. Are drop-out students eligible for the CSSS scholarship?
Ans. No. Students who dropped out after Class 12 are not eligible under PM-USP CSSS guidelines.
Q. Are Diploma students eligible for CSSS?
Ans. No. Diploma students are not eligible under this scheme.
Q. Can students studying through distance mode apply for CSSS?
Ans. No. Only students pursuing regular courses are eligible. Correspondence, distance, and open mode students are not eligible.
Q. What are the renewal conditions for the CSSS scholarship?
Ans. Students must secure a minimum 50% marks AND maintain a minimum 75% attendance – both conditions are mandatory for scholarship renewal.
Q. What happens if a student misses the renewal deadline?
Ans. If a student misses the renewal deadline in one year, they can apply for renewal in the subsequent year, subject to fulfilling eligibility conditions.
Q. What is the maximum duration of the CSSS scholarship?
Ans. A student is eligible for a scholarship for a total duration not exceeding 5 years. B.Tech/BE students get a scholarship for 4 years only.
Q. Can students receiving another scholarship apply for CSSS?
Ans. No. Students already availing any other scholarship, fee waiver, or reimbursement scheme are not eligible.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for CSSS scholarship?
Ans. Yes. Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory for scholarship disbursement. Minor applicants can use their parents’ Aadhaar initially, but must submit their own Aadhaar on turning 18.
Q. Can a student apply if enrolled in a private college?
Ans. Yes, provided the private college is recognised by a regulatory body like AICTE or UGC and listed on the AISHE portal with an active AISHE code.
Q. What happens if the wrong institution is selected on NSP?
Ans. Wrong institution selection leads to verification failure, which cannot be corrected after final submission. Students should verify the institution using the AISHE code before clicking Confirm and Submit.
Q. Is the application fee charged for the CSSS scholarship?
Ans. No. Application on the National Scholarship Portal is completely free of cost.
Q. Where to track scholarship payment status?
Ans. Students can track payment status through the “Know Your Payment” template on the PFMS portal at pfms.nic.in using Aadhaar number, bank account number, or NSP Application ID.
Q. What is the difference between a defective and a rejected application on NSP?
Ans. Defective applications have correctable errors and can be resubmitted. Rejected applications are permanently disqualified due to non-fulfilment of eligibility or incorrect data.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.