The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Introduced in 2008, this merit-cum-means scholarship supports meritorious students from economically weaker sections in pursuing higher education. If you’re a college or university student looking for support to fund your higher education, this scholarship is the perfect opportunity for you.
For the academic year 2025-26, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a new notification informing eligible students to apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the CSSS Scholarship 2025-26, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and key deadlines.
What is PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship Scheme?
The PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship Scheme is a merit-cum-means scholarship designed to help students pursue higher education without financial constraints. The scheme provides annual financial assistance to students who have excelled in their Class XII board exams and are enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The scheme provides up to 82,000 fresh scholarships annually for students enrolled in recognized colleges and universities
Objectives:
- To reduce dropout rates among talented students from financially weaker backgrounds.
- To support meritorious students from poor families in meeting their day-to-day educational expenses.
- To encourage students to pursue higher education in colleges and universities.
- To ensure equal opportunities for students across different streams (Science, Commerce, Humanities) and categories (SC/ST/OBC/General).
Highlights of the PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Ministry of Education, Govt. of India |
| Total Scholarships per Year | 82,000 (50% reserved for girls) |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000/year (UG) and ₹20,000/year (PG) |
| Eligible Courses | General UG, PG, Professional & Technical (e.g. B.Tech, MBBS) |
| Application Mode | Online via NSP Portal |
| Disbursement | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account |
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently issued a public notice for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2025-26. The online application process is now open on the National Scholarship Portal (http://scholarships.gov.in), with important dates as follows:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 02-06-2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31-10-2025 |
| Defective Application Verification Open till | 15-11-2025 |
| Institute Verification Open till | 15-11-2025 |
| State Nodal Officer Verification Deadline | 30-11-2025 |
This notification also covers renewals for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, urging students to apply online within the stipulated timeframe and ensure verification by their institutions to avoid invalidation of applications.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme
To apply for the PM-USP CSSS Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
For Fresh Applicants:
- Must be in the top 20% (above the 80th percentile) in their Class XII board exams (CBSE/State Board/ICSE).
- Must be pursuing a regular degree course (not correspondence/distance learning or diploma courses).
- Must be studying in a recognized institution (AICTE/UGC-approved).
- Family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
- Should not be availing any other scholarship or fee waiver scheme.
- Students who took a drop year after Class 12 are not eligible.
- Must be studying in an AISHE-coded college/university.
For Renewal Applicants:
- Must have received the scholarship in the previous academic year.
- Must secure at least 50% marks in annual exams.
- Must maintain 75% attendance in college.
- Must apply for renewal before the deadline (31st October 2025).
Scholarship Benefits & Duration
| Level | Year | Amount (per annum) |
|---|---|---|
| UG (General Courses) | 1st – 3rd Year | ₹12,000 |
| PG (General Courses) | 4th – 5th Year | ₹20,000 |
| Technical/Professional Courses (e.g., B.Tech, MBBS) | Up to 5 years | ₹12,000 (Years 1–3), ₹20,000 (Years 4–5) |
Note: The scholarship is disbursed directly into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Reservation Criteria
The PM-USP CSSS Scholarship follows the Central Government’s reservation policy to ensure equitable opportunities for students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The scheme provides reservation based on merit-cum-category, ensuring fair representation for all eligible candidates.
| Category | Reservation (%) |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC | 27% |
| PwD (≥40% disability) | 5% (Horizontal reservation across all categories) |
Important Points to Note
- Interchangeable Slots: If reserved seats remain unfilled, they may be reallocated to other eligible candidates to maximize utilization.
- State & Gender Quota: 50% of scholarships are reserved for female candidates to promote gender equity.
How to Apply for CSSS Scholarship 2025-26?
- Register: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on http://scholarships.gov.in with Aadhaar.
- Login: Use OTR/Aadhaar to access the portal.
- Select Scheme: Choose "PM-USP CSSS" under "Post Matric."
- Fill Details: Enter academic, personal, and bank information.
- Upload Documents:
- Fresh: Class XII marksheet, income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable).
- Renewal: Previous year’s marksheet.
- Verify: Submit and get verified by your Institute Nodal Officer (INO).
Note: Don’t forget to check your college’s AISHE code and status from AISHE Portal.
Must See: How to Apply for Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship 2025-26: Step-by-Step Guide
Key Points to Remember
- Aadhaar-Bank Account Linking is Mandatory for scholarship disbursal.
- Check AISHE Code of your institution before applying.
- No Application Fee – Beware of frauds!
- Renewal Applicants Must Apply Every Year before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for the Central Sector Scholarship (PM-USP CSSS)?
Eligibility criteria for Fresh applicants (2025-26):
Must be in top 20 percentile of Class 12 Board (CBSE/State/ICSE)
Enrolled in a regular degree course (not diploma/distance)
Annual family income ≤ ₹4.5 lakh
Not availing any other scholarship or fee reimbursement
Studying in a recognized institute listed on the AISHE portalCan I apply if I study in a private college?
Yes, if the college is recognized and listed on the AISHE portal.
Can I apply using my Parent’s Aadhaar?
Yes, for minor applicants. You must update it after turning 18.
What is the ₹1,000 per month scholarship by the Central Government?
The ₹1,000/month (or ₹12,000/year) scholarship refers to the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) offered by the Ministry of Education.
It supports meritorious students from low-income families during their undergraduate studies. At the postgraduate level, the amount increases to ₹20,000/year.What is the amount of scholarship under the Central Sector Scholarship scheme?
Under the PM-USP CSSS, the scholarship amount is:
₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) for Graduation (1st to 3rd year)
₹20,000 per year for Post-Graduation (4th & 5th year or PG level)
For B.Tech/B.E. and other professional 4-year courses:
₹12,000/year for 1st to 3rd year
₹20,000/year for 4th year
The PM-USP CSSS Scholarship 2025-26 is a golden opportunity for deserving Class 12 passouts from low-income families to continue their higher education stress-free. Make sure to check your eligibility, gather documents, and apply well before October 31, 2025 to avoid any last-minute issues.
Need help with application? Drop your questions below!