Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) gives Rs 12,000 a year to undergraduate students and Rs 20,000 a year to postgraduate students who scored above the 80th percentile in Class 12 and have a family income up to Rs 4.5 lakh. Apply on the National Scholarship Portal by 31 October 2026.

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students, also called PM-USP CSSS, is run by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. It has been running since 2008 and is funded by the Central Government. It helps meritorious students from low-income families pay for day-to-day expenses while studying in recognised colleges and universities. The amount is sent straight to the student's bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Scheme name	Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (PM-USP CSSS)
Run by	Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India
Scholarship amount	Rs 12,000 a year (UG, first 3 years) and Rs 20,000 a year (PG)
Who can apply	Class 12 students above the 80th percentile now in regular UG, PG or professional courses
Family income limit	Up to Rs 4.5 lakh a year
Number of scholarships	Up to 82,000 fresh scholarships a year, split equally between boys and girls
Mode of application	Online on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
Last date	31 October 2026
Payment	Direct to bank account through DBT

Key highlights

• Up to 82,000 fresh scholarships every year.
• Rs 12,000 a year for the first 3 years of graduation.
• Rs 20,000 a year for postgraduation.
• Renewable every year for the length of the course.
• Money goes directly to the student's bank account.

Program objectives

• Give financial help to meritorious students from low-income families.
• Help students meet day-to-day costs while studying.
• Reduce dropouts after Class 12 for talented students.

About the sponsor

The scheme is run by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. Applications, verification and payments are handled through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), and the scholarships are shared among State Education Boards.

Academic criteria

• You must have scored above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in your Class 12 board exam, in your own stream (Science, Commerce or Humanities).
• You must be studying a regular (not distance) undergraduate, postgraduate or professional course in a recognised college or university.
• Diploma students are not eligible.

Financial and social criteria

• Your gross family income must be up to Rs 4.5 lakh a year.
• You must not be getting any other scholarship or fee reimbursement.
• Reservation for SC, ST, OBC and PwD students follows Central Government norms.

Geographic criteria

• You must be an Indian student. Scholarships are shared among State Education Boards, so your Class 12 board and stream decide the cut-off you must meet.

Restrictions

• Distance or correspondence courses are not eligible.
• Students holding another central or state scholarship or fee reimbursement cannot apply.

Renewal criteria

• The scholarship is renewed every year for the length of the course.
• You must apply for renewal every year on NSP and show satisfactory academic performance.

What you get

• Undergraduate: Rs 12,000 a year for the first 3 years of graduation.
• Postgraduate: Rs 20,000 a year.
• Integrated and technical courses: Rs 12,000 a year for the first 3 years and Rs 20,000 a year for the 4th and 5th years.

How you get paid

• The amount is sent directly to your bank account through DBT.
• You must renew every year to keep getting the scholarship, based on satisfactory academic performance.

Documents required

• Class 12 marksheet
• Income certificate (needed only for fresh applicants)
• Caste or disability certificate, if applicable
• Aadhaar
• Bank passbook (bank account linked with Aadhaar)

Steps to apply

1. Go to the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) and complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
2. Log in and complete your profile with Aadhaar, income and education details.
3. Select "Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students" (PM-USP CSSS).
4. Upload your documents.
5. Submit the form and track the status on your NSP dashboard.
6. Renew your application every year for the length of your course.

Selection process

Scholarships are given on the basis of your Class 12 marks. Each State Education Board gets a share of the 82,000 scholarships, and the seats are divided among Humanities, Science and Commerce students. Students above the 80th percentile in their board and stream are considered, subject to the board's quota.

Frequently asked questions

What is the last date for the Central Sector Scholarship 2026-27?

The last date is 31 October 2026 on the National Scholarship Portal. Your college may ask you to finish earlier, so check with your institute.

How much money does the Central Sector Scholarship give?

It gives Rs 12,000 a year for the first 3 years of graduation and Rs 20,000 a year for postgraduation. Integrated and technical course students get Rs 20,000 a year in the 4th and 5th years.

What is the income limit for the Central Sector Scholarship?

Your gross family income must be up to Rs 4.5 lakh a year.

What marks do I need for the Central Sector Scholarship?

You must be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in your Class 12 board exam, in your own stream.

Can I apply if I study through distance learning?

No. Only regular courses in recognised colleges and universities are eligible. Diploma students are also not eligible.

Can I get this scholarship along with another scholarship?

No. You cannot get any other scholarship or fee reimbursement at the same time.

Do I need to renew the scholarship every year?

Yes. You must renew every year on NSP for the length of your course, and you need satisfactory academic performance.

How many scholarships are given every year?

Up to 82,000 fresh scholarships are given every year, 41,000 for boys and 41,000 for girls.

How is the money paid?

It is sent directly to your bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

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