The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is a merit-based scholarship scheme offered by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The scholarship is awarded based on students' performance in the Class 12 or Higher Secondary Board Examination and supports students pursuing regular undergraduate, postgraduate and professional degree courses.
For the 2026 renewal cycle, the scholarship scheme opened on June 1, 2026, while students can submit their renewal applications through the National Scholarships Portal (NSP) until September 30, 2026.
PM-USP CSSS Scholarship 2026: Important Dates
| Particulars | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme Open for Renewal | June 1, 2026 |
| Student Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Defective Application Verification | October 15, 2026 |
| Institute Verification | October 15, 2026 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Verification | October 30, 2026 |
The timelines for applications and verification are processed through the National Scholarships Portal.
What is the PM-USP CSSS Scholarship?
The PM-USP CSSS is a merit-based scholarship scheme under which scholarships are awarded to students based on their results in the Higher Secondary/Class 12 Board Examination.
A maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships are provided every year for students pursuing graduate and postgraduate degree courses in colleges and universities, as well as professional courses such as Medical and Engineering.
Around 50% of the scholarships are earmarked for girl students.
The scholarships are distributed among State Education Boards based on the population of the 18–25 age group, with separate consideration for CBSE and ICSE. The scholarship slots allotted to State Education Boards are further distributed among Humanities, Science and Commerce streams in the ratio of 3:3:1.
PM-USP CSSS Scholarship 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Students must fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions to apply for or renew the scholarship. The key requirements include:
- Students must be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream of their Class 12 or equivalent examination.
- Students must be pursuing a regular degree course.
- Students pursuing correspondence, distance-mode or diploma courses are not eligible under the scheme.
- The course must be offered by a college or institution recognized by AICTE and the respective regulatory bodies, wherever applicable.
- Students must not be receiving another merit scholarship, State-run scholarship, fee waiver or reimbursement scheme.
- Gross parental/family income must be up to ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
- Income certificates are required for fresh applicants.
- Students changing their college or institution may continue or renew the scholarship if the course and institution have a valid AISHE Code.
- For renewal, students must secure at least 50% marks in the annual examination and maintain at least 75% attendance.
- Complaints relating to indiscipline, criminal behaviour or ragging may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.
Students who missed applying for renewal in a previous year may also be permitted to apply for subsequent renewal if they fulfil the eligibility requirements and apply within the prescribed deadline.
PM-USP CSSS Scholarship Amount
The scholarship amount varies depending on the level and duration of the course.
| Course/Study Level | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Graduation – First 3 years | ₹12,000 per annum |
| Post-Graduation | ₹20,000 per annum |
| Professional/Integrated Courses – 4th and 5th year | ₹20,000 per annum |
| B.Tech/B.E. – 4th year | ₹20,000 per annum |
For B.Tech and B.E. students, the scholarship is provided up to the graduation level, with ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years and ₹20,000 in the fourth year.
Reservation Under PM-USP CSSS
Students belonging to reserved categories and weaker sections can benefit from reservation under the Central Reservation Policy, subject to the prescribed conditions.
The scheme provides for:
- 15% slots for SC students
- 7.5% slots for ST students
- 27% slots for OBC students
- 5% horizontal reservation for students with Benchmark Disabilities of 40% or more across categories
The scheme also provides for allocation of unfilled slots among other eligible categories to maximize the use of available scholarships, subject to the overall limits and applicable guidelines.
How to Apply for PM-USP CSSS Scholarship 2026?
Eligible students are required to apply online through the National Scholarships Portal (NSP). Applications sent directly to the Ministry of Education will not be accepted.
The application and verification process includes:
- Students submit their applications online through NSP.
- Credentials such as caste and educational qualifications are verified through DigiLocker.
- Applications are verified by the institution where the student is studying.
- Applications are subsequently verified by the concerned State Higher Education Department or State Nodal Agency.
- The selection list is generated and displayed on NSP.
- The scholarship amount is disbursed to eligible beneficiaries after the required verification and processing.
The portal also provides the applicable application and verification timelines.
How is the PM-USP CSSS Scholarship Paid?
Students must have a bank account, preferably opened in their own name, to receive the scholarship.
The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Students can track their payment status through the Know Your Payment facility on the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal using their Aadhaar number, bank account number or NSP Application ID.
PM-USP CSSS Scholarship Renewal Rules
Students receiving the scholarship must apply for renewal each year through NSP within the prescribed deadline. Renewal is subject to meeting the academic and attendance requirements.
Students must obtain at least 50% marks in the annual examination and maintain 75% attendance. Missing the prescribed renewal deadline means that renewal for that particular year will not be allowed.
However, students are not permanently debarred from receiving scholarships solely because of a delay in renewal or verification, provided they subsequently meet the applicable conditions and submit the renewal application within the prescribed cut-off period.
PM-USP CSSS Scholarship 2026: Key Takeaways
The PM-USP CSSS provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing regular degree programmes and professional courses. For the 2026 renewal cycle, students should submit their applications by September 30, 2026. Defective applications and institute verification are scheduled to continue until October 15, 2026, while DNO/SNO/MNO verification is scheduled until October 30, 2026.
Students seeking the scholarship or renewal must ensure that they meet the academic, income, attendance and other eligibility requirements before submitting their application through the National Scholarships Portal.
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