The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is a merit-cum-means scholarship scheme implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible meritorious students pursuing higher education.
📌 PM-USP Scholarship at a Glance
The scholarship is intended for eligible students who have performed well in Class 12 and are pursuing regular higher-education courses, subject to the scheme's eligibility and selection conditions.
📊 PM-USP Scholarship 2026 – Quick Details
Ministry of Education
College & University
Per Year
Per Year
Per Year
Online
📑 Table of Contents
🎓 What is PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship?
The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is a merit-cum-means scholarship scheme.
It is designed to provide financial assistance to meritorious students so that they can meet part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies.
The scheme has been implemented by the Department of Higher Education since 2008.
✅ PM-USP Scholarship Eligibility 2026
Students must satisfy the applicable conditions of the scheme before applying. For fresh applications, the official FAQ specifies the following major conditions:
1. Class 12 Merit
The student should be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream from the respective Board of Examination in Class 12.
2. Regular Course
The student should be pursuing a regular course. Correspondence and distance-mode courses are not eligible under the scheme.
3. Family Income
For fresh applicants, the family income should be up to ₹4.5 lakh per annum, subject to applicable scheme conditions.
4. Other Scholarship
The applicant should not be receiving another scholarship or fee reimbursement of any kind.
5. Diploma Students
Diploma students are not eligible under the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme for College and University Students.
6. Drop After Class 12
Students who took a drop after Class 12 are not eligible for a fresh application under the stated scheme conditions.
⚠️ Important Eligibility Note
Meeting one condition alone does not guarantee selection. Students must satisfy all applicable scheme conditions and be selected according to the prescribed process.
💰 PM-USP Scholarship Amount 2026
The scholarship amount varies according to the level and type of course.
📌 Official Scholarship Rates
Graduation: ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years of college and university courses.
Post-Graduation: ₹20,000 per annum.
Eligible Technical Courses: ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th year.
B.Tech / B.E.: ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years and ₹20,000 in the 4th year, with scholarship for four years.
| Course / Level | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Graduation – First 3 Years | ₹12,000 per year |
| Post-Graduation | ₹20,000 per year |
| Eligible Technical Courses – 4th & 5th Year | ₹20,000 per year |
| B.Tech / B.E. – 4th Year | ₹20,000 per year |
Amounts shown above are based on the official Ministry of Education FAQ currently available for the scheme. Always verify the latest guidelines before applying.
📅 PM-USP Scholarship Duration & Renewal
A student can receive the scholarship for a total duration not exceeding 5 years, subject to the applicable renewal conditions.
🔄 Renewal Conditions
- The scholarship is renewable year-to-year subject to fulfilment of the applicable conditions.
- The student must secure at least 50% marks in the annual examination.
- The student must maintain at least 75% attendance.
- The student must not receive another scholarship or fee reimbursement where prohibited by the scheme.
- Renewal applicants have to apply through the prescribed online process.
📄 PM-USP Scholarship Documents Required
The exact document requirements can depend on the application and verification process. Applicants should keep the following documents ready where applicable:
- Class 12 marksheet.
- Family income certificate for fresh applicants.
- Category/caste certificate, where applicable.
- Bank account details.
- Aadhaar details as required for DBT and verification.
- Previous year's marksheet for renewal applicants.
- Other documents requested by the NSP/institute during verification.
💡 Document Tip
Make sure your name, date of birth and other details are consistent across your documents and application. Upload only documents requested by the official portal.
📝 How to Apply for PM-USP Scholarship Online
Fresh and renewal applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), subject to the applicable application window.
Open the NSP Portal
Visit the National Scholarship Portal and select the appropriate scholarship application section.
Complete Registration
Complete the required registration process and provide the requested details.
Select PM-USP CSSS
Select the applicable Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students.
Fill the Application
Enter your personal, academic and other required information carefully.
Upload / Provide Documents
Provide the required documents and information according to the portal instructions.
Submit and Save Acknowledgement
Review the complete application, submit it and keep the application/acknowledgement details safe.
🚀 Apply Through National Scholarship Portal
Use the official NSP portal for the actual scholarship application.
Visit Official NSP Portal →📅 PM-USP Scholarship 2026 Important Dates
The application window and cut-off dates are announced through the official scholarship portal. Therefore, students should check the current NSP schedule before starting the application.
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Online Application | Check NSP for current schedule |
| Institute Verification | As per official schedule |
| State/UT Verification | As per official schedule |
| Scholarship Disbursement | After applicable verification/process |
⚠️ Do Not Rely on Old Dates
Application deadlines can change from one academic year to another. Always check the latest NSP notice before submitting your application.
🏆 PM-USP Scholarship Selection Process
The PM-USP CSSS is a merit-cum-means scholarship. Eligible applicants are considered according to the scheme's prescribed merit-list methodology and available scholarship slots.
The official FAQ describes allocation based on factors including gender, stream and category, with reservations under the applicable policy.
📌 Merit List
The merit list is prepared from eligible applicants according to the prescribed scheme methodology. Being eligible does not by itself guarantee selection.
💳 PM-USP Scholarship Payment
The scholarship is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The official FAQ states that the scholarship amount is disbursed into the Aadhaar-seeded bank account of the beneficiary.
💰 Payment Through DBT
Students should ensure that their bank account details are correct and that the applicable Aadhaar-seeding requirements are fulfilled.
Payment status can be tracked through the applicable PFMS payment-status facility and scholarship status through the NSP login, according to the official FAQ.
✅ Important Tips for Applicants
Before You Apply
- Check whether you meet every eligibility condition.
- Verify your Class 12 merit/percentile requirement.
- Keep your income certificate ready if required.
- Check your bank account details carefully.
- Do not provide false information in the application.
- Keep your application number and acknowledgement safe.
- Check institute and state verification status.
- Use only the official NSP portal for the application.
🎯 PM-USP Scholarship – Key Takeaways
- PM-USP CSSS is a merit-cum-means scholarship scheme.
- Fresh applicants need to meet the prescribed Class 12 percentile and other eligibility conditions.
- Fresh applicant family income limit is ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
- Graduation scholarship is ₹12,000 per year for the first three years.
- Postgraduate rate is ₹20,000 per year.
- Eligible technical-course years can receive ₹20,000 per year as prescribed.
- Applications are made through NSP.
- Renewal requires fulfilment of the prescribed conditions.
❓ PM-USP Scholarship FAQs
What is PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship?
PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is a merit-cum-means scholarship implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
What is the PM-USP Scholarship income limit?
For fresh applicants, the official FAQ specifies a family income limit of up to ₹4.5 lakh per annum, subject to the scheme conditions.
How much money is given under PM-USP Scholarship?
The official FAQ states ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years at graduation level and ₹20,000 per annum at postgraduate level. Eligible technical courses receive ₹20,000 per annum in the specified later years.
Can diploma students apply for PM-USP CSSS?
No. Diploma students are not eligible under the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme for College and University Students.
Where can I apply for PM-USP Scholarship?
Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), according to the official scheme guidelines.
Is PM-USP Scholarship renewable?
Yes. The scholarship can be renewed subject to fulfilment of the applicable renewal conditions, including the prescribed academic performance and attendance requirements.
How is PM-USP Scholarship paid?
The scholarship is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the applicable Aadhaar-seeded bank account.
🔗 Official Information
For the latest scheme guidelines and official updates, verify the information through the Ministry of Education and National Scholarship Portal.
🎓 PM-USP Central Sector Scholarship
Check your eligibility, verify the official notification and apply through the prescribed portal.