PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) — Merit-Based
National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is a merit-based scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It helps meritorious students from low-income families pay for part of their day-to-day costs while studying in college.
To be eligible, you must be above the 80th percentile of successful students in your stream in the Class 12 board exam. You must be doing a regular degree course (not correspondence, distance, or diploma) at a recognised college. Your family's total income must be up to ₹4.5 lakh per year. You cannot take this along with any other merit scholarship, state scholarship, fee waiver, or reimbursement scheme.
The scholarship pays ₹12,000 per year for the first three years of graduation and ₹20,000 per year at post-graduation level. Students in 5-year professional or integrated courses get ₹20,000 per year in the 4th and 5th years. Half of all slots are reserved for girls, and reservation rules apply for SC, ST, OBC, and students with disabilities.
You apply online only at the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Details are checked through DigiLocker, and the money is paid straight into your bank account by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). You can renew each year if you score at least 50% marks and keep 75% attendance.
At a glance
| Who can apply | UG, PG |
|---|---|
| Streams | Humanities, Science, Commerce, Professional/Technical |
| Category | All, General, SC, ST, OBC, Minority, PwD |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | up to ₹4,50,000 / year |
| Gender | — |
| States | — |
| Benefit / amount | ₹12,000 per year (graduation, first 3 years); ₹20,000 per year (post-graduation). 5-year professional/integrated courses: ₹20,000 per year in years 4 and 5. |
| Duration | Up to graduation level (first 3 years) at ₹12,000/year, plus ₹20,000/year at PG level; 5-year professional/integrated courses covered in the 4th and 5th years. |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Class XII board examination marksheet
- Income certificate (fresh applicants only)
- Aadhaar (for DigiLocker/DBT verification)
- Bank account details in the student's own name
- Institution's valid AISHE code
How you're selected
Merit-based: students above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in their stream in the Class XII board exam. Applications are submitted online on NSP, verified via DigiLocker, and checked at two levels — by the institute and by the State Higher Education Department / State Nodal Agency. Selection list is generated and displayed on NSP.
FAQs
Who can apply? Students who scored above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in their stream in the Class 12 board exam, who are pursuing a regular degree course at a recognised college, and whose family income is up to ₹4.5 lakh per year. You must not be receiving any other merit or state scholarship, fee waiver, or reimbursement.
How much money do I get? ₹12,000 per year for the first three years of graduation and ₹20,000 per year at post-graduation level. Students in 5-year professional or integrated courses get ₹20,000 per year in the 4th and 5th years.
What is the last date to apply? The exact date is not fixed here. Timelines for opening and closing are announced on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). At the time of writing, the portal shows the scheme as "not yet opened" for the current cycle, so check the official portal for the live dates.
How do I apply? Apply online only at scholarships.gov.in. Your caste, marks, and other details are verified through DigiLocker, and then by your institute and the State Higher Education Department.
Can I renew it every year? Yes. To renew, you need at least 50% marks in the annual exam and at least 75% attendance. Apply for renewal online on NSP within the cut-off date.
How is the money paid? Directly into your own bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). You can track payment on the PFMS portal using your Aadhaar, bank account, or NSP Application ID.