Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students 2026: Eligibility, How to Apply, Scholarship Amount and Benefits

Striving for top marks in Class 12 is challenging, but imagine if those hard-earned results could unlock financial support for your college or university studies! The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships (CSSS-UG/PG), launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, offers exactly this opportunity by providing ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 annually to high-achieving students from families earning ₹4.5 lakh or less. It’s designed to reduce financial barriers and encourage bright students to continue their academic pursuits confidently.

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About the Scholarship

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships rewards meritorious students selected from the top 20th percentile in their Class 12 board exams. These students, from families with a gross annual income not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh, are supported to pursue full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses at recognized colleges and universities. The scheme selects 82,000 students annually, equally divided between boys and girls, making higher education more affordable for deserving candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be Indian nationals enrolled in full-time, regular undergraduate or postgraduate courses, including professional courses like engineering, medicine, arts, commerce, science, and management.
• Only students scoring at least 80% in their Class 12 board examinations from a recognized education board qualify.
• A family's gross annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh to ensure support reaches economically weaker sections.
• Students must have a valid bank account in their name to receive scholarship funds directly.
• Application verification by the respective educational institution is mandatory, with original documents potentially requested for inspection.
• Students pursuing distance education, diploma, or part-time courses are not eligible.
• Candidates already availing any other central/state scholarships, fee waivers, or reimbursement schemes are ineligible to avoid overlap of benefits.

Scholarship Amount and Benefits

• Students in the first, second, and third years of their undergraduate program receive ₹12,000 per year as financial aid.
• For professional or integrated courses in the 4th and 5th years, including medical and engineering courses, the scholarship amount is ₹20,000 per year.
• Postgraduate students also receive ₹20,000 annually.
• The scholarship is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring timely and transparent payment directly to the student’s bank account.
• This financial support helps cover tuition fees, books, stationery, transport, and other study-related expenses.

Required Documents for Application

• Class 12 Marksheet and Passing Certificate: Clear scanned copies proving your academic eligibility and merit.
• Income Certificate: Issued by a government-recognized authority to confirm the annual family income limit.
• Aadhaar Card or Other Accepted ID Proof: To validate identity and assist in bank account linkage.
• Bank Passbook or Cancelled Cheque Copy: Showing the student’s account number, IFSC code, and name, ensuring correct scholarship transfer.
• Proof of Admission/Enrollment: Admission letter or certificate from your college/university confirming your current course enrollment.
• Caste Certificate: Required only if applying under reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC).
• Disability Certificate: For differently-abled students applying under special provisions.
• Institution Verification Certificate: The educational institution’s authorized signature to authenticate the application.

Application Process

1. Registration: Visit the National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in and create your student profile.
2. Form Filling: Complete the application form with accurate personal, academic, income, and bank details.
3. Document Upload: Attach all required documents as per specifications and size limits.
4. Submission and Verification: Submit your application online. Your college or university must verify the details before final acceptance; without verification, applications will be rejected.
5. Tracking: Use the NSP portal to track the status of your application and scholarship disbursal.
6. Deadline: Ensure to complete all steps before October 31, 2025.

Renewal and Maintenance

• The scholarship can be renewed annually for up to five years, covering the duration of undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
• To maintain eligibility, students must secure at least 50% marks in the previous year’s exams and maintain a minimum attendance of 75%.

Final Thoughts

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships is a vital financial boost for talented, hardworking students who have demonstrated academic excellence but lack the economic means to continue their studies comfortably. This scheme’s transparent online application process, timely disbursement, and broad coverage of courses make it an essential support system across India’s educational landscape. If you qualify, applying for CSSS could be your stepping stone to a brighter education and career path.

To apply, visit the official National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can apply for the Central Sector Scholarship?

Eligible students must have scored at least 80% in their Class 12 board exams, come from families with annual incomes not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh, and pursue full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at recognized Indian institutions.

Q2: What courses are covered under this scholarship?

The scholarship covers regular degree and professional courses including engineering, medical, arts, commerce, science, and management. Diploma, part-time, distance education, and correspondence courses are not eligible.

Q3: What documents are necessary to complete the application?

Applicants must submit Class 12 mark sheets, income certificates, Aadhaar or ID proof, bank details, admission proof, caste or disability certificates if applicable, and institutional verification forms.

Q4: Can applicants edit their information after submission?

Application details can only be modified before final submission and institutional verification. Once verified, changes are not permitted.

Q5: How and when will the scholarship funds be disbursed?

Funds are transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Tra

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