Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP CSSS) 2026: Eligibility, How to Apply, Scholarship Amount and Benefits

Education is key to unlocking potential, yet financial hurdles cause many meritorious students to limit their aspirations. The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP CSSS) scholarship for 2026 is a government initiative aimed at helping outstanding students in professional and general undergraduate and postgraduate courses overcome economic constraints. By awarding ₹12,000 per year to undergraduate students and ₹20,000 per year to postgraduate students from families earning ₹4.5 lakh or less annually, it ensures deserving students get the financial support they need to stay focused on their studies and career ambitions.

I am Riten, founder of Fueler, a platform committed to empowering knowledge workers and creators by enabling them to showcase authentic work beyond traditional credentials. Having grown up in a milieu where money was often a barrier to opportunity, I relate deeply to the mission of scholarships like PM-USP CSSS. This scholarship not only eases financial burdens but serves as a catalyst for nurturing talent and inclusion, affirming that education should be accessible to all gifted minds regardless of their economic background.

Scholarship Overview

• The PM-USP CSSS scholarship is a centrally funded scheme by the Ministry of Education aimed at supporting the top 20% percentile achievers of Class 12 board examinations across various boards in India.
• Its primary objective is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses in regular mode across recognized Indian institutions.
• Families with gross annual incomes below ₹4.5 lakh are eligible, making this targeted aid accessible to economically weaker sections while promoting academic excellence.
• Approximately 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually, equally divided by gender, with further reservation in place for socially disadvantaged groups and domicile-based allocations.
• The scheme specifically excludes correspondence, distance learning, and diploma courses ensuring that aid is focused on mainstream degree programs to foster higher education participation.
• This large-scale program integrates with the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to streamline application, verification, and disbursement efficiently with robust transparency measures.

Scholarship Benefits

• Undergraduate scholars receive ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years of their degree while postgraduate scholars receive ₹20,000 every year for the duration of their course, delivering sustained financial relief during critical educational phases.
• Professional course students like engineering and medical aspirants receive additional support for the 4th and 5th years where applicable, acknowledging their extended study timelines.
• The scholarship’s financial assistance effectively reduces day-to-day living and educational expenses enabling students to concentrate wholly on academic excellence and personal growth.
• With dedicated slots reserved for female candidates and categories such as SC/ST/OBC, the scheme actively promotes gender parity and social justice in higher education.
• Aid is tied intricately to merit, with strict eligibility verification ensuring scholarships reward genuine academic talent in economically disadvantaged families.
• By alleviating economic pressures, the scholarship helps reduce dropout rates and encourages sustained educational participation contributing to national human resource development.
• The system’s integration with DigiLocker and NSP ensures ease of application, re-verification, and timely disbursement fostering transparency and accountability.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be among the top 20 percentile of successful Class 12 candidates from respective boards and enrolled in regular full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses.
• Applicable only for government-recognized courses and institutions; distance education or diploma course students are not eligible.
• Annual family income must be ₹4.5 lakh or below to qualify; income certificates are mandatory for fresh applications.
• Applicants must not be receiving similar benefits from any other scholarship programs to avoid duplication.
• Age criteria as per program norms should be adhered to, ensuring the scheme targets genuinely eligible candidates.
• Students must maintain academic progression and enrollment status as confirmed through institutional verification on the NSP.

How to Apply

• Visit the myscheme portal at https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/csss-cus to register using valid email ID, mobile number, and Aadhaar card.
• Complete the online application for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) by filling all required personal, academic, and socioeconomic details.
• Upload mandatory documents including income certificates, mark sheets, admission letters, and identity proofs.
• Submit the application before the deadline, usually October 31 each year.
• Application undergoes two-tier verification by the student’s institution and the relevant state higher education authorities ensuring eligibility before scholarship disbursal.
• Selected students are notified on NSP and funds are transferred directly to their bank accounts, easing financial access.

FAQs

1. What is the scholarship amount for PM-USP CSSS?

Undergraduate students receive ₹12,000 per annum for three years and postgraduate students receive ₹20,000 each year for their program duration.

2. Who funds this scholarship?

It is funded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, as part of the Central Sector Scheme.

3. Who can apply for this scholarship?

Students in the top 20 percentile of their Class 12 board exams enrolled in regular undergraduate or postgraduate courses, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh.

4. Is this scholarship applicable for diploma or distance education courses?

No, it is only for full-time regular degree courses in recognized institutions.

5. How do I apply?

Apply online through the myscheme portal at https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/csss-cus

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