Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) and PM-Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) 2026: Eligibility, How to Apply, Scholarship Amount and Benefits for Science Students

Are you a science student looking to fund your higher education without the weight of financial stress? If your family has served the country in security roles, or if you’re a top meritorious student, two impactful scholarships can lighten your educational expenses: the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) and PM-Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP). These scholarships are designed to reward your hard work, support your academic goals, and help you focus on making a difference in the world through science.

My name is Riten, and I’m the founder of Fueler, a platform created to help talented people showcase their true skills and grow their careers through real proof of work. After years building Fueler, I understand how important it is to have reliable, detailed, and truthful information on scholarships like PMSS and PM-USP. This blog covers everything you need to know about these schemes from eligibility criteria, benefits, to the application steps in a clear, detailed, and conversational way that’s easy to follow.

What Are PMSS and PM-USP?

• PMSS (Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme) is a ministry-backed scholarship that helps wards and widows of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, State and UT Police personnel, who have laid down their lives or are disabled in service, pursue undergraduate science degrees such as B.Sc. The scholarship aims to honor these families by easing the financial burden of higher education.
• PM-USP (PM-Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan) is a merit-based incentive program under the Ministry of Education that rewards students who have achieved academic excellence by scoring above the 80th percentile in national or state-level examinations. This scholarship provides a financial boost to help meritorious students continue excelling in their undergraduate studies, including science streams.

Eligibility Details: Who Can Apply?

PMSS Eligibility for Science Students

• Must be a dependent ward or widow of security personnel including CAPFs like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, Assam Rifles, or State/UT Police who have either died or been disabled during service, particularly in counter-terror operations.
• Enrollment in a full-time B.Sc or related undergraduate science degree program from a government-recognized university or institution within India.
• A minimum aggregate of 60% or equivalent marks in the previous qualifying examination (usually 12th or equivalent).
• Applicants must be first-year students seeking admission or currently enrolled in the eligible degree.
• The scholarship aims to support families who have sacrificed for the nation by enabling education in science fields.

PM-USP Eligibility for Meritorious Students

• Students from any background pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, including science, in recognized Indian institutions.
• Achieved a score in the 80th percentile or above at the national or state level qualifying exam (e.g., Class 12boards, JEE, NEET, or other standardized exams).
• The scholarship rewards academic excellence across diverse fields and encourages further dedication to learning.
• The scheme is open to fresh entrants and current students maintaining requisite academic standards.

Scholarship Award and Benefits: How Much Can You Get?

• Under PMSS:
• Boys receive ₹2,500 per month, amounting to ₹30,000 annually.
• Girls receive ₹3,000 per month, totaling ₹36,000 annually.
• Payments continue annually for the entire course duration, typically three years for B.Sc.
• The fund can be used to cover tuition fees, books, lab equipment, transportation, and other academic-related expenses.
• In addition to financial aid, recipients gain recognition through a letter from the Hon’ble Prime Minister acknowledging their family’s sacrifice.
• Under PM-USP:
• A fixed annual amount of ₹10,000 for deserving undergraduate students.
• This amount supports exam fees, educational materials, or living expenses, easing financial constraints so students can focus on studies.
• Encourages maintenance of high academic performance each year as a condition for renewal.

Step-by-Step How to Apply

• Step 1: Registration
• Visit the official scholarship portal: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmsswcapfar
• Create your profile by entering accurate personal, contact, academic, and family service details.
• Step 2: Document Preparation
• Gather necessary documents:
• Previous academic mark sheets and certificates proving merit or eligibility.
• Bonafide certificate from your current institution confirming enrollment.
• Identity proof like Aadhaar card or passport.
• Bank account details for direct benefit transfer.
• Service-related documents of your parent/spouse (service certificate, death certificate, disability certificate, depending on eligibility).
• Step 3: Application Submission
• Upload all documents on the portal.
• Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.
• Submit the application before the deadline (usually in the last quarter of the year; check each year’s notification).
• Step 4: Follow-Up and Renewal
• Track application status through the portal.
• For renewal in subsequent years, submit updated academic progress and bonafide certificates.
• Stay alert for official communications regarding scholarship disbursal and renewal conditions.

Final Thoughts 

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme and PM-Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan represent not just financial support but a meaningful acknowledgment of service, sacrifice, and hard-earned merit. These scholarships allow deserving science students to pursue their academic and professional dreams with less financial anxiety, enabling their focus on innovation, expertise, and leadership in scientific fields. Make sure to carefully check your eligibility, prepare all documents in advance, and meet all deadlines to fully benefit from these programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply for both PMSS and PM-USP?

These scholarships cater to different criteria PMSS being service-related and PM-USP merit-based. Verify your eligibility carefully before applying.

Is the PMSS scholarship only for undergraduate courses?

Primarily yes; PMSS supports undergraduate science courses. PM-USP caters to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

What if I don’t have exactly 60% marks?

60% is generally the minimum threshold; you may not be eligible if you fall below. Check if there are any relaxation provisions announced.

How is renewal done for these scholarships?

Annual renewal requires submission of academic progress and enrollment proof through the official portal.

Are scholarships applicable for studies abroad?

These are intended for recognized Indian institutions only.

Visit the portal for full details and to apply: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmsswcapfar

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