About Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS):
- “Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students" is a scholarship scheme by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
- The primary objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from poor families to meet a part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies.
- The scholarships are awarded based on the results of the Higher Secondary/Class 12th Board Examination.
- Allocation of Scholarships:
- A maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships (41,000 for boys and 41,000 for girls) per annum are provided for pursuing Graduate/ Postgraduate degrees in colleges and universities and for professional courses, such as medical, engineering, etc.
- The total number of scholarships is divided amongst the State Education Boards based on the State's population in the age group of 18-25 years, after segregating the share of CBSE and ICSE on the basis of the number of students passing out from various Boards in the country.
- The number of scholarships allotted to a State Education Board is distributed amongst pass-outs of the Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams in the ratio of 3:2:1. In case of a shortfall in the number of applications, the scholarship slots could be interchanged.
- Benefits: Rate of Scholarship
- ₹12,000/- per annum at the graduation level for the first three years of college and university courses.
- ₹20,000 per annum at the post-graduation level.
- ₹20,000/- per annum in the 4th and 5th years to the students pursuing professional courses, in cases where the duration of the course is five (5) years/integrated courses.
- Students pursuing technical courses such as B.Tech, B.Engg. will get a scholarship up to graduation level only i.e. ₹12,000 p.a. for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years and ₹20,000 in the 4th year.
- Mode of Disbursal: The scholarship will be disbursed directly into the savings bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Eligibility:
- The applicant must be pursuing regular degree courses.
- The applicant must be pursuing courses at colleges/institutions recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education and the respective regulatory bodies
- The gross parental/family income of the applicant should not exceed ₹450,000/- per annum.
- For renewal of scholarship in each year of study, besides getting at least 50% marks in the Annual Examination, maintenance of adequate attendance should be at least 75%.
- The students are required to have bank accounts opened, especially in their name.
- Application must be verified by the student’s institution:
- CBSE has made it clear that all applications must be verified by the student’s college or university.
- If required, students must show their original documents to their institution.
- Without verification, the application will be considered invalid.
- Exclusions:
- Students who are pursuing correspondence or distance mode or pursuing diploma courses are not eligible.
- Students who are already availing the benefit from any other scholarship schemes, including state-run scholarship schemes/fee waiver & reimbursement schemes, are not eligible.
