CSSS PM-USP 2025: Overview
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)—also known as Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP)—is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education. It aims to financially empower meritorious students from economically weaker families to support their higher education needs.
As of the 2025-26 academic session, applications are open via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), with a deadline of October 31, 2025. Institution-level verification follows by November and state-level by end of November.
Scholarship Allocation & Eligibility
1. Allocation
- 82,000 fresh scholarships annually — evenly distributed between 41,000 boys and 41,000 girls.
- Seat allocation to states is based on population (age 18–25) and Class XII pass-out statistics, with separate quotas for CBSE/ICSE.
- Division among streams—Science, Commerce, Humanities—is maintained in approximately 3:2:1 ratio, with flexibility if applications fall short.
2. Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must be enrolled in regular (not distance or correspondence) degree, professional, or postgraduate courses at recognized institutions (UGC, AICTE, or other regulatory bodies).
- Family income cap: ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
- Applicants must maintain at least 50% marks and 75% attendance each year for scholarship renewal.
- A bank account is mandatory, as funds are transferred via DBT to the student’s own account.
- Institutional verification of applications is required; unverified applications are rejected.
3. Exclusions
- Students pursuing diploma, distance, or receiving other scholarships or fee waivers are not eligible.
Financial Benefits & Disbursement
| Course Level | Amount per Annum |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Years 1–3) | ₹12,000 |
| Postgraduate (All years) | ₹20,000 |
| Integrated / Professional (4th & 5th yr) | ₹20,000 |
Technical courses like B.Tech/B.Engg:
- ₹12,000/year for first three years
- ₹20,000 in the fourth year
Scholarship funds are directly credited to students’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), facilitated by the NSP and PFMS infrastructure.
Application Process & Timeline
- Eligible students must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
- Applications should be submitted by October 31, 2025.
Following submissions:
- Institute-level verification: by November 15, 2025
- State Nodal Agency verification: by November 30, 2025
Importance & Impact
- Empowers meritorious yet economically constrained students to pursue higher education.
- Promotes gender equity, with equal scholarship slots allocated for boys and girls.
- Encourages academic retention and performance, through renewal conditions linked to attendance and marks.
- Promotes transparency and efficiency via direct fund disbursement through NSP and DBT systems.
Quick Summary: CSSS PM-USP
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) – Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM-USP) |
| Administered by | Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, Government of India |
| Annual Scholarships | 82,000 fresh awards annually (41,000 for boys, 41,000 for girls) |
| Quota Allocation | Based on state population (age 18–25) & Class 12 pass-outs; quota also split among CBSE, ICSE, State Boards |
| Course Coverage | Regular Undergrad, Postgrad, Professional, and Integrated degree courses |
| Exclusions | Students in distance learning, diploma courses, or receiving other scholarships/fee waivers |
| Family Income Ceiling | ₹4.5 lakh per annum (all sources) |
| Academic Eligibility | Must be in top 20 percentile of Class 12 board exams |
| Undergrad Scholarship | ₹12,000/year (Years 1–3) |
| Postgrad / Integrated Courses | ₹20,000/year (PG years & 4th–5th years of integrated/professional courses) |
| Renewal Criteria | Minimum 50% marks & 75% attendance each academic year |
| Disbursement Mode | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) & PFMS |
| Application Process | Online via National Scholarship Portal |
| Application Deadline (2025–26) | October 31, 2025 |
| Verification Deadlines | Institute verification by Nov 15, 2025; State Nodal Officer verification by Nov 30, 2025 |
| Official Guidelines PDF | Click Here |
Current Updates & Position
- The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially opened applications for the CSSS (PM-USP) for the academic year 2025–26. Both fresh applicants and renewals are eligible to apply via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) by October 31, 2025.
- The scheme continues to offer financial assistance of ₹12,000 per annum for undergraduate students and ₹20,000 per annum for postgraduate students.
- Institutions must verify applications through their internal nodal officers—failure to do so will result in invalidation of applications. Verification deadlines and institutional compliance are strongly emphasized.
- The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has published the list of eligible students—those in the top 20th percentile of the Class 12 exam—who can now apply for CSSS. Detailed application steps and deadlines are available through the official portal.
Important Links for CSSS (PM-USP) Scholarship
| Resource / Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Official CSSS Scheme Page – Ministry of Education | Click Here |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Home | Click Here |
| CSSS Guidelines PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Online for CSSS via NSP | Click Here |
| One-Time Registration (OTR) on NSP | Click Here |
| Check CSSS Application Status | Click Here |
| PFMS – Track Scholarship Payment | Click Here |
Note: The scheme is actively operational and central to supporting meritorious yet economically disadvantaged students.