Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (PM-USP CSSS) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Up to Rs 12,000 a year for graduation (first three years) and Rs 20,000 a year for postgraduate study |
| Who can apply | Meritorious college and university students from poor families who passed Class XII |
| How it is paid | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student's bank account linked with Aadhaar |
| Apply at | scholarships.gov.in (National Scholarship Portal) or a Common Service Centre (CSC) |
| Cost to apply | Free on the portal. A CSC charges Rs 30 for the assisted service |
Key points
- Benefit is Rs 12,000 a year for graduation and Rs 20,000 a year for postgraduate study.
- Selection is based on your Class XII board exam marks.
- Your bank account must be linked with Aadhaar for the money to arrive.
- Renewal and fresh applications have deadlines, so check the portal for the current year.
So what exactly does a student get?
Students get a yearly scholarship amount paid directly into their bank account.
At the graduation level, the amount is Rs 12,000 a year for the first three years.
At the postgraduate level, the amount is Rs 20,000 a year.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The scheme supports degree courses in colleges and universities, and professional courses such as medical and engineering. Amounts can change, so confirm the latest figure on scholarships.gov.in.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The scholarship is meant for meritorious students from poor families.
Selection is based on the results of your Class XII or higher secondary board examination.
You must be studying in a college or university for a graduate or postgraduate degree, or a professional course.
The scheme is open to students across India, but eligibility rules and family income limits are set in the scheme guidelines. Check the portal before you apply.
What will you need to keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card ready, along with your Class XII marksheet.
Keep a bank account in your own name, and link it with your Aadhaar.
Keep your mobile number and email ID handy, since OTPs and updates come on them.
Your college may ask for original documents to verify your application, so keep them safe.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Go to scholarships.gov.in and register as a new student.
Log in and choose the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students.
Fill in your personal, academic and bank details, then upload the documents asked for.
Submit the form before the deadline, and note your application number for future use.
Can you apply offline at a Common Service Centre?
Yes, you can get the service done at a Common Service Centre, or CSC.
The CSC will generate your reference number, complete biometric authentication, and file the form for you.
The total fixed charge is Rs 30 per candidate, including all taxes.
Find the nearest centre on the CSC locator at locator.csccloud.in.
How do you check status, and what if the money is stuck?
Log in to scholarships.gov.in and check your application status under the tracking option.
If your application is marked invalid or defective, check with your college nodal officer.
Most payment delays happen because the bank account is not linked with Aadhaar, or the details do not match.
For face authentication problems, check your Aadhaar biometric lock status using the mAadhaar app or the My Aadhaar portal.
What are the important tips and warnings?
Apply well before the closing date, because late applications are not accepted.
Never pay any agent or website to apply. The official portal is free, and a CSC charges only the fixed fee.
Check the official site for the latest deadlines, since they change every year.
For help, use the contact options on scholarships.gov.in or visit your college office.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I am in a private college?
Eligibility depends on the scheme guidelines and your college being recognised. Check the portal for the current rules before you apply.
Is there a last date to apply?
Yes. Each year has a closing date for student applications, and institute verification has its own deadline. Check scholarships.gov.in for the latest dates.
Can I apply for another scholarship too?
Students may apply for one merit-based scholarship and one or more welfare-based scholarships, as per each scheme's eligibility.
Do I need an Aadhaar card?
Yes. Aadhaar is needed for registration and for the money to be paid into your bank account.
How much does it cost to apply?
Applying on the portal is free. A CSC charges Rs 30 for the assisted service.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
