The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Scholarship 2026, formerly known as the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS), is a flagship scholarship offered by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker families pursuing higher education in recognized colleges and universities across India.
For the 2026–27 academic session, eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after completing One-Time Registration (OTR). The scholarship supports undergraduate and postgraduate students by helping them meet educational and day-to-day academic expenses. Every year, around 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded, with 50% reserved for female students, along with reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates as per Government norms.
This guide explains everything about PM-USP Scholarship 2026, including eligibility, scholarship amount, benefits, required documents, online application process, renewal, application status, and FAQs.
What is PM-USP Scholarship 2026?
The PM-USP Scholarship is a merit-cum-means scholarship designed to encourage deserving students to pursue higher education by providing annual financial assistance.
The objectives of the scheme are:
- Promote higher education among meritorious students.
- Support students from economically weaker families.
- Reduce financial barriers to college education.
- Encourage academic excellence.
- Increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education.
Benefits of PM-USP Scholarship
Eligible students receive:
- Financial assistance for higher education.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to their bank account.
- Annual scholarship throughout the eligible course duration.
- Online application and renewal through NSP.
- Transparent selection and verification process.
Scholarship Amount
Selected students receive:
- ₹12,000 per year for the first three years of undergraduate courses.
- ₹20,000 per year for the 4th and 5th year of professional or integrated courses.
- ₹20,000 per year for postgraduate studies under the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should generally meet the following conditions:
- Be an Indian citizen.
- Be among the top 20 percentile (or as notified by the Government for the relevant academic year) of successful candidates in the Class 12 Board Examination.
- Be pursuing a regular undergraduate or postgraduate degree course in a recognized institution.
- Have an annual family income not exceeding ₹4.5 lakh under the official PM-USP CSSS guidelines.
- Not be receiving another Central or State Government scholarship for the same purpose.
- Diploma and distance education students are generally not eligible.
Eligible Courses
The scholarship covers regular degree programmes such as:
- BA
- BSc
- BCom
- BBA
- BCA
- B.Tech / BE
- MBBS
- BDS
- B.Pharm
- Nursing
- Integrated Degree Courses
- MA
- MSc
- MCom
- MBA
- MCA
- Other recognized undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Aadhaar-linked Mobile Number
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Income Certificate
- Admission Letter
- Bonafide Certificate
- Bank Passbook
- Passport-size Photograph
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Email ID
How to Apply Online for PM-USP Scholarship 2026
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step 2
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar.
Step 3
Log in using your OTR ID.
Step 4
Select PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students.
Step 5
Fill in:
- Personal Details
- Academic Details
- Institution Details
- Bank Account Details
Step 6
Upload the required documents.
Step 7
Verify all details carefully.
Step 8
Submit the application and download the acknowledgement receipt for future reference.
How to Check PM-USP Scholarship Status
Follow these steps:
- Log in to the National Scholarship Portal.
- Click Track Application Status.
- Enter your login credentials.
- View your application, verification, and payment status.
Students can also track scholarship payments through the PFMS portal after approval.
Renewal Process
Students can renew the scholarship if they:
- Continue the approved course.
- Pass the previous academic year.
- Meet the prescribed academic performance requirements.
- Submit the renewal application through NSP before the deadline.
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
Applications may be rejected because of:
- Family income exceeding the prescribed limit.
- Not meeting the required merit criteria.
- Incorrect or incomplete application.
- Missing documents.
- Incorrect bank account details.
- Institution verification failure.
- Duplicate applications.
- Admission in an ineligible course.
Important Tips
Before applying:
- Complete OTR registration first.
- Apply only through the official NSP portal.
- Ensure Aadhaar is linked with your bank account.
- Upload clear and valid documents.
- Verify institution details carefully.
- Submit the application before the last date.
- Save your application number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is PM-USP Scholarship?
PM-USP (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan) is a Central Government merit-cum-means scholarship for eligible college and university students.
Who can apply?
Students pursuing regular undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses who meet the prescribed merit and family income criteria can apply.
What is the scholarship amount?
Eligible students receive ₹12,000 per year during the first three years of undergraduate studies and ₹20,000 per year for postgraduate studies and the 4th/5th year of eligible professional courses.
Is OTR mandatory?
Yes. Fresh applicants must complete One-Time Registration (OTR) before applying through the National Scholarship Portal.
How is the scholarship amount paid?
The scholarship is transferred directly to the student’s Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Conclusion
The PM-USP Scholarship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for academically talented students from economically weaker families to pursue higher education with financial support from the Government of India. By completing OTR registration, submitting accurate documents, and applying through the National Scholarship Portal within the prescribed timeline, eligible students can benefit from this merit-cum-means scholarship and continue their education with reduced financial burden.
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