AI SummaryPradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM USP) is accepting fresh and renewal applications for the 2026-27 academic session on the National Scholarship Portal. The scheme, earlier known as the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS), gives yearly money help to meritorious students from poor families who want to continue higher education.
Renewal applications opened on 1 June 2026 and fresh applications started in August 2026. Students can submit their online forms till 31 October 2026 on the portal. After the student deadline, institute verification closes on 15 November 2026 and the L2 verification ends on 30 November 2026.
Ministry of Education, Government of India manages the scheme and awards scholarships on the basis of Class 12 board exam results. Around 82,000 fresh scholarships are given every year, and 50 percent of these are reserved for girls. The amount is paid directly to eligible students through DBT to their Aadhaar seeded bank accounts.
Eligible students get different amounts at different stages of study. Students in the first three years of graduation get ₹12,000 per year, while students in the fourth and fifth years of professional or integrated courses get ₹20,000 per year. Postgraduate students also get ₹20,000 per year. First time applicants must complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the portal before filling the form. Complete scheme rules are available in the PM USP Yojana guidelines.
PM USP Yojana Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana |
| Session | 2026-27 |
| Launched By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Meritorious students from poor families |
| Benefit Amount | ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date | 31 October 2026 |
| Official Website | scholarships.gov.in |
Online Application and Verification Process
Students can complete the online form on the National Scholarship Portal easily. After submitting the form, college verification becomes very important. Without this step, no student will get the scholarship benefit.
STEP 1 - Visit the official NSP website at scholarships.gov.in and complete One Time Registration (OTR) using Aadhaar based face authentication.
STEP 2 - Log in with the OTR number and choose Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students). Fill all details like personal information, Class 12 marks, course details and bank account information carefully.
STEP 3 - Upload required documents such as income certificate (for fresh applicants), Class 12 mark sheet and previous year mark sheet (for renewal applicants).
STEP 4 - Submit the form and inform your college so they can verify it online without delay. Students can also take help from nearby Common Service Centres (CSCs) for OTR and form filling.
STEP 5 - Once college verification is done, the application moves forward automatically to the concerned education board. The scholarship amount is then paid through DBT to the Aadhaar seeded bank account.
Eligibility for PM USP Yojana
Students need to read the rules carefully before applying so their form does not get rejected later. The main conditions are given below.
- Students must be above the 80th percentile in Class 12 board examination of any recognized board, so only high-performing students receive support.
- Students should be studying a regular degree or diploma course, not distance or correspondence mode courses.
- College or institution must be recognized by AICTE or other related bodies so that the scholarship is valid for the selected course.
- Students must not be taking any other scholarship or fee reimbursement scheme at the same time, as double benefits are not allowed.
- Family income should not be more than ₹4.5 lakh per year, and fresh applicants must upload an income certificate.
- Students changing college can continue getting scholarship if the new institute has a valid AISHE code available on aishe.gov.in.
- Students who missed filling renewal form in previous year can still apply this year if they meet all renewal conditions.
- To renew scholarship, students must score at least 50 percent in annual exam and maintain 75 percent attendance every year.
- Any involvement in ragging, bad behaviour or criminal activity will cancel the scholarship immediately.
- All students must apply only through the National Scholarship Portal, as the Ministry will not accept forms sent directly.
Students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh can also check the PM USP Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for study outside their home regions.
FAQ's
What is the last date for PM USP CSSS applications?
Students can apply till 31 October 2026 for the 2026-27 academic session. Institute verification closes on 15 November 2026 and L2 verification ends on 30 November 2026.
Where can students apply for the scholarship?
All applications must be submitted online on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
Can old renewal applicants apply again?
Yes, renewal applications for PM USP CSSS are open. Students who missed renewal in the previous year can apply again if they meet all renewal conditions.
Is college verification required?
Yes, online verification by college is required for processing the application further.
What is the scholarship amount under PM USP Yojana?
Students get ₹12,000 per year during the first three years of graduation and ₹20,000 per year in the fourth and fifth years of professional or integrated courses. Postgraduate students also get ₹20,000 per year.
What is the income limit under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana?
The family income limit is up to ₹4.5 lakh per year.