Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM USP) Yojana guidelines are available to download in PDF format on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. The scheme, earlier known as the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS), gives money help to meritorious students from poor families who want to continue higher education.
Ministry of Education, Government of India runs the scheme and awards scholarships on the basis of Class 12 board exam results. For the 2026-27 academic year, renewal applications opened on 1 June 2026 and fresh applications started in August 2026 on the National Scholarship Portal.
About PM USP Yojana
PM USP Yojana supports students from poor families so they can continue higher education without worrying about money problems. Scholarships are given based on Class 12 board exam results, and the amount is sent directly to eligible students every year.
The scheme helps bright students study regular degree or diploma courses, especially those who score above the 80th percentile and belong to families with lower income. Around 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded every year, and 50 percent of these are reserved for girls.
PM USP Yojana Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana |
| Launched By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Meritorious students from poor families |
| Benefit Amount | Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | scholarships.gov.in |
PM USP Yojana Eligibility
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 rupees 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.
- 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.
Scholarship Amount
The scholarship amount depends on the level of study. Students get Rs 12,000 per year during the first three years of graduation, and this rises to Rs 20,000 per year for the fourth and fifth years of professional or integrated courses. Postgraduate students also get Rs 20,000 per year.
How to Apply Online
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 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 - Choose the PM USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students and 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).
STEP 4 - Submit the form and inform your college so they can verify it online without delay.
STEP 5 - Once college verification is done, the application moves forward automatically to the concerned education board, and the amount is paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the Aadhaar seeded bank account.
FAQ's
Where can students download the PM USP Yojana guidelines PDF?
The guidelines PDF is available on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
What is the income limit under PM USP Yojana?
The family income limit is up to 4.5 lakh rupees per year.
When can students apply for the 2026-27 academic year?
Renewal applications opened on 1 June 2026 and fresh applications started in August 2026 on the National Scholarship Portal.
Is college verification required?
Yes, online verification by college is required for processing the application further.
