AI SummaryPradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students provides financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds. This central scholarship scheme assists students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees by covering part of their recurring daily expenses based on their Class 12 board examination performance.
The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, runs this scheme to help meritorious students from low-income families. The government offers up to 82,000 new scholarships annually to students enrolled in various graduate, postgraduate, and professional courses, including engineering and medicine. Applications for the 2026-27 academic year opened on 1 June 2026 on the National Scholarship Portal.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students - Introduction
This scheme 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. The Ministry of Education, Government of India manages the scheme and sends the amount directly to eligible students every year through Direct Benefit Transfer.
The scheme aims to help bright students continue studies in regular degree courses, especially those who score above the 80th percentile and belong to families with annual income up to ₹4.5 lakh. Students must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. The portal is open for fresh and renewal applications for the 2026-27 session.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students |
| Level | Central |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| States | All |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Department | Department of Higher Education |
| Benefit Type | Cash (DBT) |
| Application Portal | National Scholarship Portal |
| Fresh/Renewal Last Date (2026-27) | 31 October 2026 |
| Institute Verification Last Date | 15 November 2026 |
Benefits
This scheme offers financial assistance directly into your account. The annual scholarship amounts are provided as follows:
| Course Level | Annual Scholarship |
|---|---|
| Graduation (First 3 Years) | ₹12,000 |
| Post-graduation | ₹20,000 |
| Professional Courses (4th & 5th Year) | ₹20,000 |
| Technical Courses (B.Tech/B.Engg 4th Year) | ₹20,000 |
For example, if Rahul is in his first year of a B.Sc. program, he receives ₹12,000 per year. Once he enters his post-graduation, his scholarship amount increases to ₹20,000 per year. Payments are sent directly to your Aadhaar-seeded bank account using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. You can check payment status through the PFMS portal using your Aadhaar or Application ID.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scholarship, you should meet the following criteria:
- You must have scored above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in your respective Class 12 Board Examination.
- You should be enrolled in a regular degree course at an institution recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education or other relevant regulatory bodies.
- Your total family income must be ₹4,50,000 or less per annum.
- To renew your scholarship, you should maintain at least 50% marks in your annual exams and have a minimum of 75% attendance.
- You must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account in your own name.
- One Time Registration (OTR) is mandatory - a 14-digit number generated using your Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID, valid for your entire academic career.
Exclusions
Please note that you are not eligible if you are:
- Pursuing distance or correspondence learning courses.
- Enrolled in diploma programs.
- Already receiving benefits from another scholarship scheme, state-funded fee waivers, or reimbursements.
Application Process
Online Application Process
You should apply through the official National Scholarships Portal.
STEP 1 - Complete One Time Registration (OTR) by visiting the portal, selecting the OTR option, and verifying your Aadhaar via e-KYC. After completing face authentication using the NSP OTR and Aadhaar FaceRD apps, you will receive a 14-digit OTR number via SMS. This OTR is valid for your entire academic career.
STEP 2 - Login using your OTR credentials, select PM-USP CSSS under Central Sector Scholarship, fill in the required fields, and upload your documents. Your details like caste and marks will be verified via DigiLocker.
STEP 3 - Submit the form and inform your college so they can verify it online without delay. College verification must be completed by 15 November 2026 for the 2026-27 session.
STEP 4 - Once college verification is done, the application moves forward automatically to the concerned education board for L2 verification, which closes on 30 November 2026.
Students facing face authentication error 904 should update the UIDAI AadhaarFACERD App from PlayStore. Also check that biometrics are unlocked in your Aadhaar using the mAadhaar app or My Aadhaar web portal before attempting face authentication. NSP services are also available at Common Service Centres (CSCs) for a fixed charge of ₹30 per candidate.
Documents
Ensure you have digital copies of these documents ready:
For New Applicants: Class 12 Mark Sheet, Family Income Certificate, Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable), and Disability Certificate (if applicable).
For Renewal: Previous Year Mark Sheet.
Keep physical copies accessible, as your college may request them during the verification process.
References
Official Guidelines PDF | CPGRAMS Grievance Portal | NPCI BASE Platform Guide | Find Nearest CSC
FAQ's
What is the last date for PM-USP CSSS applications for 2026-27?
The last date for student application is 31 October 2026. Institute verification closes on 15 November 2026 and L2 verification 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.
What is One Time Registration (OTR) and is it mandatory?
OTR is a unique 14-digit number generated using your Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID. It is mandatory for all scholarship applications on NSP from academic year 2024-25 onwards and remains valid for your entire academic career.
Can old renewal applicants from previous years apply again?
Yes, students who missed filling renewal forms in previous years (2020 to 2024) can apply for renewal in the current year if they meet all eligibility conditions.
Is college verification required?
Yes, online verification by college is compulsory for processing the application further. Without this step, no student will get scholarship benefit.
What is the income limit under PM-USP CSSS?
The family income limit is up to ₹4.5 lakh per year. Fresh applicants must upload an income certificate.
How can I track my payment?
You may use the 'Know Your Payment' feature on the PFMS portal by entering your bank account or Aadhaar number.
Where can I report grievances?
If you face any issues, you can lodge a complaint via the CPGRAMS portal or contact the Nodal Officer mentioned on the NSP portal.
What if I face face authentication errors?
If you get error 904 during face authentication, update the UIDAI AadhaarFACERD App from PlayStore. Also ensure your Aadhaar biometrics are unlocked using the mAadhaar app or My Aadhaar web portal before trying again.
Are NSP services available at Common Service Centres?
Yes, NSP services including OTR generation, biometric authentication, and application filing are available at CSCs for a fixed charge of ₹30 per candidate (inclusive of all taxes).