For many students, the dream of pursuing higher education often remains unfulfilled due to financial constraints. Addressing this issue, the Ministry of Education has introduced the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students under the PM Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana.
The scheme aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections by providing financial assistance for higher education. Each year, around 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded to students across the country pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, medical, and engineering courses.
Objective of the Scheme:
The PM-USP scholarship is administered by the Department of Higher Education. Its primary goal is to help students meet their day-to-day educational expenses and continue their academic journey without financial hurdles.
Eligibility Criteria:
Students who have secured above the 80th percentile in Intermediate or equivalent board examinations are eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in regular degree courses, while those studying through distance mode are not eligible.
Candidates should be studying in institutions recognized by regulatory bodies such as AICTE. The annual family income must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh. Students already receiving other scholarships or fee reimbursement benefits are not eligible to apply.
Fresh applicants must submit an income certificate. For renewal, students need to secure at least 50% marks annually and maintain a minimum attendance of 75%.
Scholarship Benefits:
Undergraduate students receive ₹12,000 per year for the first three years. Postgraduate students are provided ₹20,000 annually. For integrated and professional courses, students receive ₹20,000 per year in the fourth and fifth years.
Engineering students pursuing BE/BTech courses receive ₹12,000 annually for the first three years and ₹20,000 in the fourth year.
Application Process:
Eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal ([www.scholarships.gov.in](http://www.scholarships.gov.in)). Applicants must first complete Aadhaar-based face authentication by downloading the NSP OTR App and AadhaarFaceRd app.
After authentication, students need to log in using their Aadhaar and mobile number, select the scholarship, fill in the required details, upload documents, and submit the application. Applications will be verified by the respective colleges and state nodal agencies.
Required Documents:
Applicants must submit their Intermediate mark memo, income certificate, Aadhaar and bank details, college admission proof with AISHE code, and caste certificate (if applicable). Renewal applicants must also provide previous year mark sheets.
The last date to apply is October 31, 2026, which also applies to renewal applications. Notably, 50% of the scholarships are reserved for female students.
Scholarship amounts are transferred directly to students’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Students can track their application status using their Aadhaar number or NSP ID via the PFMS portal.
Applicants are advised to complete the renewal process within the stipulated deadline, as late submissions will not be considered.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
