Introduction:
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS), also known as the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana, is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This merit-cum-means scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to support their higher education pursuits.
Objective of the Scheme
The primary objective of the CSSS is to reduce the dropout rate among students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with financial support. This assistance enables students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in colleges and universities across India, thereby promoting higher education and fostering academic excellence.
Eligibility Criteri
To be eligible for the CSSS, students must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Performance: Students should have secured above the 80th percentile in their respective streams (Science, Commerce, or Humanities) in the Class XII examination conducted by the respective Board of Examination
- Course Enrollment: Applicants must be pursuing a regular undergraduate or postgraduate course in a recognized institution.
- Family Income: The annual family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
- Exclusivity: Students should not be availing any other scholarship or fee reimbursement scheme.
- Other Conditions: Diploma students and those who have taken a gap year after Class XII are not eligible for this scholarship.
Scholarship Amount and Duration
The scholarship provides financial assistance as follows:
- Undergraduate Studies: ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years.
- Postgraduate Studies: ₹20,000 per annum.
- Professional Courses: For students pursuing professional courses of five years or integrated courses, ₹20,000 per annum is provided during the fourth and fifth years.
The scholarship is disbursed directly into the bank accounts of the selected students through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system
Reservation and Distribution
A total of 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually, with an equal distribution of 41,000 scholarships each for boys and girls. The allocation is further divided among the streams in the ratio of 3:2:1 for Science, Commerce, and Humanities, respectively. Additionally, reservations are provided as per the government norms: 15% for Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% for Other Backward Classes (OBC), and 5% horizontal reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) having a disability of 40% or more.
Application Process
Students can apply for the CSSS through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at The application process involves the following steps:
- Registration: Students must register on the NSP by providing the necessary details.
- Application Form: After registration, students need to fill in the application form, upload the required documents, and submit the form online.
- Verification: The application is then verified at the institute and district levels.
- Selection: Based on the eligibility criteria and merit, students are selected for the scholarship.
- Disbursement: The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account through DBT.
The application window typically opens between August and November each year.
Renewal of Scholarship
For the renewal of the scholarship in subsequent years, students must maintain a minimum of 50% marks in the annual examination and have at least 75% attendance. The renewal application should be submitted through the NSP within the stipulated time frame.
Impact and Significance
The CSSS has significantly contributed to increasing the enrollment of students from economically weaker sections in higher education institutions. By alleviating financial constraints, the scheme empowers students to focus on their studies and achieve academic success. Moreover, the equal distribution of scholarships among boys and girls promotes gender equality in higher education.
Conclusion
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is a commendable initiative by the Government of India to promote higher education among meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing financial assistance, the scheme not only reduces the dropout rate but also encourages students to pursue their academic aspirations without financial hindrance. Eligible students are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to further their education and contribute positively to society.
