Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) YojanPradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojan, particularly the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (PM-USP CSSS) is a critical initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. This scheme encourages students to pursue higher education without financial constraints. Below, we will break down the scheme’s features, eligibility, and how to apply for the scholarship.

Objective of PM-USP Yojana

The primary objective of the PM-USP CSSS is to financially assist meritorious students from poor families to help them meet their day-to-day expenses while pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. By doing so, the Government of India aims to support young students in accessing higher education opportunities, fostering an environment where financial challenges don’t hinder academic progress.

Scope of the PM-USP CSSS Scholarship

The scheme covers students pursuing graduate, postgraduate, and professional courses in various recognized institutions across India. A total of 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually based on the results of the Higher Secondary/Class XII Board Examinations. The scholarships are distributed to state education boards, and 50% of them are earmarked specifically for girls, promoting gender equality in higher education. Additionally, 3% of the scholarships are reserved for students from the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Allocation of Scholarships

To ensure a fair distribution, the scholarships are allocated across states based on the population of individuals aged 18-25 years. Each state receives scholarships for Humanities, Science, and Commerce streams in a 3:3:1 ratio. However, if there is a shortfall in applications, scholarships may be reallocated between states, categories (General, OBC, SC, ST), and gender to maximize the use of available slots.

Eligibility Criteria for PM-USP CSSS

To qualify for the PM-USP CSSS scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Performance: Only students who rank above the 80th percentile in their respective Class XII board exams are eligible.
• Regular Degree Courses: Scholarships are only available for students pursuing regular degree courses. Those in correspondence or diploma courses are ineligible.
• Recognized Institutions: Students must be enrolled in institutions recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or other relevant regulatory bodies.
• No Other Scholarship: The scholarship cannot be combined with any other financial aid, such as fee waivers or reimbursement schemes.
• Income Cap: The gross parental income must not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum.
• Renewal Requirements: Students must maintain a minimum of 50% marks annually, 75% attendance, and have no disciplinary complaints against them.

Reservation Under PM-USP CSSS

The scheme follows the Central Reservation Policy, with:

• 15% seats reserved for SC students,
• 7.5% seats reserved for ST students,
• 27% for OBC students,
• 5% horizontal reservation for students with benchmark disabilities (40% or more).

These reservations are implemented across all categories, ensuring that students from marginalized communities have equitable access to the scholarship.

Application Process for PM-USP CSSS

Applying for the PM-USP CSSS scholarship is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:

1. Online Application: Applications must be submitted online via the National Scholarships Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
2. Document Verification: Credentials such as educational qualifications and caste are verified through the DIGILOCKER facility.
3. State-Level Verification: Once the educational institute verifies the application, it is sent to the State Higher Education Department for final verification.
4. Selection List: After verification, a selection list is generated and displayed on the NSP.
5. Scholarship Renewal: For renewal, students must submit their renewal applications online, meeting the criteria mentioned earlier.

Scholarship Amount and Duration

The scholarship amount varies depending on the level of study:

• For undergraduate studies, students receive Rs. 12,000 per annum for the first three years.
• For postgraduate studies, the amount is Rs. 20,000 per annum.
• Students pursuing five-year integrated professional courses receive Rs. 12,000 for the first three years and Rs. 20,000 for the fourth and fifth years.

This financial aid continues throughout the course of study, as long as the student maintains the eligibility criteria, ensuring continuous support for their educational journey.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Scholarship Disbursement

The PM-USP CSSS scholarship is directly deposited into the student’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This ensures transparency and timely disbursement. Students can track their scholarship status using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) at pfms.nic.in by entering their Aadhaar, bank account number, or NSP application ID.

Role of Colleges and Universities

Institutions play an essential role in raising awareness about the scholarship scheme during the admission process. The Institute Nodal Officer (INO) is responsible for verifying students’ applications and ensuring Aadhaar-based authentication of all applicants. They are critical to the smooth functioning of the scholarship verification process.

Grievance Redressal

For any grievances regarding the PM-USP CSSS scholarship, students can lodge their complaints through the PG Portal at pgportal.gov.in. This ensures that any issues faced by the applicants are resolved in a timely and efficient manner.

Conclusion

The PM-USP CSSS scholarship is a valuable financial aid program for students from economically weaker sections, helping them overcome financial barriers to higher education. By offering a clear and streamlined application process, significant reservation benefits, and a transparent disbursement mechanism, the Government of India aims to support meritorious students in achieving their educational goals.

For more details, visit the National Scholarships Portal (NSP) and apply for the scholarship to unlock your future academic potential.

Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojan