The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for College and University Students (CSSS) is a flagship scholarship program of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, designed to support meritorious students from economically weaker families in pursuing higher education. The main aim of this scheme is to ensure that no talented student is forced to drop out of college due to financial problems.
This scholarship is awarded based on Class 12 Board Examination performance, and every year around 82,000 fresh scholarships are given to students studying in graduation, post-graduation, and professional courses like Engineering and Medical. Notably, 50% of the total scholarships are reserved for girl students, promoting higher education among women in India.
Objective of Central Sector Scholarship Scheme
The primary objective of the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme is to provide financial assistance to deserving students so that they can meet their daily academic expenses such as books, stationery, hostel charges, and other study-related costs. This scheme plays a crucial role in reducing the dropout rate after Class 12 and encourages students to continue their higher studies without financial stress.
By supporting talented students from low-income families, the government aims to build a skilled, educated, and self-reliant youth population that contributes to the country’s long-term development.
How Many Scholarships Are Available?
Under this scheme, 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded every year across India. These scholarships are distributed among different State Education Boards based on the population of the 18–25 age group and the number of students passing Class 12 from each board.
The subject-wise distribution ratio is Arts: 3, Science: 3, and Commerce: 1. From the academic year 2022–23, unused slots can be interchanged between categories (General, OBC, SC, ST), genders, and even state quotas to ensure maximum utilization of available scholarships.
Central Sector Scholarship Amount Details
The scholarship amount varies according to the course level. Graduation students receive Rs. 12,000 per year for the first three years. Post-graduation students receive Rs. 20,000 per year. Students of 5-year integrated or professional courses receive Rs. 20,000 per year in the 4th and 5th year.
For technical courses like B.Tech or B.E., students receive Rs. 12,000 per year for the first three years and Rs. 20,000 in the fourth year. The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Central Sector Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme, a student must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board and must be studying in a regular full-time course. Distance or correspondence courses are not eligible.
The family annual income should not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh, and the student should not be receiving benefits from any other scholarship scheme. Only students who meet all these conditions are considered for selection.
Reservation Policy Under the Scheme
The scholarship follows the Central Government Reservation Policy. Under this policy, 15% seats are reserved for SC students, 7.5% for ST students, 27% for OBC students, and 5% horizontal reservation is provided for students with 40% or more disability.
Reservation benefits are provided purely on the basis of merit, subject to availability of slots.
How to Apply on National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?
Students can apply for this scholarship only through the National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in.
On this portal, students can submit the online application, check application status, view guidelines and instructions, and complete the verification process. All scholarship payments are processed through DBT to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
The PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme is specially designed for students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to encourage them to study in reputed institutions across India. Every year, 5,000 fresh students are selected under this scheme.
Under this scheme, General Degree students get Rs. 30,000 per year as tuition fee, Engineering students get up to Rs. 1.25 lakh per year, Medical students get up to Rs. 3.0 lakh per year, and all students get Rs. 1.0 lakh per year as maintenance allowance.
Scholarship Disbursement Process
The tuition fee is paid directly to the institution. The maintenance allowance is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through DBT.
If the college fee is higher than the prescribed limit, the extra amount is not reimbursed.
Official Contact Details
National Scholarship Division
Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education
West Block-1, RK Puram, New Delhi – 110066
Phone: 011-26172917, 26172491, 26165238
FAQs
1. What is the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme? It is a Government of India scholarship scheme that provides financial support to meritorious students from low-income families to pursue higher education.
2. Who can apply for this scholarship? Students who have passed Class 12, are studying in a regular course, and whose family income is below Rs. 4.5 lakh per year can apply.
3. How much scholarship amount is given? Students get Rs. 12,000 per year at graduation level and Rs. 20,000 per year at post-graduation or in later years of professional courses.
4. How to apply for the Central Sector Scholarship? Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
5. How is the scholarship amount paid? The scholarship amount is paid directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Conclusion
The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme and PM-USP Scholarship Scheme are golden opportunities for students who are academically bright but financially weak. These schemes not only reduce the financial burden on families but also ensure that talent is never wasted due to lack of money. If you are eligible, make sure to apply on the National Scholarship Portal before the deadline and secure your future.
Read More: National Fellowship & Scholarship for ST Students
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