The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, runs “Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students”. The main goal of the program is to help meritorious students from underprivileged backgrounds financially so they may cover some of their daily needs while still in school. The Higher Secondary/ Class 12th Board Examination results determine whether or not one qualifies for the scholarships. Pursuing Graduate/Postgraduate degrees in colleges and universities as well as for professional courses including Medical, Engineering etc., a maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships annually are offered.
Benefits
Rate of Scholarship
| Level of Study | Scholarship Amount (₹) per annum |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) – First 3 years | ₹12,000 per annum |
| Postgraduate (PG) – First 2 years | ₹20,000 per annum |
| Professional Courses (4th & 5th year, if applicable) | ₹20,000 per annum |
Mode of Disbursal
- The scholarship amount will be transferred directly into the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Students must have a bank account in their name for receiving the scholarship.
Eligibility
To apply for the PM-USP Scholarship, students must fulfill the following criteria:
- Academic Merit: Must have scored above the 80th percentile in the Class 12th Board Examination from a recognized education board.
- Course Type: Must be pursuing a regular degree course in a recognized college/university approved by AICTE, UGC, or other regulatory bodies.
- Family Income: The gross parental/family income should not exceed ₹4,50,000 per annum.
- Attendance & Performance for Renewal:
- Minimum 50% marks in the annual examination.
- At least 75% attendance in college/university.
Exclusions
- Students pursuing diploma courses, distance learning, or correspondence programs are not eligible.
- Students receiving benefits from other scholarship schemes, fee waiver programs, or reimbursement schemes cannot apply.
Application Process
Online Application (New Registration & Fresh Applications)
Steps to Apply via the National Scholarships Portal (NSP):
- Visit NSP: Go to the National Scholarship Portal.
- Click on “New Registration”: Read the guidelines, accept the terms, and click “Continue”.
- Fill Registration Form: Enter personal details, Class 12th board details, and bank information.
- Get Application ID & Password: After registration, NSP generates an Application ID, which will be sent to the registered mobile number via SMS.
- Login & Complete the Application Form: Enter Application ID & password, verify using OTP, and set a new password.
- Fill in Educational Details: Enter institution name, course details, and upload required documents.
- Submit the Application: Click “Final Submit” after reviewing all details.
Application Tracking
- Students can track their payment status via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) using:
- Aadhaar Number
- Bank Account Number
- NSP Application ID
Important Notes
- The NSP Portal opens for applications at specific times announced yearly.
- Verification occurs at two levels:
- By the student’s institution
- By the State Higher Education Department
Documents Required
Students must upload self-attested scanned copies of the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card (for identity verification).
- Bank Passbook (for Direct Benefit Transfer).
- Parental Income Certificate (issued by a competent authority).
- Class 12th Marksheet (to confirm eligibility percentile).
- Caste Certificate (if applicable for category-based benefits).
- Disability Certificate (if applicable).
- E-mail ID & Mobile Number (for communication).
Grievance Redressal & Contact Details
For any grievances or queries, students can:
- File complaints on the PG Portal: PG Portal for Grievances.
- Contact the National Scholarship Division:
Address:
Section Officer, National Scholarship Division
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
West Block 1, 2nd Floor, Wing 6, Room No. 6,
R. K. Puram, Sector 1, New Delhi 110066
Tele: 011-20862360
Email: sonationalscholarship@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How is the merit list generated for selecting students?
A: The merit list is based on Class 12th board exam scores, with students in the top 80th percentile eligible.
Q: What is the scholarship duration?
A: Graduation level: ₹12,000 per year for the first three years.
Postgraduation level: ₹20,000 per year for the next two years.
Professional courses: ₹20,000 per year for the 4th & 5th years (if applicable).
Q: How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
A: The scholarship is transferred directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Q: Can diploma students apply for this scholarship?
A: No, diploma students are not eligible under this scheme.
Q: Can a student apply for this scholarship while availing another state-run scholarship?
A: No, students cannot apply if they are already benefiting from other scholarships, fee waivers, or reimbursement programs.
Q: What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
A: Students will not be permanently debarred, but they must submit renewal applications within the given cut-off date.
Q: How can I check the status of my application?
A: Students can check the status through the NSP Portal or via PFMS Portal.
Q: Can students from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds get additional benefits?
A: Yes, students from reserved categories and economically weaker sections may receive additional reservation-based benefits as per the Central Government policy.