Central Sector Scholarship; Benefits, Eligibility & Others

Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) now part of the 'Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan' (PM-USP) scheme is a scholarship program under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. This scholarship aims to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families in pursuing higher education. It is awarded based on Class XII board examination results and applies to undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses.

Overview of Central Sector Scholarship

• Scholarship Name: Central Sector Scholarship
• Offered By: Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Scheme Under: PM-USP Yojana
• Scholarship Type: Merit-cum-Means
• Beneficiaries: UG, PG & Professional Course Students
• Fresh Scholarships: 82,000 per year
• Reserved for Girls: 50%
• Application Mode: Online

Objective of CSSS Scholarship

The objective of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from low-income families, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial hardship and to cover a portion of their educational and daily expenses.

Eligibility Criteria of Central Sector Scholarship

A student must meet the following criteria:

Must have scored above the 80th percentile in the Class 12 board examination within their respective stream.

Must be currently pursuing a regular undergraduate or postgraduate course.

Students enrolled in distance learning or correspondence courses are not eligible.

Annual family income must not exceed Rs.4.5 lakh.

Must not be receiving any other scholarship or fee reimbursement from the government.

Students pursuing diploma courses are not eligible.

Students who have taken a gap year after Class 12 are generally not considered eligible for new applications.

Amount of Central Sector Scholarship

• Graduation (1st to 3rd Year) - Rs.12,000 per year
• Postgraduate Studies - Rs.20,000 per year
• Professional Courses (4th & 5th Year) - Rs.20,000 per year

Family Income of Central Sector Scholarship

The total annual income of parents or guardians from all sources must not exceed Rs. 4.5 lakh. An income certificate issued by the competent authority must be submitted at the time of application.

Courses Covered of Central Sector Scholarship

Students enrolled in the following courses can apply:

• BA, BSc, BCom
• BBA, BCA
• Engineering Courses (B.Tech/BE)
• Medical Courses (MBBS, BDS, Nursing)
• Law Courses
• Integrated Degree Courses
• Postgraduate Degree Courses
• Other recognized regular degree programmes

Benefits of Central Sector Scholarship

Financial assistance for higher education.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student's bank account.
Available for students from all categories.
Reduces the financial burden on families.
Supports continuation of higher studies.

Documents Required of Central Sector Scholarship

• Aadhaar Card
• Class 12 Marksheet
• Income Certificate
• Bank Account Passbook
• Admission Proof/Bonafide Certificate
• Passport-size Photograph
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

Application Process of Central Sector Scholarship

1. Visit the National Scholarship Portal: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
2. Register as a new applicant.
3. Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
4. Log in and select Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS).
5. Fill in academic, personal, and bank details.
6. Upload the required documents.
7. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

Central Sector Scholarship - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. Can diploma students apply?

• Answer: No, diploma students are not eligible.

Q2. Is there any category reservation?

• Answer: The scheme is open to all categories, subject to eligibility and merit criteria.

Q3. Where can I apply?

• Answer: Applications must be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).