The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) scheme, also known as the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students, is a merit-based scholarship offered by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. It aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections in meeting a part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies.
✅ Key Highlights of the PM-USP Scholarship Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) – Central Sector Scheme |
| Launched by | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Eligibility | Meritorious students with family income ≤ ₹4.5 lakh per annum |
| Level of Study | Undergraduate and postgraduate (regular degree courses) |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 per year (UG), ₹20,000 per year (PG) |
| Total Duration | Up to 5 years (subject to academic performance and renewal criteria) |
| Application Mode | Online via National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Selection Criteria | Merit based on Class 12 board examination results |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Qualification:
- Must have secured top 20% positions in the Class 12th board exams (each board prepares its own cutoff).
- Must be pursuing a regular undergraduate or postgraduate course from a recognized college/university in India.
- Income Limit:
- Parental/family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
- Other Requirements:
- Must not be availing any other scholarship under Central/State Government schemes.
💰 Scholarship Amount
| Course Level | Scholarship Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000/month) | Up to 3 years |
| Postgraduate | ₹20,000 per year (₹1,667/month) | Up to 2 years |
| Professional Courses (5-year Integrated) | ₹12,000 for first 3 years + ₹20,000 for next 2 years | Total 5 years |
🔄 Renewal Criteria
To renew the scholarship each year, the student must:
- Maintain a minimum 75% attendance.
- Pass in each subject with at least 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
- Not switch to another course or institution mid-way (except for valid reasons with prior approval).
- Provide annual income certificate and academic performance proof on NSP.
📅 Application Process
- Visit National Scholarship Portal
- Register as a new user (if applying for the first time).
- Complete the online application form and upload required documents.
- Submit and track the application status via the portal.
📄 Documents Required
- Class 12th Marksheet
- Income Certificate (issued by competent authority)
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank account details (in student’s name)
- Bonafide certificate from institution
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
📌 Important Notes
- This is a merit-cum-means scholarship, so both academic performance and income are critical.
- Top 82,000 students (41,000 boys and 41,000 girls) are selected every year.
- Applications usually open around July to October each academic year.
