Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students

About this scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is a merit-cum-means scholarship scheme implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India since 2008. The objective is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker families to meet a part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies. A maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually on the basis of Class XII board examination results. The scholarships are allocated amongst State Education Boards based on the state's population in the 18-25 age group, with 50% earmarked for girls. Slots are distributed among Humanities, Science, and Commerce streams in the ratio of 3:3:1, and distributed across reserved categories as per the Central Reservation Policy (15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC, and 5% horizontal reservation for PwD). The scholarship is renewable year-to-year up to post-graduate level, with renewal contingent on securing at least 50% marks in the annual examination and maintaining at least 75% attendance. The total tenure does not exceed 5 years. Disbursement is done via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student's own bank account.

Eligibility

• Class XII performance: Must be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream from the respective Board of Examination in Class XII of 10+2 pattern or equivalent
• Course type: Must be pursuing a regular degree course (not correspondence, distance mode, or diploma courses) at a college/institution recognised by AICTE and the respective regulatory bodies
• Family income: Gross parental/family income must not exceed ₹4,50,000 per annum. Income certificate is required only for fresh applicants
• Other scholarships: Must not be availing benefit of any other scholarship scheme, including state-run scholarship schemes, fee waiver, or reimbursement schemes
• Admission timing: Students who have completed Class XII in the last academic year and got admission in the 1st year of a regular graduation course are eligible for fresh scholarship. Students who took a drop after Class XII are not eligible
• Renewal criteria: Must secure at least 50% marks in the annual examination and maintain at least 75% attendance for scholarship renewal in subsequent years

Benefits

• ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years of graduation (college and university courses)
• ₹20,000 per annum at post-graduation level
• ₹12,000 per annum for B.Tech/B.Engg. in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year; ₹20,000 in 4th year
• ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th year for 5-year integrated/professional courses
• Maximum of 82,000 fresh scholarships awarded annually (50% earmarked for girls)
• Renewable year-to-year up to post-graduate level for a total duration not exceeding 5 years
• Disbursed directly to the student's bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
• Reservation benefits as per Central Reservation Policy (15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27% OBC, 5% PwD)

Required documents

• Class XII MarksheetShowing position in the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream
• Family Income CertificateCertifying gross annual family income up to ₹4,50,000; required only for fresh applicants
• Category/Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC)(optional)Required if applying under reserved category quotas
• Disability Certificate(optional)Required if applying under PwD horizontal reservation (40% or more disability)
• Aadhaar CardLinked to the student's bank account
• Bank Passbook (student's own account)Savings bank account in the student's own name, Aadhaar-seeded for DBT
• Institution Bonafide / Admission LetterConfirming enrolment in a regular degree course with a valid AISHE code
• Previous Year Marksheet (for renewal)(optional)Required for renewal applicants showing at least 50% marks in the annual examination

Frequently asked