The Ministry of Education runs the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections (EWS) so they can pursue higher education without financial barriers. To achieve this, the government allocates scholarships to State Education Boards based on the 18–25 age group population and the number of Class 12 pass-outs. In addition, it reserves shares for CBSE and CISCE students. Specifically, it sets aside 3% of the slots for Ladakh within Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Moreover, the authorities distribute scholarships among Humanities, Science, and Commerce streams in a 3:3:1 ratio. However, when fewer applications come in from one stream or category, they reallocate the slots across categories, gender, and state quotas to ensure maximum utilization. At the same time, they follow the Ministry of Finance and NITI Aayog guidelines on SC/ST fund allocation. Thus, the CSSS directly promotes inclusivity and ensures that deserving students do not lose opportunities because of financial constraints.
Eligibility Criteria for Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship
To apply for CSSS 2025–26, students must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualification:
- Must have passed Class 12 from a recognized board (CBSE/State Boards).
- Must be enrolled in a regular undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) course in a recognized institution within India.
- Merit Requirement:
- Students must be in the top 20th percentile of successful candidates in their respective Class 12 board examinations.
- Alternatively, students with percentile criteria as decided by individual boards will also be eligible.
- Income Limit:
- The annual family income must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per annum.
- Other Conditions:
- Only regular students (not correspondence/distance mode) are eligible.
- Students availing benefits from any other central government scholarship schemes are not eligible simultaneously.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship amount is credited directly to the student’s bank account via DBT:
- Undergraduate Level (UG): ₹10,000 per year (for 3 years).
- Postgraduate Level (PG): ₹20,000 per year (for 2 years).
- Professional Courses (integrated programs like Engineering/Medical): Scholarship is provided up to the 4th and 5th year, as per course duration.
Application Process
Students must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The steps are:
- Visit the official NSP website: https://scholarships.gov.in
- Register as a new user with Aadhaar-linked mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in personal, academic, and bank details.
- Upload required documents (Class 12 mark sheet, income certificate, caste certificate if applicable, institution verification form, etc.).
- Submit the form and take a printout for records.
- Application will be verified by the institution and then forwarded to the ministry.
Important Dates (2025–26 Session)
- Application Start Date: 1 August 2025
- Application Last Date: 31 October 2025
- Institute Verification Deadline: Mid-November 2025 (tentative)
- Disbursement of Scholarship: After verification and approval, amount will be released directly to students’ bank accounts.
Key Points to Remember
- Apply only through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – applications through other modes are not accepted.
- Students must maintain good academic performance and 75% attendance to continue receiving the scholarship.
- Renewal is required each academic year, subject to satisfactory performance.
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account is mandatory for DBT transfer.
Conclusion
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) provides an excellent opportunity for Class 12 passed students who enter UG and PG studies to receive financial assistance from the Government of India. When students apply on time through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), they receive ₹10,000 per year at the UG level and ₹20,000 per year at the PG level. This support directly eases their education expenses and motivates them to continue higher studies.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for CSSS 2025–26?
Ans: Students who have passed Class 12 from a recognized board in 2025, are enrolled in UG or PG courses in India, and belong to families with annual income below ₹4.5 lakh are eligible.
2. How much financial assistance is provided?
Ans: UG Students: ₹10,000 per year (for 3 years).
- PG Students: ₹20,000 per year (for 2 years).
- Professional Courses: Scholarship continues up to the 4th or 5th year, depending on the course.
3. How do I apply for CSSS?
Ans: You must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). No offline applications are accepted.
4. What documents are required for application?
Ans: Required Document:
- Class 12 mark sheet.
- Income certificate (issued by competent authority).
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Bank passbook copy (Aadhaar-seeded).
- Institution verification form signed by head of institution.
5. What is the income limit for CSSS?
Ans: The total annual family income must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh from all sources.
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