Details

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is a flagship initiative of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. This scholarship scheme has been designed with the vision of empowering bright and deserving students from economically weaker families by extending financial support that helps them continue their higher education without excessive financial burden.

The primary aim of the scheme is to encourage merit while addressing the challenges faced by students belonging to underprivileged backgrounds. By providing financial assistance, the scheme seeks to meet a part of their daily expenses during the course of their academic journey, thereby reducing the risk of talented students discontinuing education due to financial constraints.

Selection for this scholarship is based on the performance of students in the Higher Secondary or Class 12th Board Examination, ensuring that merit remains the key factor. Each year, the scheme awards up to 82,000 new scholarships across the country. These scholarships cover a wide range of academic pursuits, including graduate and postgraduate programs in colleges and universities, as well as professional courses such as Medical and Engineering.

Through this initiative, the Government of India not only aims to strengthen the higher education system but also strives to create an inclusive academic environment where financial difficulties do not stand as a barrier to knowledge and growth. The PM-USP scheme thus serves as a vital step towards fostering educational equity, nurturing talent, and supporting the aspirations of countless young minds across the nation.

Benefits

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Scholarship Scheme provides structured financial support to students based on the level and nature of their higher studies. The benefits are as follows:

1. Graduation Level: Students pursuing undergraduate courses are awarded ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years of college and university education.

2. Post-Graduation Level: At the postgraduate stage, the scholarship amount is enhanced to ₹20,000 per annum, ensuring continued assistance for advanced studies.

3. Professional/Integrated Courses (Five Years): For students enrolled in longer professional or integrated programs, the scheme offers ₹20,000 per annum during the 4th and 5th years, thereby covering the extended academic duration.

4. Technical Courses (B.Tech/B.Engg.): Students pursuing technical degrees receive ₹12,000 per annum for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, followed by ₹20,000 in the 4th year, aligning with the standard duration of such courses.

This tiered structure ensures that students across diverse academic fields receive financial support appropriate to the demands of their respective programs.

Mode of Disbursal

To maintain transparency and efficiency, the scholarship is disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The funds are credited directly into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries. This mechanism minimizes delays, reduces leakages, and ensures that financial assistance reaches the students promptly and securely.

Eligibility

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scholarship Scheme has laid down specific eligibility conditions to ensure that only deserving and genuinely needy students benefit from the initiative. The criteria are as follows:

Academic Performance: Applicants must be among the top 20% (above the 80th percentile) of successful candidates in their respective stream in the Class 12th Board Examination (10+2 pattern or equivalent). This ensures that the scholarships are awarded purely on merit.

Course Requirement: The applicant should be enrolled in regular degree courses at recognized colleges or universities.

Institutional Recognition: The institution where the student is pursuing higher education must be recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or the respective regulatory body for the chosen course.

Income Limit: The gross annual income of the applicant’s family must not exceed ₹4,50,000. This condition ensures that the scholarship primarily benefits students from economically weaker sections.

Renewal Conditions: To continue receiving the scholarship each year, the student must secure a minimum of 50% marks in the annual examination and maintain at least 75% attendance.

Bank Account Requirement: Applicants must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account in their own name, as the scholarship is disbursed directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Exclusions

While the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Scholarship Scheme aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections, certain categories of students are not eligible for this financial assistance. The exclusions are outlined below:

1. Mode of Study: Students pursuing their education through correspondence or distance learning programs, as well as those enrolled in diploma courses, are not eligible for the scholarship. This ensures that the scheme supports students engaged in regular, full-time academic programs.

2. Other Scholarships: Students who are already receiving financial support from any other scholarship program, including State-run scholarships, fee waiver schemes, or reimbursement schemes, cannot apply. This condition prevents duplication of benefits and ensures fair distribution of resources among eligible candidates.

By defining these exclusions, the scheme maintains focus on regular degree students who genuinely require financial assistance, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries efficiently.

Application Process

One Time Registration (OTR)

The first step to avail the PM-USP Scholarship is to complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarships Portal (NSP). The process is as follows:

Click Here For One Time Registration

Step 1: Visit the NSP One Time Registration page and click on “Apply for OTR.”

Step 2: Read the guidelines carefully, scroll to the bottom, accept the undertaking and terms, and click “Next.”

Step 3: Register an active mobile number, which will be used for all correspondence and communication.

Step 4: Complete Aadhaar e-KYC by entering the Aadhaar number of the parent/legal guardian/student. Submit the OTP received and click “Verify.”

Step 5: Enter the required details and click “Finish.” A reference number will be generated. Download the NSP OTR App and Aadhaar FaceRD App from the Google Play Store to complete face authentication.

Step 6: Upon successful face authentication, a 14-digit OTR number will be generated and sent via SMS.

Fresh Application

After completing OTR, students can submit a fresh scholarship application through the following steps:

Step 1: Go to the Applicant Login page on NSP, select “OTR Login”, and enter your OTR number and password.

Step 2: Enter the Captcha and click “Login.”

Step 3: Provide the OTP received on your registered mobile number. You will then be directed to the Password Reset screen to create and confirm a new password.

Step 4: Click “Submit” to access the Applicant’s Dashboard.

Step 5: On the left pane, click “Application Form.” Fill in all compulsory fields (*) and upload the required documents. Verification of caste, educational qualifications, and other credentials will be conducted through the DIGILOCKER facility of MeitY, Government of India.

Step 6: Students may “Save as Draft” to complete the application later or click “Final Submit” to apply immediately.

Tracking Payment Status

Students can track their scholarship payment status using the “Know Your Payment” template on the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) Portal. This can be done by entering the Aadhaar number, bank account number, or NSP application ID.

Important Notes:

The NSP will provide timelines for the opening and closing of the portal.

Applications will be verified at two levels:

By the institute where the student is enrolled.

By the State Higher Education Department or any agency nominated as the State Nodal Agency.

Students will not be permanently barred from scholarships due to delays in renewal or verification. However, renewal applications must be submitted within the specified cut-off date. Missing the deadline will prevent renewal for that year, but students can apply the following year if eligible.

Grievance Redressal

In case of grievances or complaints regarding the scholarship scheme, students may:

Register complaints through the grievance portal at: http://pgportal.gov.in/grievancenew.aspx

Contact the Nodal Officer whose email is available under the Services Tab on the NSP portal.

Documents Required

To ensure smooth processing of the PM-USP Scholarship, applicants are required to upload certain documents on the National Scholarships Portal (NSP) at the time of application. The documents differ slightly for fresh applicants and those applying for renewal:

A. Fresh Applicants:

Class 12th Mark Sheet: Proof of academic performance in the Higher Secondary Examination.

Family Income Certificate: Verification of the family’s annual income to ensure eligibility.

Category/Caste Certificate: Required for students belonging to reserved categories.

Disability Certificate: Applicable if the student has any disability.

B. Renewal Applicants:

Previous Year Mark Sheet: To verify academic performance and eligibility for continued scholarship.

It is important to note that copies of all uploaded documents may also be requested by the Institute Nodal Officer (INO) for verification at the college or university level. Providing accurate and complete documentation ensures timely processing and disbursal of scholarship funds.

Frequently Asked Questions