NSP Scholarship 2025: Rs. 20,000 Annual Scholarship for Intermediate Pass Students – Apply by October 31!
Good news for talented students from economically weaker sections! The Government of India has launched the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (PM-USP CSSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Uchhatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM-USP Yojana). This scheme provides financial assistance to meritorious students who have completed their intermediate education and want to pursue higher studies but face financial hurdles.
If you are a student who passed Class 12 with excellent marks and belong to a low-income family, this is a great opportunity to receive a scholarship of up to ₹20,000 per year. The last date to apply is October 31, 2025, and applications must be submitted via the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
About the PM-USP CSSS Scheme
The Central Sector Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is implemented by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to encourage higher education among meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Every year, 82,000 new scholarships are awarded under this scheme.
The scheme aims to bridge the gap between higher education and financial barriers, ensuring that no deserving student is deprived of education due to lack of funds.
Scholarship Amount
Under this scheme, students pursuing regular degree or postgraduate courses can receive the following benefits:
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Undergraduate students: ₹12,000 per year for the first three years
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Postgraduate students: ₹20,000 per year (after graduation)
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Integrated professional courses (4th & 5th years): ₹20,000 per year for those enrolled in 5-year programs
The scholarship is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the student’s bank account, making the process transparent and hassle-free.
Special Reservation for Girls
To promote gender equality in education, 50% of the total scholarships are reserved for girl students. This ensures that young women from underprivileged backgrounds also get the opportunity to pursue higher studies without financial burden.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the PM-USP CSSS 2025 scholarship, students must fulfill the following conditions:
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Academic Performance:
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Must have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) in 2025 from a recognized State or Central Board
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Must have secured above 80% marks in the intermediate examination
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Admission Criteria:
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Must be enrolled in a regular full-time degree course (non-correspondence) in a recognized college or university
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Family Income:
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The annual income of the family should not exceed ₹4.5 lakhs from all sources
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Other Benefits:
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Should not be receiving any other scholarship or fee reimbursement from government or private sources
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Academic Continuity:
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Must maintain at least 50% marks in every academic year
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Minimum 75% attendance is compulsory
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Age Limit:
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The age of the applicant should be between 18 to 25 years
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Documents Required
Applicants must upload the following documents while applying online:
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Class 12 Marks Memo / Intermediate Certificate
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Valid Income Certificate issued by a competent authority
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Aadhaar Card
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Bank account details (account should be in student’s name with IFSC code)
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Admission proof (college ID card or admission receipt)
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Category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC/Minority if applicable)
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Institution’s AISHE code (must be a recognized institution)
Make sure all documents are scanned clearly in the required format and size before uploading.
How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Process
Applications for the PM-USP CSSS 2025 can only be submitted through the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
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Visit the National Scholarship Portal: www.scholarships.gov.in
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Click on “New Registration” (if applying for the first time)
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Read the guidelines carefully and proceed to register using your basic details and Aadhaar number
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Log in using your generated Application ID and Password
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Fill in the application form with:
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Personal details
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Academic information
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Bank account information
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Institution and course details
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Upload all the required documents
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Submit the application and download a copy for future reference
Last Date to Apply: October 31, 2025
Renewal Process
Students receiving the scholarship must apply for renewal each year. For renewal:
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Maintain 50% marks in the annual exam
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Maintain minimum 75% attendance
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Submit a renewal application on the NSP portal within the specified dates
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Upload updated academic certificates and attendance proof
Failure to renew in time or not meeting the eligibility criteria may lead to cancellation of the scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can students from private colleges apply?
✔️ Yes, if the institution is recognized and listed with an AISHE code, private college students can apply.
Q2. Is it mandatory to have an Aadhaar-linked bank account?
✔️ Yes, the scholarship is disbursed through DBT, so Aadhaar-linked bank account in the student’s name is required.
Q3. Can I apply if I already receive another government scholarship?
No, students receiving other scholarships or reimbursement are not eligible under this scheme.
Conclusion
The NSP Scholarship 2025 (PM-USP CSSS) is a fantastic opportunity for bright students from low-income families to pursue college or university education without financial stress. With scholarships of ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per year, the scheme ensures that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints.
📝 Make sure you apply before October 31, 2025, on the National Scholarship Portal.
📂 Prepare your documents, confirm your eligibility, and