The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship 2026 is an important government scholarship programme designed to support meritorious students from families with limited financial resources. It helps eligible students manage some of their educational and day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies at colleges and universities.
The scheme is administered by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Students who have passed Class 12 and meet the required academic, income, and course conditions can check their eligibility and apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
In this article, you will learn about the PM-USP scholarship eligibility, scholarship amount, online application procedure, login process, renewal requirements, and important dates for the 2026–27 academic session.
PM USP Scheme: Overview
Before applying, students should understand the main details of the scholarship scheme.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students |
| Academic session | 2026–27 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible meritorious college and university students |
| Selection basis | Class 12 academic performance and scheme criteria |
| Application mode | Online |
| Official portal | National Scholarship Portal |
| Scholarship amount | ₹12,000 or ₹20,000 per year, depending on course and year |
| Payment method | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
| Official website | https://scholarships.gov.in/ |
The scholarship is intended to encourage students to continue their education after school and reduce some of the financial pressure on their families.
What Is the PM-USP Scholarship?
The PM-USP scholarship is part of the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS). It provides financial assistance to selected students who perform well in their Class 12 examinations and pursue eligible higher education courses.
The scheme offers a scholarship opportunity to students across different streams, subject to eligibility conditions, merit allocation, and the availability of scholarship slots.
It is particularly relevant for students searching for a Scholarship for 12th passed students by the Government because it supports eligible students moving from school to college or university.
However, passing Class 12 alone does not guarantee selection. Students must satisfy the prescribed conditions and complete the application and verification process.
PM-USP Scholarship Eligibility 2026
Students should carefully review the PM-USP scholarship eligibility criteria before submitting an application.
The principal eligibility conditions generally include:
- Class 12 merit: The student must be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream in the applicable Class 12 board examination.
- Regular education: The student must be pursuing a regular degree course at an eligible college or university.
- Family income: The gross annual family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
- Recognised institution: The course and institution must satisfy the scheme’s recognition requirements.
- Other scholarships: Students receiving another scholarship or certain fee-waiver or reimbursement benefits may be ineligible under the scheme rules.
- Bank account: The student must meet the prescribed banking and Aadhaar-seeding requirements for scholarship payments.
- Renewal performance: Existing beneficiaries must meet the required academic performance and attendance conditions.
For renewal, students generally need at least 50% marks in the annual examination and at least 75% attendance.
Meeting the basic eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee a scholarship. Selection also depends on the merit-based allocation process and the number of available slots.
PM-USP Scholarship Amount
The PM-USP scholarship amount depends on the level of education and the year of the course. The financial assistance is intended to help students meet part of their educational and living expenses.
| Course or study level | Annual scholarship amount |
|---|---|
| Graduation, first three years | ₹12,000 per year |
| Postgraduate courses | ₹20,000 per year |
| Eligible professional or integrated courses, fourth and fifth years | ₹20,000 per year |
| Eligible B.Tech or B.E. course, fourth year | ₹20,000 per year |
For eligible technical degree students, the scholarship generally provides ₹12,000 annually for the first three years and ₹20,000 for the fourth year.
The scholarship is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s eligible bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer system after the required verification and processing.
Students should check the current scheme guidelines to confirm the amount applicable to their particular course.
PM-USP Scholarship Apply Online 2026: Step-by-Step Process
Eligible students can use the National Scholarship Portal to complete the application process. Follow these general steps for the PM-USP scholarship apply online 2026 procedure.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open the National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in/. Check the available schemes and announcements for the 2026–27 academic year.
Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration
Students applying through NSP must have a valid One-Time Registration (OTR) number. Follow the portal’s instructions to generate it using the required Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID details and authentication process.
Keep your OTR details secure because they are used for scholarship applications.
Step 3: Log In to the Student Portal
Open the applicant login section and select the appropriate OTR login option. Enter your OTR number, password, and any required verification details.
Step 4: Select the Scholarship Scheme
Find the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students under PM-USP. Read the eligibility requirements and instructions before proceeding.
Step 5: Fill Out the Application Form
Enter your personal, academic, institutional, and bank-related details accurately. Upload or provide the documents requested by the portal.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Check your information carefully before final submission. Save a copy of the application details or acknowledgement for future reference.
Step 7: Complete Verification
Your application must pass the applicable institution-level and other designated verification stages. Check the portal regularly for updates or requests for corrections.
PM-USP Official Website and Login Process
Students searching for the PM-USP Official website should use the National Scholarship Portal rather than relying on unofficial application websites.
For Pm usp login, follow these steps:
- Visit the official NSP website.
- Open the student login section.
- Enter your registered OTR number and password.
- Complete any requested security verification.
- Open your dashboard to view available application services.
- Check your application details, status, or renewal options.
Never share your password or OTP with unknown individuals. If you encounter a technical issue, use the official portal’s support or grievance facilities.
PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship Last Date 2026
The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship last date is an important detail to check before applying.
For the 2026–27 academic year, students should check the National Scholarship Portal for the latest application and verification deadlines. For renewal applications, the portal lists the following dates:
- Student renewal application deadline: 31 October 2026
- Institute-level verification deadline: 15 November 2026
- Level 2 verification deadline: 30 November 2026
These dates relate to the renewal window. Students applying for a fresh scholarship should check the relevant application deadline separately, as dates may differ.
Students interested in other government scholarship opportunities can also explore the PM YASASVI Scholarship and the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies 2026 to learn about their eligibility criteria, benefits, and application procedures.
Submit your application early and allow enough time for institution verification. Always check the official National Scholarship Portal for the latest deadlines and announcements.
Documents Required for PM-USP Scholarship
Prepare the relevant documents and details before starting your application. Depending on whether you are a fresh applicant or renewing an existing scholarship, you may need:
- Class 12 marksheet
- Family income certificate
- Aadhaar or other prescribed identification details
- Bank account details meeting scheme requirements
- College admission and course information
- Previous year’s marksheet for renewal
- Category or disability certificate, where applicable
- Active mobile number and other required registration details
The portal may verify certain records digitally. Follow the instructions displayed during application and provide additional documents if requested by your institution.
How to Check PM-USP Scholarship Status and Payment?
After submission, students can monitor their application and payment progress through the relevant official services.
To check your application status, log in to the National Scholarship Portal and review the application dashboard. Look for verification updates, pending corrections, or other instructions.
For payment information, use the designated payment-tracking service, such as the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), where applicable.
A submitted application does not mean that payment has been approved. Funds are generally released only after the required verification and processing stages are completed.
FAQs
Can students pursuing a diploma course apply for the PM-USP scholarship?
Eligibility depends on the course type and the scheme guidelines. Students should check whether their institution and programme qualify under the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students.
Is the PM-USP scholarship available for students studying in private colleges?
Yes, students studying in eligible private colleges may qualify if the institution, course, and applicant meet the scheme’s requirements.
Can I apply for the PM-USP scholarship if my family income is below ₹4.5 lakh?
Meeting the family income limit is one eligibility condition. Students must also satisfy the academic merit, regular-course, and other applicable requirements.
How can I correct mistakes in my PM-USP scholarship application?
Log in to the National Scholarship Portal and check whether correction or modification options are available. If the application has already been verified, contact your institution’s scholarship nodal officer for guidance.
Can I renew my PM-USP scholarship every year?
Eligible existing beneficiaries can apply for renewal by meeting the prescribed academic performance, attendance, and other renewal conditions and submitting the application within the announced deadline.
What should I do if my PM-USP scholarship payment is delayed?
Check your application and verification status on the National Scholarship Portal. Also verify your bank details and applicable Aadhaar-seeding requirements, and use the official payment-tracking service if available.
Can I receive the PM-USP scholarship along with another government scholarship?
The scheme restricts certain combinations of scholarships, fee waivers, and reimbursement benefits. Review the current official guidelines to confirm whether you can receive another benefit simultaneously.
1. Who can apply for the PM-USP scholarship in 2026?
Eligible students who meet the Class 12 merit, family income, regular-course, and other prescribed scheme conditions can apply.
2. What is the PM-USP scholarship amount?
The amount is generally ₹12,000 per year for the first three years of eligible graduation courses and ₹20,000 per year at specified higher study levels.
3. Where can I apply for the PM-USP scholarship?
Applications are submitted through the official National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in/.
4. What is the last date for PM-USP scholarship renewal in 2026?
The official NSP portal lists 31 October 2026 as the student renewal deadline for the 2026–27 academic year.
5. Is OTR mandatory for the PM-USP scholarship?
Yes. A valid One-Time Registration number is required for scholarship applications through the National Scholarship Portal.
6. How is the PM-USP scholarship paid?
The scholarship is generally transferred directly to the eligible student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer after the required verification and processing.