Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)
Financial assistance by Department of Higher Education for meritorious students from low-income families pursuing college and university studies.
About This Scholarship
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. It aims to support meritorious students who scored above the 80th percentile in their relevant stream in Class 12 board examinations to pursue regular graduate and postgraduate courses in recognized colleges and universities across India.
What You'll Receive
Selected students will receive the following benefits as part of the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS).
Tuition & Academic Allowance
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of ₹12,000/year for UG and ₹20,000/year for PG.
Books and Learning Materials
Included within the annual financial grant credited to the student bank account.
Hostel / Living Expenses
Disbursed as part of composite annual maintenance assistance.
Subsidized Fee Concession
Institutions do not deduct fee directly; amount is credited to student bank account via PFMS.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria. Please refer to the official guidelines for full details.
- Open to eligible applicants from All India.
- Must be applying for or enrolled in an Undergraduate or Postgraduate degree at Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
- Strong academic record as specified in the official guidelines (Minimum 80% marks or equivalent).
- Demonstrated leadership skills, extracurricular involvement, and community engagement.
- Income or category criteria: Below ₹4,50,000 per annum • Categories: General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS.
- Other programme-specific requirements may apply. Check official guidelines before applying.
Eligibility criteria may vary by programme and are subject to change. Always check the official scholarship guidelines before applying.
Documents Required
Prepare the following documents for your application. The exact requirements may vary.
Class 12 Marksheet
Official marksheet showing score above 80th percentile for the state board.
Aadhaar Card
Aadhaar seeded with active bank account for DBT clearance.
Family Income Certificate
Issued by competent revenue authority (Tahasildar / SDO) demonstrating income <= ₹4.5 Lakh.
College Bonafide Certificate
Proof of regular admission to a recognized college or university.
Student Bank Account Passbook
Bank passbook copy with clear IFSC and account holder name (must match Aadhaar).
Follow these 5 visual steps to complete and submit your official scholarship application from your desktop or mobile browser.
Generate Your 14-Digit One-Time Registration (OTR) ID
Before applying for any individual scholarship scheme, every applicant must generate a permanent NSP OTR number. This unique 14-digit ID stays with you throughout your entire academic career—from school through PhD.
- Install both the official "NSP-OTR App" and "Aadhaar FaceRD" service from the Google Play Store on an Android phone.
- Open the NSP OTR app and choose "Register with Aadhaar". Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Allow camera permissions and follow the on-screen prompts for biometric facial scan (blink naturally under good lighting).
- Upon successful match with UIDAI records, your photo, full name, date of birth, and gender will be auto-populated.
- Set a strong alphanumeric password and note down your 14-digit OTR Reference Number sent via SMS.
Sign In and Complete Educational Profile Information
Log into the main NSP student dashboard using your newly generated OTR credentials to input your current academic status and domicile background.
- Visit scholarships.gov.in and select "Student Login -> Fresh Application".
- Enter your OTR number, password, and captcha security code.
- Enter your State of Domicile (the state where your parents hold permanent residency, NOT where your college is located).
- Search for your institution using the official AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education) or DISE code. Ensure the exact branch name matches.
- Enter your previous academic year marks percentage, Class 10 roll number, and board name for automated verification.
Filter and Select the Appropriate Scholarship Scheme
The NSP algorithms automatically evaluate your profile parameters (caste category, family income, domicile, and course level) to populate the exact schemes you qualify for.
- Under the "Scheme Eligibility" tab, review the matching schemes, categorized under Central Schemes, UGC/AICTE Schemes, or State Schemes.
- Select "Department of Higher Education -> Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students".
- Review the scheme guidelines modal and click "Proceed to Scheme Application".
Submit Application & Submit Documents for Institute Nodal Officer (INO) Verification
Download the submitted application form with system-generated barcode and submit physical copies to your college scholarship cell.
- Download and print two copies of the completed NSP application form.
- Attach self-attested copies of Class 12 marksheet, income certificate, and Aadhaar bank mandate form.
- Submit the physical bundle to your college Nodal Officer before the institute verification closing date.
Track Verification Status and PFMS Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Monitor your application through Institute, District, and State Nodal clearances to the final PFMS credit.
- Log in periodically to check your status badge ("Verified by Institute" -> "Verified by State/Ministry").
- Ensure your Aadhaar is linked and seeded with your bank account through the NPCI mapping service.
- Receive the ₹12,000 / ₹20,000 annual scholarship directly into your bank account via DBT PFMS.