The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) 2025–26 offers merit-based financial support from the Department of Higher Education to meritorious students from economically weaker families who wish to pursue higher education after Class 12. This article explains who can apply, the award amounts, the exact application steps through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), required documentation, verification and selection criteria, and the renewal/payment rules. Read on for a clear, step-by-step breakdown of eligibility, how to complete and submit your application online, what documents you must upload, and what to expect during verification and renewal.
Who is eligible and what are the benefits
The CSSS 2025–26 is intended for Indian citizens who rank within the top 20% of their Class 12 board and whose family income does not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per year. Eligible students must be enrolled in regular, full-time undergraduate, postgraduate or professional courses; distance or correspondence courses are explicitly not eligible. Applicants must also confirm they are not receiving any other major government scholarship. The financial benefits are fixed: ₹12,000 per year for undergraduate students and ₹20,000 per year for postgraduate students. Payments are made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Awards are renewable annually up to the duration of the course, with a maximum of five years subject to continued performance.
How to apply on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Applications for CSSS are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these precise steps to apply:
- Register or log in to the National Scholarship Portal using your credentials.
- Select the scheme named “Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students”.
- Fill in personal, academic and income details accurately on the application form.
- Upload the required documents (see the documents section below) in the prescribed formats.
- Submit the application on NSP before the deadline.
- After submission, the application will be routed to the institution and state authorities for verification; monitor your NSP account for status updates.
Documents, verification and selection process
Prepare and upload the following documents while applying on NSP:
- Class 12 marksheet
- Income certificate proving family income up to ₹4.5 lakh
- Aadhaar card or another valid photo identification
- Bank account details that are Aadhaar-linked for DBT payments
- College admission or bonafide certificate confirming enrollment in a regular full-time course
- Passport-size photograph
Selection is merit-based, relying primarily on Class 12 performance (top 20% criterion). Verification includes checking the income certificate and other uploaded documents by institution and state authorities. Final award allocation also depends on the availability of slots under the scheme. Ensure all uploads are clear and authentic to avoid delays or rejection during verification.
Renewal, academic requirements and payment details
Scholarship amounts are disbursed via DBT and the award must be renewed every year for the beneficiary to continue receiving funds. Renewal is contingent on continued enrollment in the same regular full-time course and maintaining the minimum academic performance required by the scheme (performance requirements must be met annually). The CSSS can be renewed up to the full duration of the course, with a maximum limit of five years, provided the student meets the renewal and performance conditions each year.
Conclusion
The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) 2025–26 provides targeted financial support—₹12,000/year for undergraduates and ₹20,000/year for postgraduates—to meritorious students from families with income up to ₹4.5 lakh. Eligibility hinges on being in the top 20% of the Class 12 board and enrolled in a regular full-time course, and applicants must not already receive another major government scholarship. Apply online via the National Scholarship Portal by registering or logging in, selecting the exact scheme name, completing the form, uploading the required documents and submitting before the deadline. Institutions and state authorities verify applications; successful candidates receive DBT payments and must renew annually while maintaining required academic performance. Follow the steps and document checklist carefully to maximize your chance of selection and uninterrupted funding.