Central Sector Scholarship 2025[Upto Rs 20,000 per annum] The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is a flagship initiative by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the meritorious students having family income of less than Rs.4.5 lakh per annum, to meet a part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies. Annual target is 82000 scholarships per year (41000 for boys and 41000 for girls) which has been divided amongst the State Education Boards based on the State’s population in the age group of 18-25 years.
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Eligibility criteria for Central Sector Scholarship
The eligibility criteria for Central Sector Scholarship is:
- Applicants must be among the top 20% of successful candidates in the relevant stream in Class 12 examinations conducted by respective Boards
- The annual family income of the applicants must less than ₹4.5 lakh per annum
- Applicant must be enrolled in a regular degree course (not correspondence or distance mode) in a recognized institution
- The candidates belonging to reserved categories of SC, ST, OBC and PWD will get a reservation of 15%, 7.5%, 27% and 5%, respectively.
- The applicant should not be availing any other scholarship
Benefits of Central Sector Scholarship
The scholarship amount varies depending upon the course:
Undergraduate Students: ₹10,000 per annum for the first three years of college and university courses
Postgraduate Students: ₹20,000 per annum for postgraduate courses
Professional Courses: Students pursuing professional courses would get ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th year
Important link:
- Top 100 Scholarships for the 12th class.
- Top 100 Scholarships for B.Com students.
- Top Scholarship for Engineering Students
- Top 100 Scholarships for B.Sc students
Documents required for Central Sector Scholarship
There are a few necessary documents that the applicants must keep with them while filling the Central Sector Scholarship application form. The candidates must upload scanned copies of the following documents to complete their application process:
- Aadhaar Card as Identity Proof
- Class 12th Marksheet
- Recent Passport Sized Photograph
- Annual Income Certificate
- Bank Passbook
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Admission Proof
Application Timeline
- Application Start Date: To be announced (typically opens in July)
- Application Deadline: 31st December 2025 (tentative)
Application Process for Central Sector Scholarship
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Click on “New Registration” and fill in the required details
- Use the registered credentials to log in
- Select the scholarship scheme: “Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students”
- Fill in academic and personal details
- Upload scanned copies of necessary documents (e.g., Class 12 mark sheet, income certificate, bank passbook, Aadhaar card)
- Review the application and submit
Renewal Process for Central Sector Scholarship
The Applicants are eligible to receive the scholarship for a maximum period of 5 years which includes both graduation and post graduation period. The candidates must be pursuing graduation and post-graduation in the same stream. Students must fulfil the following eligibilty criteria for renewal of their scholarship :
- Students must secure at least 50% marks in the previous examination
- Maintain regular attendance of at least 75%
- Not be involved in any ragging activities
- Renewal applications are to be submitted online through the NSP
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS)?
The CSSS is a merit-cum-means scholarship initiated by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. It aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the CSSS?
Students who have passed Class XII from recognized boards, are in the top 20th percentile of successful candidates in their respective streams, and have a family income of less than ₹4.5 lakh per annum are eligible.
3. How many scholarships are awarded annually?
Approximately 82,000 fresh scholarships are awarded each year, with an equal distribution of 41,000 scholarships for boys and 41,000 for girls.
4. What is the amount of scholarship provided?
- Undergraduate students: ₹10,000 per annum for the first three years.
- Postgraduate students: ₹20,000 per annum.
- Professional courses: ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th years for courses of five years’ duration.
5. How can I apply for the CSSS?
Applications must be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
6. What documents are required for application to apply for Central Sector Scholarship?
- Aadhaar card or alternative ID proof.
- Class XII mark sheet.
- Income certificate.
- Bank passbook.
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Disability certificate (if applicable).
- Admission proof.
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
7. Can I apply if I am already receiving another scholarship?
No, students availing benefits from other scholarships are not eligible for the CSSS.
8. Is there a reservation for specific categories under Central Sector Scholarship?
Yes, there is a 5% horizontal reservation for differently-abled students.
9. What is the selection process for Central Sector Scholarship ?
Selection is based on merit, considering the top 20th percentile of successful candidates in Class XII examinations from each board.
10. How is the Central Sector Scholarship disbursed?
The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
11. What is the duration of the Central Sector Scholarship?
The scholarship is tenable for the duration of the undergraduate/postgraduate course, subject to annual renewal based on academic performance.
12. What are the renewal criteria?
- Securing at least 50% marks in the previous examination.
- Maintaining a minimum of 75% attendance.
- Not being involved in any ragging activities.
13. Can I change my course or institution after receiving the scholarship?
No, the scholarship is not transferable to another course or institution.
14. Is the Central Scheme Scholarship available for distance learning courses?
No, only students enrolled in regular degree courses are eligible.
15. What happens if I fail in a year?
The scholarship will not be renewed if the awardee fails to qualify in the annual or term-end examinations of the course.
16. How do I track my application status of Central Sector Scholarship?
You can track your application status by logging into the NSP portal using your registered credentials.
17. What is the last date to apply for the CSSS 2025?
The last date for application submission is typically announced on the NSP portal. Applicants should regularly check the portal for updates.
18. Can diploma students apply for the CSSS?
No, the scholarship is only for students pursuing regular degree courses.
19. Is there any helpline for assistance?
Yes, for any queries, you can contact the NSP helpdesk at 0120 – 6619540 or email at helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.
20. Where can I find more information about Central Sector Scholarship ?
Detailed information and guidelines are available on the National Scholarship Portal.
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