Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)

The last date for submission of online application form for renewal and fresh scholarship 2025-26, is 31/10/2025.

Eligible Students

• Fresh applicants: Top 20% (80 th percentile or above) of Class XII board exams (CBSE/State/CISCE), with a family income ≤ ₹4.5 lakh/year, pursuing regular (not correspondence) college/university courses. No other scholarships currently allowed.

• Renewals: Students who previously received the scholarship in any of the past four academic years (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24, 2024–25) can re-apply. Renewal is valid up to 5 years total upon meeting academic standing and attendance criteria .

Scholarship Value

• Undergraduate: ₹12,000/year for the first three years.

• Professional courses (integrated/technical) & postgraduate: ₹20,000/year for the fourth and fifth years.

• Students in B.Tech/BE receive ₹12,000 annually for the first three years, and ₹20,000 for the fourth year

Application Process

1. Register (or log in) on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.

2. Fill out the application and upload relevant documents.

3. Submit before 31 Oct 2025.

4. Have your college/institution verify it promptly—unverified applications are considered invalid

Required Documents

• Fresh: Class XII marksheet, annual income certificate, caste/disability certificate (if applicable).

• Renewal: Previous year’s academic marksheet

• Original documents may need to be shown during institutional verification.
  

Renewal Criteria

• Maintain ≥ 50% marks and ≥ 75% attendance each year.

• No receipt of any other scholarship during tenure

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) is a prestigious initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, implemented through the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education, thereby encouraging academic excellence and reducing the dropout rate at the college and university level.

For the academic year 2025–26, the CBSE has released a public notice dated 27th June 2025, inviting eligible students to apply for fresh scholarships as well as renewal of scholarships for previous years under the CSSS. This scholarship scheme is specifically targeted at students who have performed exceptionally well in their Class XII examinations and belong to families with limited financial resources. By supporting talented youth, the scheme seeks to promote equity and inclusive growth in the education sector.

Under this scheme, scholarships are awarded to students who are among the top 20th percentile of successful candidates in their respective Board examinations (CBSE or State Boards) in Class XII. To qualify, students must have secured the minimum qualifying marks that place them within this merit bracket. However, academic merit alone is not the sole criterion. The annual family income of the applicant must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh, ensuring that the financial aid reaches genuinely deserving students who otherwise might not be able to afford higher education costs.

Students pursuing regular undergraduate courses in recognized colleges and universities are eligible to apply. It is important to note that students enrolled in correspondence or distance education courses are not eligible for this scholarship. Additionally, students receiving any other scholarship funded by the government are not permitted to avail themselves of the CSSS simultaneously, as the objective is to prevent overlapping benefits and extend opportunities to a larger pool of students.

The scholarship amount under the CSSS is structured to provide continuous support throughout the duration of a student’s higher education. For undergraduate courses, selected students receive ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years. For professional courses or integrated degrees extending beyond three years, the scholarship amount increases to ₹20,000 per annum for the fourth and fifth years. This enhancement acknowledges the higher costs often associated with professional and technical education and motivates students to complete their courses without financial stress.

To apply for the scholarship, students must submit their applications online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which serves as a single-window platform for various scholarship schemes. The last date for submission of fresh and renewal applications for the 2025–26 session is 31st October 2025. Applications must be verified by the respective educational institutions by the same date. Institutional verification is a crucial step, as unverified applications are deemed invalid and will not be processed further.

The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Applicants need to register on the NSP portal, complete their profile, fill in the scholarship form accurately, and upload the necessary documents. For fresh applications, students must provide a copy of their Class XII marksheet, an income certificate issued by a competent authority, and caste or disability certificates if applicable. For renewal cases, students need to submit their previous academic year’s marksheet to demonstrate that they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Renewal of the scholarship is conditional upon satisfactory academic performance and attendance. Students must secure at least 50% marks in aggregate every academic year and maintain a minimum of 75% attendance. Any instance of disciplinary action, such as involvement in ragging, may lead to cancellation of the scholarship. This ensures that the scheme rewards not only academic excellence but also good conduct and commitment to education.

The responsibility for timely verification of applications lies with the nodal officers appointed by colleges and universities. Institutions must verify each application and either accept, reject, or mark it for correction within the stipulated timeframe. This collaborative effort between students, institutions, and the scholarship portal ensures transparency, accountability, and smooth disbursal of funds directly to the students’ bank accounts.

Over the years, the CSSS has played a pivotal role in empowering thousands of students across India to pursue higher education without the burden of financial constraints. By bridging the gap between secondary schooling and higher education, the scheme contributes to India’s goal of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education and building a skilled, educated workforce ready to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy.

Moreover, the scheme aligns with the government’s broader vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to lack of resources. The CSSS not only helps individual students and their families but also contributes to national development by nurturing human capital.

In conclusion, the CBSE Public Notice for CSSS 2025–26 is a significant opportunity for talented students from financially weaker backgrounds to continue their studies at the college and university level. Interested students are encouraged to carefully read the guidelines, gather the required documents, complete the application process well before the deadline, and coordinate with their institutions for timely verification. By availing of this scholarship, students can focus wholeheartedly on their academic pursuits, fulfill their aspirations, and contribute positively to society and the nation’s progress.