Overview
A central merit scholarship for students in the top 20% of their Class 12 board who join a regular degree course, with family income up to ₹4.5 lakh a year.
This scheme, part of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana, supports meritorious students from low and middle income families in higher studies. Students who score above the 80th percentile in their Class 12 board stream and join a regular degree course can get ₹12,000 a year at graduation level and ₹20,000 a year at postgraduate level. Up to 82,000 fresh scholarships are given each year, half of them for girls. Applications are only through the National Scholarship Portal.
Key dates
| Round | Opens | Last date | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 (renewal applications) | 1 Jun 2026 | 31 Oct 2026 | — | Closes 31 Oct 2026 |
Who can apply
For students who scored in the top 20% of their Class 12 board stream, have family income up to ₹4.5 lakh a year and are in a regular degree course. Distance and diploma courses are not covered.
- Studying in: UG
- Family income up to ₹4,500 a year
- scored above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream of the Class 12 board exam
- enrolled in a regular degree course at a recognised institution (not distance or correspondence, not diploma)
- not getting any other scholarship or fee waiver
Benefits
- Amount
- ₹12,000–₹20,000 a year (₹12,000 a year for the first three years of graduation; ₹20,000 a year at postgraduate level and in the 4th/5th year of professional or integrated courses (B.Tech gets ₹20,000 in year 4).)
- Paid
- Annual
- Number of awards
- 82,000
- Renewable
- Yes
To keep it next year
At least 50% marks in the annual exam; at least 75% attendance; good conduct (disciplinary or ragging cases can end the award); renewal must be applied for each year on NSP
Documents you need
- Income certificate (fresh applicants)
- Class 12 mark details
- Caste certificate if claiming reservation (verified via DigiLocker)
- Bank account in the student's name
- Aadhaar
How to apply
Mode: Online portal
Complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the National Scholarship Portal; Log in and fill the application for this scheme; Upload or enter the details asked for and submit before the deadline; Your institution verifies the application, followed by the state or nodal officer; If selected, money is paid by DBT to your Aadhaar-linked bank account
How students are selected
Merit based on Class 12 board results; slots are allotted to each board by state population and split 3:3:1 across Humanities, Science and Commerce. Reservation: SC 15%, ST 7.5%, OBC 27% and 5% for students with benchmark disability; 50% of slots for girls.
- Official scheme page ↗
- Application portal ↗
- Helpline: NSP Helpdesk: 0120-6619540 (8 am to 8 pm, except government holidays); helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
AcadScope never charges a fee to apply for a scholarship, and neither do official portals. Beware of anyone asking for money to "guarantee" a scholarship.
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Frequently asked questions
What percentile do I need?
Above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in your stream in the Class 12 board exam.
How much is the scholarship?
₹12,000 a year at graduation level and ₹20,000 a year at PG level or in the 4th/5th year of professional courses.
Are distance learning students eligible?
No. Correspondence, distance and diploma courses are not covered.
Sources
Information verified on 10 Oct 2026
- PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students - Guidelines · Official notice, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- NSP : National Scholarship Portal - All Scholarships · Government portal, accessed 10 Oct 2026
- NSP : National Scholarship Portal - Helpdesk · Government portal, accessed 10 Oct 2026
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