Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS)
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India · All India
| Scheme Name | Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) |
| Provided By | Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Eligibility Summary | Class 11-12, Graduation, Engineering (< ₹8L Income) |
About the Program
Learn about Central Sector Scholarship (CSSS) 2026 eligibility, 80th percentile cut-off score details, ₹12,000 UG amount, and NSP portal application guide.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹20k+
₹12,000 per year for graduation (first 3 years) and ₹20,000 per year for post-graduation or professional courses (4th and 5th years).
Direct financial assistance of ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per annum paid directly to student's bank account.
Note: Students receiving any other scholarship are not eligible for this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Course / Stream | Relevant courses |
| Income Limit | Up to ₹4.5 Lakh/year |
| Category / Caste | All |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Aadhaar Card
- ✓Class 12 Marksheet (showing score above 80th percentile)
- ✓Annual Income Certificate (under ₹4.5 Lakh)
- ✓Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- ✓Bonafide student certificate from current college/university
- ✓Aadhaar-linked Bank Passbook copy
Selection Process
Merit list compiled by boards based on the 80th percentile threshold of the respective boards, restricted to students whose parents' income is under the specified cap.
Renewal Policy
Must maintain at least 50% marks in the annual university exams and 75% attendance.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via Online. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1
Go to the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- 2
Register and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
- 3
Log in, select the 'Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students'.
- 4
Enter your Class 12 board details and ensure your marks rank above the 80th percentile cut-off.
- 5
Upload your income certificate and college bonafide certificate, then submit.
Common Questions (FAQs)
What is the 80th percentile criterion for CSSS?
To be eligible, your Class 12 board exam marks must be in the top 20% (above the 80th percentile) of successful candidates of your respective board and stream (Science/Commerce/Humanities).
What is the scholarship amount for UG and PG students?
UG students receive ₹12,000 per year for the first 3 years, and PG or professional 4th/5th year students receive ₹20,000 per year.
Can distance learning students apply for CSSS?
No, the scholarship is strictly limited to students pursuing regular (full-time) undergraduate or postgraduate courses in recognized colleges or universities.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India website before final submission.