The total number of scholarships are distributed among the State Education Boards on the basis of population of each state within the 18-25 age group. Scholarships allocated to CBSE and ICSE Board are determined by the number of students passing out from various boards across the country. 50% of scholarships are meant to be reserved for girl students. The scholarship benefits are disbursed directly into the bank account of the scholarship recipients by the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode using PFMS gateway.
This article delves into the details of the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme, explaining its eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and key tips for students interested in applying.
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): An Overview!
| Name of Scholarship | Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) |
| Provider | Union Government of India |
| Eligibility | Students having scored above 80% in 12th Board |
| Awards | Up to ₹20,000 per annum |
| Website | scholarships.gov.in |
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Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Eligibility Criteria
Students eligible for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme must meet the following requirements:
- Candidates must have scored above 80 percentile and be among successful students in their respective stream (Humanities, Science, or Commerce) from recognised boards in the Class 12 (10+2 pattern) or an equivalent examination.
- The scholarship will cater only to those students who are enrolled in regular degree courses. It does not include correspondence, distance learning, or diploma courses.
- Students must be enrolled in colleges or institutions approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or other relevant regulatory bodies.
- Students must not be benefiting from any other scholarship schemes, including state-run scholarships, fee waivers, or reimbursement schemes.
- Applicants should have a gross parental or family income of ₹4.5 lakh or below per annum. Fresh applicants must provide an income certificate.
- Students can continue or renew their scholarship if they change colleges or institutions, provided the course and institution possess a valid AISHE code. The AISHE code can be verified on AISHE Portal.
- Students who miss renewing their application online on the NSP can apply for renewal in the following year, provided they meet the renewal eligibility criteria.
- To renew the scholarship, students must secure at least 50% marks in their annual examinations and maintain a minimum of 75% attendance. Any complaints against the student involving disciplinary or criminal behavior, including incidents of ragging, will result in cancellation of the scholarship.
- Fresh and renewal applications must be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal.
- Meeting these conditions ensures eligibility for the scholarship and helps deserving students access financial support for their educational journey.
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Awards
The financial aid disbursed under this scholarship scheme varies as per the different courses being pursued:
- The rate of scholarship is ₹12,000 per annum for students pursuing Graduation and are in their first three years of college and university courses.
- The rate of scholarship is ₹20,000 per annum for pursuing postgraduation level courses.
- Students pursuing technical courses are paid ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th year.
- Students pursuing B.Tech/BE would get a scholarship for 4 years i.e. ₹12000 per annum is disbursed in the first three years and ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th year.
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Timeline
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Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Support for Special Category
The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme also offers various schemes targeted towards different categories of students in the society such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
- Students from reserved categories, economically weaker sections, and minority communities are eligible for scholarships under the Central Reservation Policy, which allocates 15% of the slots to Scheduled Castes (SC), 7.5% to Scheduled Tribes (ST), 27% to Other Backward Classes (OBC), and a 5% horizontal reservation for students with benchmark disabilities (40% or more). These reservations ensure equitable distribution of scholarships based on merit and are applicable as per the targets set for each academic year.
- In cases where slots in a specific category remain unfilled after considering applicants from all States and Union Territories, the vacant slots are redistributed to other categories to maximize scholarship allocation. This process takes into account all available slots and ensures that the maximum number of eligible students get benefited from the scheme.
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Key Documents Required
There are necessary documents that the applicants must keep with themselves ready at the time of the application process. The list of the required documents for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme is given below.
- Bank passbook issued in the name of the applicant for filling bank details
- Aadhaar card number (In case Aadhaar is not yet assigned, alternatives like Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, voter ID card, driving license, PAN, passport etc. can be used)
- Income certificate issued by the competent authority
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- Class 12 marksheet
- Admission proof as per AISHE code.
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Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Application Process
- Applications must be submitted online only. The Digilocker facility of the Indian government’s MeITY will be used to verify student credentials such as caste and educational qualifications.
- The National Scholarships Portal (NSP) (www.scholarships.gov.in) will publish the schedule of the application window.
- The NSP guidelines will govern the entire process, including application, verification, selection, and scholarship disbursement.
- The list of selected students will be available on the NSP.
- Online applications undergo a two-stage verification process: first by the student’s institution, and then by the State Higher Education Department or a designated State Nodal Agency (for both new and renewing applicants).
- The most up-to-date timeline information will be posted on the NSP.
- Renewal applications must be submitted by a specific deadline each year to be considered.
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Disbursal of Scholarship
- To receive the benefits of the Central Sector Scholarship, students must have savings bank accounts opened in their own names. The scholarship amount will be disbursed directly into these bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and efficiency in payment distribution.
- Beneficiaries can monitor the status of their payments using the “Know Your Payment” feature on the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) portal at [https://pfms.nic.in/Users/LoginDetails/Login.aspx]. Students can track their payments by entering their Aadhaar number, bank account number, or NSP application ID.
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Schemes of Ministries and Departments
The Central Sector Scheme under the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) extends its support across various departments beyond the Department of Higher Education. These include the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Railways, and the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: Scholarship Schemes
- Post Matric Scholarship For Students With Disabilities
- Scholarship For Top Class Education For Students With Disabilities
Department of Ministry of Tribal Affairs: Scholarship Schemes
Ministry of Minority Affairs: Scholarship Schemes
- Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship For Professional And Technical Courses Cs
- Post Matric Scholarship Schemes Minorities Cs
Department of School Education & Literacy: Scholarship Schemes
Ministry of Home Affairs: Scholarship Schemes
- Prime Minister’S Scholarship Scheme For Central Armed Police Forces And Assam Rifles
- Prime Minister’S Scholarship Scheme For Wards Of States/Uts Police Personnel Martyred During Terror/Naxal Attacks
Ministry of Railway: Scholarship Schemes
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): Communication Details
For any queries regarding the Central Sector Scholarship scheme, the applicants can contact at the following:
Section Officer
National Scholarship Division
Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education,
West Block 1, 2nd Floor, Wing 6, Room No. 6,
- K. Puram, Sector 1, New Delhi 110066.
Phone No.: 011- 20862360
E-Mail: sonationalscholarship@gmail.com
Central Sector Scholarships Scheme (CSSS): FAQs
Which academic streams are covered under the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)?
The CSSS covers general, professional, and technical courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
How many scholarships are provided annually under the CSSS, and how are they distributed?
82,000 fresh scholarships are offered each year, distributed among states based on the 18–25 age group population, with specific quotas for CBSE and ICSE boards.
What is the eligibility criterion applicable for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme?
Applicants must score above 80% in Class 12 board exams, be enrolled in a regular (non-distance) degree course, have a family income below ₹4.5 lakh/annum, and not be availing other scholarships.
What are the scholarship benefits provided under CSSS for different courses?
₹12,000 per annum for UG students (first 3 years); ₹20,000 per annum for PG students and 4th/5th years of technical degrees like B.Tech/BE.
What are the documents required for applying to the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme?
Documents include Aadhaar card, bank passbook, income certificate, caste/disability certificate (if applicable), Class 12 marksheet, and proof of college admission (AISHE code-based).
What is the application process for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme?
Applications must be submitted on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and undergo institutional and state-level verification before approval.
How are the scholarship amounts disbursed under the CSSS?
Amounts are disbursed directly into students' bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Status can be tracked through the PFMS portal.
What is the methodology adopted for generating merit list for selecting beneficiaries under CSSS?
Merit lists consider gender (50% male/female), academic stream (Science:Commerce:Humanities in 3:1:3 ratio), and category (SC-15%, ST-7.5%, OBC-27%), plus a 5% horizontal reservation for students with 40% or more disabilities.
How do second/third/fourth year students get scholarships?
First-year selected students can apply for renewal via NSP every year by submitting updated mark sheets and meeting eligibility criteria. They must not hold any other scholarship.
What is Aadhaar Seeding with a Bank Account?
It means linking your Aadhaar number with your bank account to receive scholarship payments directly under the DBT system.
What is One-Time Registration (OTR)?
OTR is a unique number generated after completing registration and e-KYC on NSP. It is valid throughout the student's academic career for all scholarship applications.
What should I do if I forget my OTR number?
You can retrieve it using the 'Forgot OTR Number' option on NSP by entering the Aadhaar number used during e-KYC.