The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially invited applications for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) for the academic year 2025-26. This initiative, run by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, aims to financially support deserving students from low-income families who are pursuing higher education in India.
📅 Important Deadline
Students must submit their applications on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) by October 31, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted, and institutions are required to verify the applications within the given timeframe.
✅ Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence: The student must be among the top 20% scorers in their Class 12 board exams (any recognized board including CBSE, ICSE, and state boards).
- Family Income Limit: The total annual family income must not exceed ₹4.5 lakh.
- Regular Admission: The applicant should be enrolled in a regular (non-distance) undergraduate or postgraduate course at a recognized institution.
- No Overlapping Scholarships: Students already receiving any other scholarship or fee waiver are not eligible to apply for CSSS.
💰 Scholarship Benefits
Every year, 82,000 new scholarships are awarded — split equally between boys and girls. Here’s what selected students will receive:
- Undergraduate Students: ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years.
- Postgraduate/Professional Courses: ₹20,000 per annum in the fourth and fifth year, or for two-year PG programs.
This financial support can be used to cover tuition, books, travel, or any other educational expenses.
📄 Documents Needed
Applicants will be required to upload the following:
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
- Bank account details (in the student’s name)
- Income certificate
- Caste or disability certificate (if applicable)
- Admission proof from a recognized college/university
🔁 Renewal Conditions
Students can continue receiving the scholarship throughout their course if they:
- Maintain a minimum 75% attendance
- Score at least 50% marks in each academic year
- Do not switch to any other scholarship
📝 How to Apply
- Visit https://scholarships.gov.in
- Register as a new user or log in with existing credentials
- Fill out the scholarship application form carefully
- Upload the necessary documents
- Submit the application and ensure it is verified by your institution