The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) renewal window for 2026-27 is open on the National Scholarship Portal, and it closes on 31 October 2026. This window is for students who are already beneficiaries of the scheme and need to renew for the next year of study – fresh CSSS applications are not open in this window.
The dates come from the NSP homepage announcement: student applications close 31 October 2026, institute verification closes 15 November 2026 and Level 2 verification closes 30 November 2026. If you were selected for CSSS in any of the last four academic years and are still in a regular degree course, this is the application you have to file this month.
PM-USP CSSS renewal 2026-27 at a glance
Quick facts2026-27
| Scholarship from | Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, through the National Scholarship Portal |
| Last date to apply | 31 October 2026 for student applications; institute verification by 15 November 2026; Level 2 verification by 30 November 2026 |
| Official website | scholarships.gov.in (National Scholarship Portal) |
Who should file the CSSS renewal now
CSSS is a merit-cum-means scholarship for students who scored above the 80th percentile of their Class 12 board in the relevant stream, joined a regular degree course, and whose family income is up to Rs 4.5 lakh a year. Once selected in the first year, the student renews it year after year on NSP, subject to the renewal conditions. The NSP FAQ for the scheme states that a student who received the fresh scholarship in any of the last four academic years can apply for renewal, and that a student who missed a renewal in one year can still apply in a later year if the other conditions are met.
You should file the renewal this month if you are a CSSS beneficiary from the last four academic years, you are still in a regular degree course (not distance or correspondence), and you have the previous year’s marksheet ready.
How much the scholarship pays
- Rs 12,000 per annum at graduation level for the first three years of a college or university course.
- Rs 20,000 per annum at post-graduation level.
- For professional courses of five years or integrated courses, Rs 20,000 per annum in the fourth and fifth year.
- For B.Tech and B.E. students, Rs 12,000 per annum for the first three years and Rs 20,000 in the fourth year.
- The scholarship runs for a total duration not exceeding five years.
Payment is made through DBT into an Aadhaar-seeded bank account, and the payment status can be tracked on PFMS as well as on NSP.
Renewal conditions you must meet
- At least 50% marks in the annual examination of the previous year.
- Adequate attendance of at least 75%.
- You must not be receiving a scholarship from any other department or ministry for the same purpose.
- You must apply on NSP as a renewal applicant with the previous year’s marksheet – a renewal is not automatic.
Documents needed for renewal
- Previous year’s mark sheet (the only document the NSP FAQ lists as compulsory for a renewal applicant).
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account in the student’s own name, for DBT.
- Your existing NSP application ID and OTR number for login.
Fresh applicants need a different set – Class 12 marksheet, family income certificate, category certificate where applicable and a disability certificate if applicable – but that set only matters when the fresh window opens, which it has not for 2026-27.
How to file the CSSS renewal on NSP
- Log in to scholarships.gov.in with your OTR or Aadhaar. OTR is mandatory and the pre-filled details come from your OTR registration.
- Open My Application, select the renewal option and choose PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students.
- Fill in academic details for the current year and upload the previous year’s marksheet.
- Submit before 31 October 2026 and check that your institute verifies the application by 15 November 2026 – the institute and then the state nodal agency verify at two levels.
- Track the payment status on PFMS once the Level 2 verification is done. Applying on NSP is free.
What happens if you miss the date
The scheme guidelines say students are not permanently debarred for delay in renewal or verification, but a renewal for that year is not allowed once the cut-off date passes. That means a missed 2026-27 renewal does not cancel the scholarship for later years, but it does cost you this year’s payment. The portal closes for student applications on 31 October 2026, so file now and follow up with your institute nodal officer for verification.
Frequently asked questions
31 October 2026 for student applications on NSP. Institute verification closes 15 November 2026 and Level 2 verification closes 30 November 2026.
No. The NSP announcement lists only the renewal applications for CSSS and for the PM USP Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. Fresh applications are not open in this window.
Rs 12,000 per annum at graduation level for the first three years, Rs 20,000 per annum at post-graduation level, and Rs 20,000 in the fourth and fifth year of five-year professional or integrated courses.
At least 50% marks in the annual examination, plus attendance of at least 75%, as per the scheme guidelines and the NSP FAQ.
Yes, if you meet the other renewal conditions. The NSP FAQ states that a student who missed a renewal in one academic year can apply for renewal in a subsequent year.
No. Application on the National Scholarship Portal is free of cost.
Two levels: your institute verifies first, then the state higher education department or the nominated state nodal agency. Both steps have their own closing dates.
Official links
- National Scholarship Portal – the live announcement block with the 2026-27 dates.
- PM-USP CSSS scheme guidelines (PDF) – eligibility, rates, renewal rules and payment process.
- PM-USP CSSS frequently asked questions (PDF) – the Department of Higher Education FAQ.
Related reading: Graduation scholarships
Post graduation scholarships
National scholarships
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