Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26: Eligibility Criteria, Scholarship Amount & How to Apply Online

Introduction

The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS) 2025–26 is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at supporting meritorious students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education. Every year, thousands of students benefit from this scholarship, which reduces financial burden and encourages continuation of studies after Class 12.

If you have passed your Class 12 examination with good marks and are planning to pursue graduation or post-graduation, this scholarship can provide crucial financial assistance. In this article, we cover eligibility criteria, scholarship amount, benefits, and step-by-step application process in detail.

What is Central Sector Scholarship Scheme 2025–26?

The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme is implemented by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The scheme aims to provide financial support to students belonging to low-income families who perform well academically and wish to pursue higher education in recognized colleges and universities.

The scholarship is merit-cum-means based, ensuring that deserving students are not forced to drop out due to financial constraints.

Key Highlights of Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26

Scheme Name: Central Sector Scholarship Scheme (CSSS)
Academic Year: 2025–26
Launched By: Ministry of Education, Government of India
Application Mode: Online
Official Portal: National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Beneficiaries: Meritorious students from economically weaker sections

Eligibility Criteria for Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26

To apply for the Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26, students must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:

Educational Qualification

The applicant must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
Students must be among the top 20 percentile of successful candidates in their respective board examinations.

Course Eligibility

Students must be pursuing regular undergraduate or postgraduate courses such as BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, MBBS, or equivalent.
Distance learning or correspondence courses are not eligible.

Income Limit

The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh from all sources.

Other Conditions

Students must not be receiving any other major scholarship from the Central or State Government.
The applicant must have a valid Aadhaar number linked with a bank account.

Scholarship Amount & Benefits for Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26

The scholarship amount under the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme is structured as follows:

₹10,000 per year for students at UG level (1st, 2nd, and 3rd year)
₹20,000 per year for students at PG level

Additional Benefits

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account
Financial stability throughout the academic year
Encouragement to continue higher education without interruption

How to Apply Online for Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26

Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit National Scholarship Portal

Go to the official NSP website and click on “New Registration”.

Step 2: Register Yourself

Enter basic details such as name, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID to generate login credentials.

Step 3: Login and Fill Application Form

Personal details
Academic details
Bank account information

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

Class 12 mark sheet
Income certificate
Aadhaar card
Bank passbook
Bonafide certificate from institution

Step 5: Submit the Application

Review all details carefully and submit the application form. Take a printout for future reference.

Important Documents Required

Aadhaar Card
Class 12 Mark Sheet
Income Certificate
Bank Account Details
Institution Verification Certificate
Passport-size Photograph

Selection Process

Selection is based on:

Merit in Class 12 examination
Fulfillment of income criteria
Verification by educational institution and state authorities

Only verified and eligible applications are approved for scholarship disbursement.

Renewal of Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26

Students must apply for renewal every year by:

Passing the previous academic year
Maintaining at least 50% marks
Having minimum 75% attendance

Why Central Sector Scholarship is Important for Students?

The Central Sector Scholarship plays a vital role in:

Reducing dropout rates after Class 12
Supporting students from low-income families
Promoting higher education and skill development
Ensuring equal educational opportunities

Final Words

The Central Sector Scholarship 2025–26 is an excellent opportunity for deserving students to pursue higher education without financial stress. If you meet the eligibility criteria, make sure to apply on time and complete all verification steps correctly.

Staying informed and applying early can significantly increase your chances of receiving this scholarship and securing a brighter academic future.

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