Up to ₹20,000 a Year: Central Sector Scholarship Renewal Closes October 31
If you received the Central Sector Scholarship last year, you have 18 days to keep it. The Central Sector Scholarship renewal window for the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) for 2026-27 closes on October 31, 2026. Renewal is not automatic. You have to log in to the National Scholarship Portal and apply again.
October 31 for students, November 15 for colleges
The National Scholarship Portal is accepting PM-USP CSSS renewal applications right now. Students must finish the online form by October 31, 2026. After that, colleges and universities get two more weeks. Institute-level verification closes on November 15, 2026, and Level 2 verification closes on November 30. The portal opened on June 1, 2026, so this window has been open for more than four months.
The same October 31 deadline applies to the renewal of the PM-USP Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which also runs on the NSP. Students on that scheme should follow the same renewal steps and the same verification calendar.
Do not wait for the last few days. Heavy traffic near the deadline often causes upload errors and payment failures. Talk to your college early and make sure it completes verification before November 15. If you are filing a first-time application instead of a renewal, see our guide to the NSP final call — fresh applications also close on October 31.
50% marks, 75% attendance, regular course: the renewal rules
Only students who received the scholarship in the previous academic year can renew. The three main conditions are simple. You must have scored at least 50 per cent in the previous year’s examination. You must have kept at least 75 per cent attendance. And you must be studying in a regular, full-time course at a recognised college or university.
If you changed your course, took a break, or received another scholarship in between, check the latest scheme guidelines before applying. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Education, and the money reaches your bank account directly through Direct Benefit Transfer after your college verifies the form. Families of defence, CAPF, police, or railway protection personnel should also look at the PM Scholarship Scheme — it has the same October 31 deadline.
How much you get: up to ₹20,000 a year
The amount depends on your year of study. Undergraduate students in the first three years get ₹12,000 a year. Students in the fourth and fifth year of five-year or integrated courses get ₹20,000 a year. Postgraduate students also get ₹20,000 a year. The payment is made once a year, directly into the student’s bank account after verification.
A student who forgets to renew loses the year’s money. Passing your exams is not enough. You must file the renewal form on the portal, every single year.
Renew in six steps on the NSP portal
Renewal happens on the official National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in. Before you start, keep these ready: your previous year’s marksheet, a bonafide certificate from your college, your Aadhaar details, your bank account details, an income certificate if the form asks for one, and the current year’s fee receipt if it is requested.
- Go to the official National Scholarship Portal.
- Log in with your One Time Registration (OTR) credentials.
- Select the PM-USP CSSS renewal application for 2026-27.
- Check that your personal, academic, and bank details are correct.
- Fill in the form, upload the documents, and submit.
- Save the acknowledgement. Then confirm with your college that it has completed your verification before November 15.
Finish the form at least a week before October 31. That leaves room to fix document issues and gives your college enough time for its own verification. For a wider list of what is open this month, browse our scholarships section.
Frequently asked questions
I got the Central Sector Scholarship last year. Is renewal automatic?
No. You must apply for renewal on the National Scholarship Portal every year. If you do not apply by October 31, 2026, you will not receive the scholarship for 2026-27, even if your college has your records.
What marks do I need to renew the scholarship?
At least 50 per cent in the previous year’s examination, at least 75 per cent attendance, and a regular full-time course at a recognised college or university.
What happens if my college misses the verification deadline?
Colleges must complete institute-level verification by November 15, 2026, and Level 2 verification closes on November 30. A delay does not debar you permanently, but it can hold up your payment, so follow up with your college before the deadline.
Can I hold the CSSS scholarship along with another scholarship?
From the 2026-27 session, students may apply for one merit-based scheme and one or more welfare-based schemes, provided they meet each scheme’s conditions. Check the official guidelines for the combinations allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
I got the Central Sector Scholarship last year. Is renewal automatic?
No. You must apply for renewal on the National Scholarship Portal every year. If you do not apply by October 31, 2026, you will not receive the scholarship for 2026-27, even if your college has your records.
What marks do I need to renew the scholarship?
At least 50 per cent in the previous year's examination, at least 75 per cent attendance, and a regular full-time course at a recognised college or university.
What happens if my college misses the verification deadline?
Colleges must complete institute-level verification by November 15, 2026, and Level 2 verification closes on November 30. A delay does not debar you permanently, but it can hold up your payment, so follow up with your college before the deadline.
Can I hold the CSSS scholarship along with another scholarship?
From the 2026-27 session, students may apply for one merit-based scheme and one or more welfare-based schemes, provided they meet each scheme's conditions. Check the official guidelines for the combinations allowed.
