The Government of India’s Ministry of Education offers the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSS) for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The CSS scholarship aims to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education in accredited universities and professional programs like engineering, medicine, and more. With up to 82,000 scholarships awarded each year, the scheme ensures that students can focus on their studies without financial concerns.
In this article, we cover essential information about the CSS Scholarship 2024, including eligibility criteria, application process, scholarship amounts, and important deadlines.
About the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship is administered through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). As a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan, NSP provides a streamlined platform for student applications, processing, sanctioning, and payout of scholarships. The NSP’s “SMART” system aims to make the scholarship process Simple, Manageable, Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent, ensuring that students receive funds securely and efficiently.
Key Highlights of the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Scheme | Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship |
| Administered by | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Objective | Financial support for economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education |
| Number of Scholarships | Up to 82,000 new scholarships awarded each year |
| Scholarship Amount | Up to ₹20,000 per annum, depending on the course level |
| Mode of Application | Online through NSP |
| Official Website | NSP |
Eligibility Criteria for Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship 2024
To qualify for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Performance: Only the top 80% of students in their Class 12 examinations are eligible. This ensures the scholarship is awarded to meritorious students.
- Course of Study: Candidates must be enrolled in a regular undergraduate or postgraduate program in a recognized institution, such as engineering, medical, or professional courses accredited by bodies like AICTE or the Indian Medical Council.
- Family Income: The annual income of the applicant’s family from all sources must not exceed ₹8 lakh.
- Course Type: Students pursuing distance learning or correspondence courses are not eligible for the CSS scholarship.
- Reservation Quota: Scholarships are also awarded based on reservation categories as per Indian government norms.
Scholarship Amount and Duration
The amount provided under the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship varies based on the course level, as shown below:
| Course Level | Scholarship Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ₹10,000 per annum | 3 years |
| Postgraduate | ₹20,000 per annum | 2 years |
| Professional Courses | ₹20,000 per annum | Duration of the course |
| Technical Courses (B.Tech) | Scholarship up to graduation | Based on course duration |
How to Apply for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship 2024
To apply for the CSS Scholarship, eligible candidates must follow these steps on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
- Visit the NSP Website
Go to the official National Scholarship Portal. On the homepage, select the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship option. - New Registration
Click on “New Registration” and carefully read the guidelines provided. Tick the declaration boxes after reading and click “Continue” to proceed to the registration form. - Complete the Registration Form
Fill out the form with essential details such as:- State of residence
- Scholarship category
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Mobile number
- Bank details (IFSC code and account number)
- Identification details (e.g., Aadhaar number)
- Submit the Application
Once all the required fields are filled out, submit the application form. An application ID will be generated, which the student should note for future reference. - Login and Upload Documents
After registration, log in to your account and upload the required documents (detailed below). Complete the form with additional academic details as requested. - Final Submission
Review the application carefully before submitting it. The scholarship application is then forwarded for verification by the applicant’s educational institution and state education board.
Important Dates for CSS Scholarship 2024
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | October 31, 2024 |
| Defective Verification Deadline | November 15, 2024 |
| Institute Verification Deadline | November 15, 2024 |
Required Documents for Application
Applicants need to submit the following documents while applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Income Certificate
- Bank Passbook with IFSC code
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Valid mobile number
Benefits of the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship provides numerous benefits:
- Financial Assistance: CSS helps academically talented but financially challenged students pursue higher education without monetary constraints.
- Improved Access to Professional Education: The scholarship makes it possible for students to enroll in professional courses, thereby improving career prospects.
- Merit-Based Selection: Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, encouraging students to excel in their studies.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The reservation system ensures that students from various backgrounds, including SC/ST and OBC categories, are equally supported.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Funds are directly transferred to the student’s bank account, minimizing delays and ensuring transparency.
Reservation Quota
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship reserves a portion of scholarships for different categories to promote inclusivity:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 27% |
| Physically Handicapped | 5% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship?
A1: The CSS Scholarship is a government initiative by the Ministry of Education, providing financial assistance to meritorious students from low-income families, enabling them to pursue higher education in recognized institutions.
Q2: Who is eligible for the CSS Scholarship?
A2: Students in the top 80% of their Class 12 board exams, enrolled in regular undergraduate or postgraduate courses, with a family income below ₹8 lakh, are eligible for the scholarship.
Q3: How can I apply for the CSS Scholarship?
A3: Eligible students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by registering, completing the application form, and uploading the required documents.
Q4: What is the scholarship amount provided under CSS?
A4: The scholarship amount is ₹10,000 per annum for undergraduates, and ₹20,000 per annum for postgraduates and professional courses.
Q5: Is there a reservation policy for the CSS Scholarship?
A5: Yes, the CSS Scholarship follows a reservation policy with quotas for SC, ST, OBC, and physically handicapped students.