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PM USP Scholarship: Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan - Eligibility Criteria, Documents & How to Apply

Posted: Dec 19, 2025
Updated: 24 Dec 2025
Category: Advice
Written by: Kissht
PM USP Scholarship: Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan - Eligibility Criteria, Documents & How to Apply

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM USP) was created to help every talented student aim higher, dream bigger, and step into opportunities that were once out of reach. By offering financial support at the right time, the programme ensures that promising learners don’t pause their education due to limited means. It has enabled thousands across the country to continue their studies with confidence and build pathways to meaningful careers.

For those exploring additional ways to manage education expenses, tools such as an education loan EMI calculator and digital financing platforms like Kissht can simplify planning. Many families today combine government aid through the PM USP scholarship with a loan for education or funding accessed via a quick loan app to meet all academic costs in time.

Understanding the PM USP Scholarship

The PM USP scholarship is an umbrella term for central government schemes that support college-going students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Officially called the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana, it aims to make higher studies accessible to meritorious learners from economically weaker sections.

This initiative includes programmes such as the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students and similar merit-based grants. The PM USP scholarship amount depends on the level of study, institution, and academic performance. Eligible students can continue receiving funds every year until the completion of their course, subject to meeting renewal conditions.

PM USP Scholarship Eligibility

The PM USP scholarship eligibility rules vary slightly depending on the specific scheme, but the broad conditions remain consistent:

Eligibility ParameterDetails
NationalityMust be an Indian citizen
Academic PerformanceMinimum 80% marks in Class 12 or equivalent board examination
Institution TypeMust be enrolled in recognised colleges, universities, or technical institutions
Family IncomeAnnual household income should generally be below ₹8 lakh
Course LevelUndergraduate, postgraduate, and professional degrees in recognised fields
Renewal CriteriaConsistent academic record and satisfactory attendance

These criteria ensure that the benefits reach genuine students who need financial backing to continue their education.

Documents Required for PM USP Scholarship Registration

To complete the PM USP scholarship registration, applicants must prepare and upload the following:

  • Aadhaar card or government-issued ID
  • Proof of admission to a recognised institution
  • Income certificate from competent authority
  • Bank account details linked with Aadhaar for DBT transfer
  • Class 12 marksheet or previous semester results
  • Domicile certificate (if required by state quota)
  • Having documents ready helps students complete the process smoothly without missing deadlines.

How to Apply for the PM USP Scholarship Online

Students can complete the PM USP scholarship apply online process through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Follow these steps:

  • Visit https://scholarships.gov.in.
  • Select “New Registration” and read the guidelines carefully.
  • Enter personal details and create a student ID and password.
  • Log in to the portal and choose the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana scheme.
  • Fill in academic and bank details, upload the necessary documents, and submit the application.
  • Track status through the portal until verification and approval are complete.

The portal confirms receipt of the application and later displays updates regarding approval and fund transfer.

PM USP Scholarship Amount and Benefits

Course LevelAnnual Scholarship AmountTenure
Undergraduate Courses₹10,000 per year3 years
Postgraduate Courses₹20,000 per year2 years

Professional Courses (Integrated Programmes) ₹20,000 per year after UG completion 5 years

The PM USP scholarship amount is credited directly into the student’s bank account under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely assistance.

Why Students Prefer Digital Support Along with PM USP

While the PM USP offers substantial aid, educational costs often extend beyond tuition — including hostel fees, project materials, or laptops. To handle such needs, students increasingly turn to regulated lenders such as Kissht, which provide a loan for education with flexible repayment options.

Using an education loan EMI calculator, applicants can estimate monthly instalments in advance and manage repayments efficiently. This combination of a scholarship plus a digital credit line from a quick loan app helps create a complete funding plan without financial strain.

Benefits of the PM Uchchatar Shiksha Scholarship

  • Encourages continuation of higher education among meritorious students.
  • Supports gender equality and inclusive education policies.
  • Promotes financial independence through direct fund transfer.
  • Reduces drop-out rates from universities and professional courses.
  • Complements private financing and education loans.

For those who do not meet PM USP scholarship eligibility, digital lending remains a convenient alternative. Trusted platforms like Kissht offer quick approval and flexible repayment, helping students manage academic costs responsibly.

Tips Before Applying for PM USP Scholarship

  • Check eligibility criteria on the NSP portal before submission.
  • Ensure income certificate and marksheet are valid and attested.
  • Link your bank account to Aadhaar for DBT transfer.
  • Use the same email and phone number for future communication.
  • Apply before the deadline as late submissions are not accepted.

PM USP Scholarship Renewal

Renewal is granted annually if the student maintains the required academic performance. Log in to the portal, update the new academic year information, and upload the latest marksheet for verification. Funds are released only after confirmation by the institution.

When Scholarship Support Isn’t Enough

Sometimes the PM USP scholarship amount may not cover full expenses, especially for professional or out-of-state courses. In such cases, students can explore a loan for education through a quick loan app like Kissht. It offers customised financing and digital approval within minutes. Applicants can also check their repayment schedule through an education loan EMI calculator to plan their budget responsibly.

FAQs

  1. Who can apply for the PM USP Scholarship?

Students who scored 80% or above in Class 12 and whose annual family income is below ₹8 lakh can apply through the official portal.

  1. Can I apply for the PM USP Scholarship online?

Yes, you can complete the PM USP scholarship apply online process via scholarships.gov.in. Submit required documents and track status digitally.

  1. What if I need additional funds for college expenses?

If the scholarship doesn’t cover all costs, you can apply for a loan for education through a quick loan app like Kissht, which offers easy repayment options and transparent terms.