Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Scholarship 2024-25: A Lifeline for Students Pursuing Higher Education
Education is the cornerstone of a bright future, but for many students in India, financial barriers can make it difficult to achieve their academic dreams. Recognizing this challenge, the Ministry of Education has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students. This initiative is designed to provide crucial financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections, enabling them to continue their higher education without worrying about the financial burden.
What is the PM-USP Scholarship?
The PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship is a government initiative aimed at helping students from low-income families pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in colleges and universities across India. This scheme offers financial assistance to students who have excelled in their Class 12th Board Examinations, ensuring that they can meet a part of their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies.
Benefits of the PM-USP Scholarship
The scholarship provides varying levels of financial support depending on the stage of education:
- Undergraduate Level: Students pursuing a graduation course will receive ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years.
- Postgraduate Level: Students moving on to postgraduate studies will receive ₹20,000 per annum.
- Professional Courses: Students enrolled in professional courses like Medical, Engineering, etc., will receive ₹12,000 per annum for the first three years and ₹20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th years if their course duration is five years.
How is the Scholarship Disbursed?
The scholarship amount is directly transferred into the savings bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This ensures transparency and efficiency, allowing students to receive their funds promptly without any intermediaries.
Eligibility Criteria for the PM-USP Scholarship
To be eligible for the PM-USP Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
Academic Performance: Applicants must be above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in their respective Class 12th Board Examination (10+2 pattern or equivalent).
Course Enrollment: Applicants must be pursuing regular degree courses at colleges/institutions recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or other relevant regulatory bodies.
Family Income: The gross parental/family income of the applicant should not exceed ₹4,50,000 per annum.
Renewal Criteria: For renewal of the scholarship each year, students must secure at least 50% marks in their Annual Examination and maintain at least 75% attendance.
Exclusions: Students enrolled in correspondence or distance learning courses, diploma courses, or who are already benefiting from other scholarship schemes, are not eligible for this scholarship.
How to Apply for the PM-USP Scholarship
The application process for the PM-USP Scholarship is conducted online through the National Scholarships Portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
New Registration:
- Visit the National Scholarships Portal: Go to the official registration page.
- Read Guidelines: Review the registration guidelines, scroll down, accept the terms, and click “Continue.”
- Fill in Registration Details: Complete the registration form with the required details. Your Application ID and password will be displayed and sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
Fresh Application:
- Login: Go to the applicant login page and enter your Application ID and password.
- OTP Verification: Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number to reset your password.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all the required details, upload the necessary documents, and submit the application. You can save the form as a draft and complete it later if needed.
Tracking Your Application
After submitting your application, you can track the payment status through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) Portal using your Aadhaar Number, Bank Account Number, or NSP Application ID.
Important Notes
- Timelines: The National Scholarships Portal will announce the opening and closing dates for applications.
- Verification Process: Online applications will be verified by the institution where the student is studying and by the State Higher Education Department or another designated agency.
- Renewal Applications: Students must submit renewal applications within a specified cut-off date each year to continue receiving the scholarship.
Grievance Redressal
In case of any issues or grievances related to the scholarship, students can file complaints through the Public Grievances Portal or contact the Nodal Officer via the NSP portal.
The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship is a significant step towards making higher education accessible to all, especially for students from financially challenged backgrounds. By providing up to ₹20,000 per annum, this scholarship helps students focus on their studies without the constant worry of financial strain. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your future. Apply today and take a big step towards achieving your academic dreams!
