The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS-CUS) is an initiative by the Government of India to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. This program supports higher education pursuits, encouraging academic excellence and reducing financial barriers. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand the scheme better.
Methodology for Generating the Merit List
The selection process for beneficiaries is designed to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. Key parameters include:
- Gender Parity: Scholarships are distributed equally, maintaining a 50:50 ratio between boys and girls.
- Stream-Wise Distribution:
Science: 50%
Commerce: 33%
Humanities: 17%
- Category Reservations: As per the Central Reservation Policy:
Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
- Horizontal Reservation: 5% reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with 40% or more disabilities.
The total number of scholarships is determined based on quotas allocated to state education boards, ensuring equitable representation.
Financial Benefits of the Scheme
The CSSS-CUS offers financial support across different levels of education:
Graduation Level
₹10,000 per annum for the first three years of undergraduate study.
Post-Graduation Level
₹20,000 per annum for postgraduate courses.
Professional Courses
₹20,000 per annum for the fourth and fifth years of professional degree programs (e.g., engineering, medicine).
This support aims to reduce the economic burden on families and promote uninterrupted education.
Duration and Renewal Criteria
Scholarships are granted for the entire course duration (up to five years). Renewal depends on the following:
- Academic Performance: Students must secure a minimum of 60% marks in the previous academic year.
- Attendance: A minimum of 75% attendance is required.
- Conduct: Students must maintain good behavior and avoid disciplinary issues like ragging.
For professional courses, renewal is provided only up to the graduation level.
Disbursement of Scholarships
The scholarship amount is disbursed through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring direct credit to the student’s bank account. To avoid delays:
- Link your Aadhaar with your bank account.
- Ensure the bank account is active and complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process.
- Select the correct bank branch while applying on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Application Process and Documentation
The application is submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Although no documents are required during the initial stage, the following are needed for verification:
Aadhaar Card
Educational Certificates
Bank Account Details
Students must select their institution carefully during registration, as changes cannot be made post-submission.
Key Identifiers: Temporary and Permanent IDs
Temporary ID (TID): Issued during registration for reference.
Permanent ID (PID): Generated after application submission, essential for tracking and renewal.
Ensure safe storage of these IDs for future use.
Reserved Category Benefits and Distribution
Reserved category students (SC, ST, OBC, PwDs) receive benefits as per the Central Reservation Policy:
SC: 15%
ST: 7.5%
OBC: 27%
PwDs: 5% horizontal reservation across all categories.
State quotas are determined based on the population of students aged 18–25, with additional representation for CBSE and ICSE boards.
Addressing Queries and Grievances
For assistance, students can reach out via:
- National Scholarship Portal Helpdesk:
Email: dhe@nsp.gov.in
Phone: 0120-6619540 - CSSS-CUS Support:
Email: csssgre@gmail.com
Phone: 011-26172491, 011-26165238
Grievances regarding non-receipt of scholarships can be registered on the Public Grievance Portal.
