Unlock Your Academic Future: CBSE's Central Sector Scholarship 2025-26 Now Open!

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially opened applications for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) for the academic year 2025-26. This initiative, backed by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, aims to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education.

About the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme
The CSSS is designed to provide financial assistance to students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their Class 12 examinations and are enrolled in regular undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The scholarship helps alleviate the financial burden of higher education, enabling students to focus on their academic pursuits

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: June 2, 2025

• Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

• Verification by Institutions: Up to November 15, 2025

• Final Verification by State Authorities: Up to November 30, 2025

*Note: Applications must be submitted and verified through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in

Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the CSSS, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Performance: Achieved above the 80th percentile in Class 12 examinations from a recognized board.

• Course Enrollment: Enrolled in a regular (not distance or correspondence) undergraduate or postgraduate course in a recognized institution.

• Family Income: Annual family income should not exceed (INR) 4.5 lakh.

• Scholarship Exclusivity: Not availing benefits from any other scholarship schemes.

• Renewal Criteria: For continued support, students must secure at least 50% marks in their annual exams and maintain a minimum of 75% attendance.

Scholarship Benefits
The CSSS offers financial support as follows:

• Undergraduate Level: 12,000 (INR) per annum 9 for the first three years.

• Postgraduate Level: 20,000 (INR) per annum.

• Professional Courses (5-year duration): 12,000 (INR) per annum for the first three years and 20,000 (INR) per annum for the fourth and fifth years.

Note: A total of 82,000 scholarships are awarded annually, equally divided between male and female students, and distributed among state education boards based on the population of students aged 18-25 years in each state

How to Apply

• Registration: Visit the National Scholarship Portal and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).

• Application Form: Log in using your credentials and fill out the CSSS application form with accurate details.

• Document Upload: Upload necessary documents, including:

  • Class 12 mark sheet

  • Income certificate

  • Caste certificate (if applicable)

  • Disability certificate (if applicable)

  • Bank passbook

  • Bonafide certificate from the institution

• Submission: Submit the application and ensure it is verified by your institution within the stipulated timeframe

The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship is a significant opportunity for students to receive financial support for their higher education endeavors. Eligible students are encouraged to apply promptly and ensure all verification processes are completed to benefit from this scheme