CBSE Opens Applications for Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) 2025-26 for College and University Students

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, has officially opened the online application window for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) for the academic year 2025–26. This initiative, facilitated through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), is a major step toward supporting meritorious students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education at the college and university levels.

This year’s notification also includes renewals for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, making it relevant not just for fresh applicants but also for students who are continuing their academic journey under this scheme.

Who Can Apply: Fresh Applicants and Renewals

The CSSS is available for two categories of students:

• Fresh Applicants for the academic year 2025–26
• Renewals:
   
  • 1st renewal for awardees of 2024–25
  • 2nd renewal for awardees of 2023–24
  • 3rd renewal for awardees of 2022–23
  • 4th renewal for awardees of 2021–22

This multi-level eligibility ensures that students can maintain scholarship continuity throughout their undergraduate academic years, provided they meet the required conditions for renewal.

Key Application Details

All applications—fresh and renewal—must be submitted online through the official National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in.

• Last Date for Submission:
  July 31, 2025
   
• Application Process Highlights:
   
  • Students must register using a One-Time Registration (OTR) system.
  • Mandatory inputs include: OTR number, password, and Captcha code.
  • The system will automatically fetch personal and demographic details via Aadhaar.
  • If any discrepancies are noticed, students must update their Aadhaar and initiate a fresh eKYC for correction.
  • These updates will reflect in the student's NSP OTR profile and application form.

Registration & Verification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

To ensure smooth processing, the application must follow this order:

1. OTR Registration:
    
   • Input valid Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
   • Enter OTP to verify.
   • Set up login credentials.
2. Form Completion:
    
   • Auto-filled personal information appears from Aadhaar.
   • Fill in academic and financial details manually.
      
3. Document Upload:
    
   • Submit original documents as proof of eligibility.
   • Avoid submitting blurred or incomplete documents to prevent rejection.
      
4. Institutional Verification:
    
   • The application must be verified by the student’s educational institution.
   • Modal officers at each institute must complete timely verifications using their institutional login.
   • Without institutional verification, the application will be considered invalid.

Documents Required for Application

To ensure a smooth process, students must keep the following documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card (linked with mobile number)
• Income certificate (as per eligibility criteria)
• Marksheets of Class 12 (for fresh applicants) or latest exam (for renewals)
• Bank passbook (linked to the applicant)
• Institution admission proof
• Bonafide certificate (for current academic year)
• Valid mobile number and email ID

All data entered must be accurate and up-to-date. False entries may lead to rejection of the scholarship and could also impact future eligibility.

Why CSSS Matters: Financial Relief for Bright Minds

The CSSS scholarship provides substantial financial assistance to talented students from low-income families, helping them pursue degrees in Science, Commerce, Humanities, Engineering, and other streams.

The scheme is especially critical in a country like India where economic constraints remain a barrier to quality education. Through CSSS, the government intends to reduce dropout rates at the higher education level and support students with:

• Annual financial support disbursed in equal installments
• Scholarships that continue through a 3-year undergraduate or 5-year integrated program
• Support aligned with the academic performance and attendance of the recipient

Eligibility Criteria Snapshot (for Fresh Applicants)

Renewal Conditions: Maintaining Academic Progress

Students applying for renewal must:

• Maintain a minimum 50% score in the previous academic year
• Maintain 75% attendance
• Have their academic performance certified by their institution’s nodal officer
• Ensure no gap year during the course unless specified

Failure to meet these criteria will lead to non-renewal of the scholarship, as per government norms.

Communication and Helpline

All communication will be carried out only through the registered mobile number and email ID provided during OTR registration. Therefore, students, parents, or legal guardians are urged to:

• Keep their mobile/email details active and monitored
• Do not change registered credentials midway without official procedures

For any queries or assistance, students can visit the NSP Helpdesk or call the designated toll-free numbers available on the NSP portal.

Conclusion: Apply Without Delay

The CSSS scheme is a lifeline for thousands of students aspiring for higher education in India. With the application window open only till July 31, 2025, students are strongly advised to complete the application and verification process well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Whether you're a fresh applicant or due for renewal, this is an opportunity not to miss. With a straightforward online application, institution-level support, and government backing, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship continues to empower India's next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.