Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University students 2026

This scheme encourages girls to continue their education up to Class 12 after passing Class 8, especially Read More... those from SC/ST communities who might otherwise drop out due to financial reasons. Read less

Details

Many girls drop out of school after Class 8 due to financial constraints. To tackle this, the government introduced the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education. This initiative aims to ensure that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds continue their studies and don't miss out on completing their secondary education.

What Is This Scheme?

The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education is a government program designed to provide financial support to girl students. It encourages them to stay in school and complete their education up to Class 12, particularly if they passed Class 8 and were considering dropping out for economic or social reasons. The goal is to reduce the dropout rate among girls and keep them enrolled in education.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically for girl students who have passed Class 8. It targets those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities. A key requirement is that they must have enrolled in Class 9 from the academic year 2008-09 onwards in government, government-aided, or local body schools. Girls studying in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalayas (KGBVs) after passing Class 8 are also eligible, regardless of their community.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The dropout rate for girls in India, especially after primary education, has been a significant concern. This scheme addresses the root cause by providing a financial incentive. By depositing an amount in their name, it helps ease the burden on parents and encourages girls to pursue education longer, ultimately empowering them and contributing to their future prospects.

Objective

This scheme encourages girls to continue their education up to Class 12 after passing Class 8, especially those from SC/ST communities who might otherwise drop out due to financial reasons.

Benefits

Rate of Scholarship

₹12,000/-per annum at the Graduation level for the first three years of College and University courses.

₹20,000 per annum at the Post-graduation level.

₹20,000/-per annum in the 4th and 5th year to the Students pursuing professional courses, in case, where the duration of the course is five (5) years/Integrated course.

Students pursuing technical courses such as B.Tech, B.Engg. will get scholarship up to graduation level only i.e. ₹12,000 p.a. for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year and ₹20,000 in the 4th year.

Mode of DisbursalThe scholarship will be disbursed directly into the Aadhar seeded bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Sources and references

Guidelines (2024)

Eligibility Criteria

You must be a girl child.
You must belong to a Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) community.
You must have successfully passed Class 8 from a Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhalaya (KGBV). This applies even if you are not from SC/ST categories.
You must have enrolled in Class 9 from the academic year 2008-09 onwards in a school run by the State/UT Government, a Government-aided institution, or a local body.

How To Apply

This scheme requires applications to be submitted online only. For detailed steps and to access the application portal, please refer to the official notifications and links provided by the relevant government departments. While specific dates can vary, application periods are often announced between September and November each year.

Documents Required

Scanned copy of your Aadhaar card.
Domicile Certificate.
Income certificate of your parents or legal guardian (issued by state/UT authorities).
Your Class 10th scorecard.
A certificate from your school head or principal confirming two years of study after enrolling in Class 9.
Fee receipts for your current class.
Proof of your bank account, which can be your existing account or a joint account with one of your parents.
Disability certificate, if applicable.

FAQ’s

Can I withdraw the incentive amount before I turn 18?

No, premature withdrawal of the incentive amount under the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) is not allowed. The funds are locked in a fixed deposit until you reach 18 years of age.

What happens to the money if I unfortunately pass away before the age of 18?

If the beneficiary girl child passes away before the policy term ends, the incentive amount will not be transferred to her parents or legal guardians. Instead, the money will be returned to the account of the Central government of India.

I'm 16 and just enrolled in Class 9. I also got married recently. Can I still get the NSIGSE benefits?

No, you cannot avail the benefits. The maximum age for a girl child to apply for this scheme is 16 years. Also, married girls are not eligible for the incentive amount offered under this scheme.

I'm a boy and belong to an SC/BPL family. Can I apply for this scheme?

No, this scheme is exclusively for eligible female students. You might want to check for other government schemes that cater to your specific needs.

How much scholarship money do I actually receive from the NSIGSE scheme?

Eligible candidates will receive a total of ₹3000. This amount is deposited in a fixed-term account, and you will receive the principal amount along with the accrued interest when the deposit matures.

I study in a private school in Bangalore. Am I eligible for this scheme?

No, the scheme does not provide financial assistance to students enrolled in Central Government schools or private schools. Eligibility is limited to government, government-aided, or local body schools.

When is the last date to apply for the NSIGSE scheme each year?

The application period typically falls between September and November. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's best to check the official website for any new notifications.

Can I use the incentive amount to pay my school fees?

No, you cannot use the incentive amount to pay school fees directly. Since the money is in a fixed deposit until you are 18 and have completed Class 10, it cannot be accessed for immediate expenses. However, it can be a valuable resource for your future higher education.

I enrolled in Class 9 at age 16 but stopped studying after a year. Will I get the incentive?

No, you won't qualify. To receive the incentive benefits, you must continue your studies for at least two years from your Class 9 enrollment date and pass your Class 10 board examination.

Is it possible to apply for the NSIGSE scheme offline?

No, applications for the NSIGSE scheme are accepted only through the online platform. You can find more details about the online application process in the 'How to Apply' section on this page.