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

This scheme encourages girls who complete Class 8 to continue their education up to Class 12, especially Read More... those who might otherwise drop out due to financial reasons. Read less

Details

In India, a significant number of girls drop out of school after completing Class 8. To tackle this, the government introduced the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE). Its main goal is to support girls and ensure they continue their studies at the secondary level, aiming to keep them enrolled until Class 12.

What Is This Scheme?

The NSIGSE is designed to provide financial encouragement to girls. It helps them continue their education for two more years after passing Class 8, up to Class 10 and then Class 12. This support aims to reduce the dropout rate among girls, which is often due to socio-economic challenges and the inability of parents to afford further education costs.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically for girls who have successfully completed Class 8 and are enrolling in Class 9. It targets girls from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories. A key aspect is that girls who passed Class 8 from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalayas (KGBVs) are eligible, regardless of their caste or tribe. The scheme also supports girls who enroll in Class 9 in government schools, government-aided schools, or local body schools from the academic year 2008-09 onwards.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Education is a powerful tool, and this scheme ensures that more girls can access it. By providing an incentive, it helps overcome financial barriers that might force girls to leave school. This promotes gender equality and empowers young women to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Objective

This scheme encourages girls who complete Class 8 to continue their education up to Class 12, especially those 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

The applicant must be a girl child.
The applicant must belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.
The applicant must have passed Class 8 from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhyalayas (KGBVs). This applies irrespective of whether she belongs to Scheduled Castes or Tribes.
The applicant must have enrolled for Class 9 in a State/UT Government, Government-aided, or local body school during the academic year 2008-09 or later.

How To Apply

Applications for this scheme are accepted only through an online platform. You need to visit the official website and follow the application instructions. It's important to have all the required documents ready before starting the online application process.

For detailed information and to apply online, please visit the official portal of the Ministry of Education or the relevant department.

Documents Required

Aadhaar Card (scanned copy)
Domicile Certificate
Income certificate of parents or legal guardian (issued by state government or UT administration)
Class 10th scorecard
Certificate from the school principal confirming continuation for two years after Class 9 enrolment
Fee receipts for the current class
Proof of the applicant's bank account, or a joint account with a parent
Disability certificate (if applicable)

FAQ’s

Can I withdraw the scholarship money before I turn 18?

No, premature withdrawal of the incentive amount is not permitted under the National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education. The deposit is meant to be held until you reach the age of 18.

What if I am 16 and married, but enrolled in Class 9? Am I eligible?

To be eligible for this scheme, the girl child should not be more than 16 years old at the time of application. Also, married girls are not eligible to receive the incentive amount provided under this scheme.

I study in a CBSE school in Bangalore. Can I get this scholarship?

No, this scheme is specifically for girls enrolled in government schools, government-aided schools, or local body schools. Students enrolled in Central Government schools or private schools are not eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.

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

The incentive amount is meant for the beneficiary girl child. If the beneficiary unfortunately passes away before the policy term ends, the amount is not transferable to her parents or legal guardians. In such cases, the funds are returned to the Central government of India.

How much money will I receive under this scheme?

Eligible girls will receive a sum of ₹3000. This amount is deposited as a fixed deposit and will mature when the girl child turns 18 years old. The actual amount received will include the principal and accrued interest.

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

No, you cannot use the incentive amount to pay school fees or for any immediate financial needs. Since the money is in a fixed deposit until you turn 18 and pass Class 10, it is intended for your future higher education or other long-term financial goals.

I am 16 and enrolled in Class 9, but couldn't continue after a year. Can I withdraw the incentive?

No. To be eligible to withdraw the incentive, you must continue your studies for at least two years after enrolling in Class 9 under the scheme. You also need to have passed your Class 10 board examination.

Is there an offline application process for this scheme?

No, applications for the NSIGSE scheme are accepted only online. You can find all the details and the application link in the 'How to Apply' section of this page.

When are the application dates for this scheme?

Typically, applications are accepted between September and November each year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on application deadlines, it's best to check the official website notifications.

I am from an SC family and below the poverty line, but I am a boy. Am I eligible?

No, this scheme is exclusively for eligible female students. While this particular scheme might not be suitable for you, you can explore other government schemes that cater to your specific needs.