The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially opened the application process for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students for the academic year 2025-26. Students who wish to apply for fresh scholarships or renew their existing ones can now do so through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
Let’s break down the key details of this important scholarship initiative.
What is the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme?
The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students is a prestigious scholarship program sponsored by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The aim is to provide financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to help them continue their higher education.
Scholarship Amount & Benefits
- ₹12,000 per annum during graduation (first 3 years)
- ₹20,000 per annum during post-graduation
- The amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account
- Helps cover a part of daily expenses, academic costs, and other essential needs
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for fresh scholarships or renewals:
For Fresh Applicants (2025-26 session)
- Must have passed Class 12 (CBSE board) in the previous academic year
- Must have taken admission in a regular undergraduate or postgraduate course in a recognized college or university
- Total annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh
- Must have scored above the 80th percentile in Class 12 board exams
For Renewal Applicants
- Must have been awarded the scholarship in earlier years
- Should maintain consistent academic performance
- No year gap in studies should exist
- Application must be submitted for the correct renewal year:
- 1st Renewal for 2024 session
- 2nd Renewal for 2023 session
- 3rd Renewal for 2022 session
- 4th Renewal for 2021 session
Important Dates: Don’t Miss the Deadline
✅ Last date to apply online (for both fresh and renewal): October 31, 2025
Late submissions or unverified applications will not be accepted. Students are advised to complete the process well before the deadline.
Where to Apply? – Application Process on Scholarships.gov.in
All applications must be submitted online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at www.scholarships.gov.in
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the official website: scholarships.gov.in
- Register as a new user (if applying for the first time)
- Login using the generated credentials
- Fill in the application form with personal, academic, and bank details
- Upload the required documents (income certificate, Aadhaar, bank passbook, etc.)
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference
Documents Required for Central Sector Scholarship
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate (not older than 1 year)
- Bank Account linked with Aadhaar
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Admission proof to college/university
- Bonafide Certificate from the institution
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
CBSE Notification Highlights
CBSE, in its official notice, stated:
“All the candidates are advised to apply online within the stipulated time and get their online applications verified by the institutions. If required, students must show original documents to the institution. Failure to do so will render the application INVALID.”
Verification by Institutions
CBSE also directed Nodal Officers of institutions to promptly verify (accept/defect/reject) the applications at their respective institute logins to ensure timely processing.
Why This Scholarship Matters?
This scheme helps students who are academically bright but financially constrained to pursue their dreams of higher education without undue financial stress.
Key Objectives
- Reduce dropouts at higher education level
- Promote equal opportunity among socio-economic groups
- Enable smooth transition from school to college and university
Quick FAQs – Central Sector Scholarship 2025-26
Q. Can students from private colleges apply?
Yes, if the college is recognized and the course is regular.
Q. Can diploma or distance education students apply?
No. The scheme is applicable only for regular degree courses.
Q. Will the scholarship continue automatically every year?
No. Students must apply for renewal each year.
Q. How is the 80th percentile calculated?
It is based on the CBSE board results for that academic year.
Tips for Successful Application
- Apply early to avoid last-minute glitches
- Ensure all documents are uploaded in the correct format
- Keep checking your application status on the portal
- Contact your institute’s nodal officer in case of issues with verification
Conclusion
The Central Sector Scholarship for College and University Students 2025-26 is a golden opportunity for students to secure financial aid and continue their academic journey stress-free. With the deadline of October 31, 2025, approaching fast, all eligible students are urged to complete their application process without delay.
For more updates on CBSE notifications, government scholarships, and education news, keep visiting khabrainhindustan.com.
