CBSE Opens Applications for CSSS Scholarships for College and University Students — Apply by July 31
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially invited applications for the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS) for College and University students for the academic year 2025–2026, along with renewals for the years 2021 to 2024. Administered by the Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education, the scholarship is aimed at supporting meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education in recognized institutions across India.
The application process is completely online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), and the deadline to apply or renew is July 31, 2025. Students are strongly advised not to wait until the last minute and to ensure timely and accurate submission to avoid disqualification.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is open to students who:
- Have passed Class 12 from a recognized board.
- Are currently enrolled in a regular undergraduate or postgraduate course.
- Belong to families with an annual income not exceeding a specific limit set by the Ministry (usually ₹8 lakh).
- Have scored above the cutoff percentile for their respective State/Board.
In addition to new applicants, students who are already receiving the CSSS scholarship can apply for renewals for their second, third, or fourth year of college. The scheme encourages continuity in education and provides ongoing financial assistance to eligible students throughout their academic journey.
Where to Apply
Interested students must visit the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. The application process involves:
- Registration through the One-Time Registration (OTR) system.
- Filling out the online application form with accurate academic and personal details.
- Uploading relevant documents such as mark sheets, income certificates, Aadhaar details, and bank account information.
Understanding OTR (One-Time Registration)
The OTR process has been introduced to streamline and simplify the application process. Students will be required to register themselves by providing:
- A Captcha code,
- A secure password, and
- A Time Registration Number (OTR).
Once registered, the OTR automatically fetches key student data, including demographic details and photographs, from official records. This auto-fill mechanism reduces errors and speeds up the form-filling process.
If there are any changes in the student’s personal details, such as name, address, or Aadhaar-linked information, the student must update their Aadhaar card first. Once updated, the eKYC will reflect the changes in their OTR profile, and these will automatically sync with the NSP application form.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Students will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) during registration, which must be correctly entered to verify their mobile number.
- The mobile number and email address used during registration should be current and accessible. All future communications will be made through these contacts only.
- Incorrect, misleading, or incomplete information could result in rejection of the application.
- It is advised that students, or their parents/legal guardians, complete the OTR and application form to ensure accuracy.
- Students must upload original documents and ensure these match the information provided online.
Important for Institutions
The authorities at the NSP have also instructed all nodal officers and institutional administrators to complete the verification process of the applications on time. This includes flagging defective applications and rejecting ineligible entries at the institutional login. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the scholarship award process.
What Happens After Submission?
Once submitted and verified, eligible students will be shortlisted for financial assistance based on merit and income criteria. Scholarship funds are generally disbursed directly into the student’s bank account linked with Aadhaar through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The CSSS scholarship continues to be a lifeline for thousands of students who aspire to pursue higher education but are constrained by financial barriers. With digital technology simplifying access and processing, students now have a more streamlined experience in applying and tracking their scholarship applications. Don’t miss the July 31 deadline — make sure your application is complete and verified well in advance.
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