Central Sector Scholarship

The centrally-funded Central Sector Scholarship is awarded to college and university students. Find the details of Central Sector Scholarship 2023 and its benefits, eligibility requirements, etc. here.

About Central Sector Scholarship

The Government of India offers different types of scholarships to Indian students based on their eligibility. The Central Sector Scholarship scheme is a centrally-funded scholarship scheme provided by the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). This scholarship is given to college and university students based on their merit. The objective of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students from economically underprivileged families. Every year, through the Central Sector Scholarship program, 82,000 graduate and postgraduate students receive financial aid.

The Central Sector Scholarship program is awarded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India on the basis of results of the Higher Secondary/ Class 12 Board Examination. The scholarship is given to UG and PG students who are in colleges and universities and also for professional courses, such as Medical, Engineering etc. Students who are looking for scholarships can read more about the Central Sector Scholarship here.

The Central Sector Scholarship scheme is given to both male and female students in equal proportion i.e., 41,000 of the total number of scholarships are reserved for boys and the other 41,000 are secured for girl candidates. The eligible students receive an annual scholarship amount of up to INR 20,000 so that they can meet their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher studies.

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Highlights of Central Sector Scholarship 2024

To get an insight into the Scholarship 2024 scheme, refer to the highlights of the Central Sector Scholarship provided below:

Particulars

Details

Scholarship NameCentral Sector Scholarship
Scholarship Given byDepartment of Higher Education of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)
Application PeriodAugust - November
Eligibility
  • Those above the 80th percentile of successful students in their Class 12
  • Pursuing regular UG/ PG course
  • Family income less than INR 4.5 Lakh annually
BenefitsUp to INR 20,000 per annum till the completion of the course
Scholarship Websitescholarships.gov.in 
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Who can Apply for Central Sector Scholarship?

There are often meritorious students from poor families who need financial assistance in the form of a scholarship to continue their studies. The Central Sector Scholarship is the ideal one for them as it will help them to meet their day-to-day expenses while pursuing higher education.

Students who have secured a minimum of 50% marks in their qualifying exam with an attendance of 75% can apply for the Central Sector Scholarship. This scholarship is given for a maximum period of 5 years including graduation and postgraduation studies in the same stream. Candidates who were not involved in any ragging activities can apply for this scholarship on NSP (National Scholarship Portal) for renewal. 

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Central Sector Scholarship - Eligibility Criteria

The Central Sector Scholarship scheme is given to bright young minds who belong to economically weaker sections. While applying for this scholarship 2023, students should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. Given below are the eligibility requirements for Central Sector Scholarship:

  • Students who are above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream from the respective Board of Examination in Class 12 or equivalent are eligible.
  • Applicants should be pursuing regular degree courses and not correspondence or distance mode or Diploma courses.
  • They should be enrolled in courses at colleges/ institutions recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education and the respective Regulatory Bodies concerned.
  • To get this scholarship, students have to make sure that they are not benefiting from any other scholarship schemes including State-run scholarships or fee waiver & reimbursement schemes.
  • Students with a total family income of up to Rs 4.5 lakh per annum are eligible for scholarships under the scheme. However, fresh applicants need to provide an income certificate.
  • Those who will be changing their college/ university of study can continue/ renew the scholarship provided the course of study and the college has a valid AISHE Code
  • The applicants belonging to reserved categories of SC, ST, OBC and PWD will get a reservation of 15%, 7.5%, 27% and 5%, respectively.
  • Candidates who missed applying for renewal of online application on NSP will be allowed to apply for renewal of the scholarship for a subsequent year on NSP if they meet the eligibility requirements for renewal.
  • The scholarship has to be renewed every year. Apart from that, students should be getting at least 50% marks in the Annual Examination, and maintain adequate attendance of at least 75%. 
  • Any kind of complaints against the student regarding any disciplined or criminal behaviour including any complaints of having indulged in ragging, will lead to forfeiture of scholarship.
  • Candidates have to apply for the Central Sector Scholarship online in the National Scholarships Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in) for fresh/ renewal scholarships. However, fresh/ renewal applications sent directly to the Ministry of Education shall not be accepted.
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How to Apply for Central Sector Scholarship?

Applicants interested in applying for the Central Sector Scholarship scheme can do so online. They need to apply for the scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) by visiting the official website, www.scholarships.gov.in. 

Central Sector Scholarship - Application Process

The application process for the Central Sector Scholarship has been made easy for applicants by the MHRD. Students can fill out the scholarship application form online through the government scholarship portal, NSP (National Scholarship Portal). Candidates can follow the below-given steps to fill out the Central Sector Scholarship application form. 

  • New users who are applying for the first time in NSP need to register themselves with NSP. 
  • National Scholarships Portal (NSP) (www.scholarships.gov.in) provides the timelines for opening & closing of the portal.
  • To register yourself, fill in the important details and click on ‘Register’. An application ID and password are generated for the students on the registered mobile number. 
  • Students need to log in to NSP using the newly generated application ID and password. An OTP is sent to the registered number with the help of which applicants can change their password.
  • After changing the password, students are redirected to the dashboard of the applicants where they need to click on the ‘Application Form’ to get started with the application process.
  • All the necessary information such as the registration details, academic details, basic details, contact details and scheme details have to be filled up.
  • The applicants have to upload the required documents in support of their identity and academic eligibility.
  • After filling up the application form, the candidates should preview the application form once again to check all the details. 
  • Lastly, click on the ‘Submit’ button to submit the application form for the Central Sector Scholarship. 

Note: These online scholarships submitted by the candidates are verified at two levels – one at the institute level where the candidate is studying and the other at the education board level through which the applicant passed his/ her class 12 exam.

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Central Sector Scholarship - Documents Required

To apply for the Central Sector Scholarship online, candidates need to submit some important documents. Find here the list of documents required during the application process for the Central Sector Scholarship scheme:

  • A bank passbook issued in the name of the applicant for filling bank details
  • Aadhaar card number (In case an Aadhaar is not yet assigned, alternatives like an Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, voter ID card, driver's license, PAN, passport etc. can be used)
  • Class 12 mark sheet
  • An income certificate issued by the competent authority
  • Caste certificate (if applicable)
  • Disability certificate (if applicable)
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Central Sector Scholarship - Last Date

To understand when to apply for the Central Sector Scholarship program, students can check the scholarship 2024 last date. 

Events

Dates (Tentative)

Scheme Closing DateJanuary 2024
Defective Application Verification DateJanuary 2024
DNO/ SNO/ MNO VerificationFebruary 2024


 

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Central Sector Scholarship - Benefits

82,000 Central Sector Scholarships are given out to eligible students every year. The scholarship is divided into 50%-50% each for female and male candidates. These merit scholarships are distributed to the State Education Boards for the age group 18 to 25 years in the respective state after segregating the share of CBSE and ICSE.

Again, the scholarships allotted to State Education Boards are divided in the ratio of 3:2:1 among the graduated students of Science, Commerce and Arts, respectively. The selected students receive the scholarship amount directly into their account through Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) mode. Given below is the detail of the Central Sector Scholarship benefits: 

1. Graduation

  • An annual scholarship amount of INR 10,000 for 1st three years of graduation.
  • For a 5-year integrated course (professional studies), INR 20,000 per year is given to students during the 4th and 5th years of study.
  • If the candidates are pursuing technical courses such as B.Tech or BE, the scholarship is given up to graduation level.

2. Postgraduation

  • An amount of INR 20,000 is provided to students studying at postgraduation level.
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Central Sector Scholarship - Contact Details

People having doubts or queries regarding the Central Sector Scholarship, candidates can contact the authorities through the below-mentioned details:

  • Address: Section Officer National Scholarship Division Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, West Block 1, 2nd Floor, Wing 6, Room No. 6, R. K. Puram, Sector 1, New Delhi 110066
  • Email ID: es3.edu@nic.in
  • Telephone No: 011-26172917, 26172491, 26165238
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Central Sector Scholarship - Status

Applicants can check the Central Sector Scholarship status Online from the official website. Candidates will be selected on the basis of their merit and need. The list of selected candidates will be updated on the website within a month or two of the application date. 

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FAQs about Central Sector Scholarship

What is the minimum percentage requirement for renewal of the Central Sector Scholarship scheme?

To ensure the renewal of the Central Sector Scholarship scheme, the students must secure at least 50% marks or more in the previous examination. Also, they must maintain an attendance of at least 75%.

What are the duration of the Central Sector Scholarship and the criteria for renewal under the scheme?

A student will be eligible for the scholarship for a total duration not exceeding 5 years. A scholarship under the scheme is renewable on a year-to-year basis up to the postgraduate level (except for the students pursuing technical courses leading to a degree at the graduation level). 

How can a student get the Central Sector Scholarship?

The Central Sector Scholarship is given by MHRD and is meant to support the studies of students coming from underprivileged families. The students who fulfil all the eligibility conditions may apply for the scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Once the application is verified, the selected students get the scholarship amount directly in their respective bank accounts through DBT.

Can UR category students avail the benefits of the Central Sector Scholarship?

Yes, the Central Sector Scholarship is meant for all categories of students (including the General category). 15% of scholarships are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) students, 7.5% of scholarships are reserved for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, 27% of scholarships are reserved for OBC, and 5% for PwDs.

Can I edit the information already saved while filling up the application form for the Central Sector Scholarship scheme?

You can edit the information till the final submission of the online application for the Central Sector Scholarship. After the final submission of the application, information can only be edited when your application is marked as defective at the verification level.

What instructions should be followed by students while filling up Bank Account details for the Central Sector Scholarship scheme?

While filling up the Central Sector Scholarship, students have to make sure that the bank account is in the student’s name, carefully select the bank/ branch name from the drop-down list, the complete account number and IFSC code should be given, etc. 

What is the rate of scholarship under the Central Sector Scholarship scheme?

The rate of scholarship is Rs. 12,000 per annum at the Graduation level for the first three years and Rs. 20,000 per annum at the Post-Graduation level. Students pursuing technical courses are paid Rs. 20,000 per annum in the 4th and 5th year. 

Who is eligible for the Central Sector Scholarship?

The students, who are above the 80th percentile of successful candidates in the relevant stream from the respective Board of Examination in Class XII of 10+2 pattern or
Equivalent can avail of benefits under the Central Sector Scholarship. They must be pursuing a regular undergraduate/ postgraduate/ professional course from a recognised institution in India. 

What is the minimum income requirement for Central Sector Scholarship?

There is no minimum income requirement for the Central Sector Scholarship. However, the annual income of the applicant's family must not exceed INR 4.5 lakh per annum from all sources.

What are the documents required to be uploaded for application and verification for the Central Sector Scholarship?

The documents needed to be submitted while filling up the application form for the Central Sector Scholarship scheme are a Bank passbook issued in the name of the applicant, an Aadhaar card number or an Aadhaar enrolment ID slip, voter ID card, driver's license, PAN, passport etc., Class 12 mark sheet, an income certificate issued by the competent authority, caste certificate and disability certificate.

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