The Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for College and University Students, initiated by the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), aims to support students from economically weaker sections by providing financial assistance. This merit-cum-means scholarship program offers aid to 82,000 students annually, ensuring equal distribution between boys and girls. Each selected student receives up to ₹20,000 per year, alleviating the financial burden of pursuing higher education.

Students pursuing regular undergraduate or postgraduate courses in general or professional fields are eligible for this scholarship. The application period typically runs from August to November. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
These criteria ensure that the scholarship reaches the most deserving students, enabling them to continue their education without financial hindrances.
The scholarship awards are equally divided between boys and girls, with 50% reserved for each gender. The allocation is based on the population of the 18-25 age group in each state and further distributed among pass-outs from Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. The scholarship amount is directly transferred to students' bank accounts via Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT), ensuring a seamless and transparent process.
The scholarship can be renewed for up to five years, provided the students maintain at least 50% marks, 75% attendance, and avoid involvement in ragging activities.
Applications for the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The steps involved are as follows:
Verification is conducted at both the institute and education board levels to ensure the authenticity of the information provided. The Ministry of Human Resource Development oversees this scholarship scheme, ensuring that it reaches the intended beneficiaries.
This scholarship scheme provides several benefits to deserving students:
Apart from the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme, other scholarships are available to support students from various backgrounds: