Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana offers scholarships to J&K and Ladakh students for higher education. It covers academic fees, maintenance allowances, and promotes access to quality education in top institutions across India.

Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana 2025

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM-USP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting higher education among students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. This umbrella scheme encompasses several component schemes, including the Special Scholarship Scheme for Students of Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (PM-USP CSSS). These programs are designed to provide financial support to meritorious students, enabling them to pursue higher education in various fields such as general degree courses, professional courses, and medical degrees. 

Under the Special Scholarship Scheme, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) facilitates 5,000 fresh scholarships annually for students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Similarly, the Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship awards up to 82,000 scholarships every year based on Class XII board results, with a special allocation for girls and students from specific regions, ensuring inclusivity. The scholarships support academic fees, maintenance allowances, and other essential needs, fostering academic excellence and enabling students to compete in the national mainstream. 

Also Read: MI Scholarship

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Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana Dates 2025

Here’s a list of crucial events related to the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana.

EventsDates
Application Start DateMay 2025 (Tentative)
Last Date of Application Submission June 2025 (Tentative)
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Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana 2025 Overview

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana promotes higher education by offering financial support to students, ensuring quality learning opportunities and empowering youth from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

AspectDetails
ObjectiveTo provide financial assistance for academic fees and maintenance to students from J&K and Ladakh who secure admission in select institutions outside these UTs.
ScopeCovers 5,000 fresh scholarships annually: 2,070 for General Degree courses, 2,830 for Professional/ Engineering courses, and 100 for Medical courses.
Scholarship Amount

Stream

  • General (30,000 academic fee, 1 lakh maintenance)
  • Professional/ Engineering (1.25 lakh academic fee, 1 lakh maintenance);
  • Medical (3 lakh academic fee, INR 1 lakh maintenance).
Eligibility Criteria
  • Domicile of J&K or Ladakh
  • Passed Class XII from JKBOSE/ CBSE-affiliated schools in J&K or Ladakh
  • Family income ? 8 lakh/ year
  • Applied online through AICTE portal
ExclusionsNot eligible if pursuing: courses via open universities, postgraduate studies, or through management quota; availing other scholarships; family income > 8 lakh/ year; not registered on AICTE portal.
Reservation Policy
  • SC (8%)
  • ST (10%)
  • SEBC (22%) including RBA (10%), ALC/IB (4%), OSC (4%), Pahari Speaking (4%)
  • EWS (10%)- PwD (4% horizontal).
Participating InstitutesIncludes NAAC-accredited, NIRF-ranked (<300), NBA-accredited, Delhi University colleges, and Central Universities approved by AICTE/ UGC/other regulatory bodies.
Admission in Special Institutes
  • IITS, NITS, IISc
  • Admission via JEE Mains/Advanced
  • Medical (MBBS/ BDS)
  • Admission via NEET- Architecture: Admission via NATA
  • Law: Admission via CLAT
DurationScholarships are renewable annually based on academic performance and attendance. No scholarship is given for repeating the same year twice.
Disbursement Procedure
  • Academic Fee: Paid directly to the institution as per fee regulatory limits.
  • Maintenance Allowance: Paid to students' accounts through DBT using PFMS in monthly installments.
Documents for Application
  • Domicile certificate
  • SSC Marksheet
  • Income certificate
  • Aadhaar card
  • Bank details (seeded with Aadhaar)
  • Category and PwD certificates (if applicable).
Online Admission Process
  • Apply through AICTE portal
  • Document verification at facilitation centers
  • Seat allotment through online counseling based on merit and choice filling.
Monitoring
  • Overseen by an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K and Ladakh.

Also Read: Kotak Kanya Scholarship

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PM USP Eligibility Criteria 2025

The eligibility criteria for Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana outline the requirements for students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to avail scholarships for higher education under this initiative.

CriteriaDetails
DomicileCandidates must be domiciles of the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Educational QualificationPassed Class XII (10+2) or equivalent from JKBOSE/ CBSE-affiliated schools located in J&K and Ladakh.
Income LimitFamily income should not exceed 8.00 lakh per annum.
Academic PerformanceAbove the 80th percentile in the relevant stream in Class XII examination.
Mode of StudyMust be pursuing regular degree courses; correspondence, distance, or diploma-only courses are not eligible.
Institution EligibilityColleges/ institutions must be recognized by AICTE or other relevant regulatory bodies.
Lateral Entry StudentsCandidates must have passed a diploma in engineering from recognized polytechnic institutes in J&K or Ladakh.
Non-Availment of Other SchemesStudents should not be availing benefits of any other scholarship or fee reimbursement schemes.
Renewal Criteria At least 50% marks in the annual examination and 75% attendance. No disciplinary or criminal complaints, including ragging.
Application ProcessApplications must be submitted online via the National Scholarships Portal (NSP). Direct submissions are not accepted.
Lateral Entry AdmissionsSubject to allocation of seats/ vacant seats of the preceding year in engineering courses only.
Reservation Policy15% for SCs, 7.5% for STs, 27% for OBCs, and 5% horizontal reservation for PwDs. Vacant slots may be reallocated based on merit.

Exclusions under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana

The following categories of candidates are not eligible for benefits under PM-USP Yojana.

  • Students pursuing courses through Open Universities.
  • Candidates availing benefits of any other scholarship scheme.
  • Students admitted through Management Quota.
  • Candidates pursuing Diploma courses or Postgraduate-level studies in any discipline.
  • Applicants with a family income exceeding INR 8.00 lakh per annum.
  • Students who have not registered online on the AICTE Portal.
  • Candidates taking admission in colleges that are not listed on the AICTE Portal.
  • Admissions made through Agents or NGOs.
  • All candidates must adhere to the eligibility criteria and apply through the official AICTE portal to avail the scholarship benefits.

Also Read: Atul Maheshwari Scholarship 

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Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana for MBA Students

The Special Scholarship Scheme for the Students of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana provides financial support to students aspiring to pursue MBA courses outside the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The scheme covers tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and aims to enable students to compete nationally while supporting their academic and professional development.

Category Details
Eligibility
  • Students domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh, passed Class XII, and admitted to AICTE-approved colleges through counseling. 
  • Family income ? INR 8 lakh per annum.
StreamMBA (Professional degree course)
Academic LimitINR 1.25 lakh per annum
Maintenance AllowanceINR 1 lakh per annum (Disbursed in installments via Direct Benefit Transfer - DBT
Mode of AdmissionAICTE’s counseling process in institutions listed on the AICTE portal
ReservationsAs per J&K and Ladakh norms: SC (8%), ST (10%), SEBC (22%), PwD (4%), EWS (10%)
ExclusionStudents admitted under management quota, post-graduate courses (non-MBA), or pursuing distance learning.
Renewal of scholarshipBased on academic performance and attendance.

Also Read: IDFC First Bank MBA Scholarship 

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Disbursement Procedure for Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana

The Disbursement Procedure for Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana ensures transparent and timely transfer of academic fees and maintenance allowances directly to institutions and students through the DBT mechanism.

StepsDetails
Steps to Be Taken by Students for DBT
Upload College Joining ReportStudents must upload their joining report (in the prescribed format under the SSS J&K tab) before the last date of joining. - Log in to the AICTE portal using credentials created during the application process.
Verification by InstitutionThe uploaded joining report will be verified by the institution.
Upload Required Documents

Students must fill and upload necessary details under the following tabs:

  • Basic Details Tab
  • Institute Details Tab
  • Bank Details Tab
Steps to Be Taken by Institutions
Account Details SubmissionInstitutes must provide details for receiving academic fees directly into their official account (in the name of the institution).
Upload Required Documents

Log in to the AICTE J&K and Ladakh portal using the authorized User ID and Password.

Provide and upload details under the following tabs:

  • Institute Details Tab
  • Bank Details Tab
  • Fee Details Tab
Documents to Be Uploaded by Institutions
  • College Fee Structure/Academic Fee (in the prescribed format on the AICTE portal). SFRC (State Fee Regulatory Committee/ Authority) fee fixation document.
  • Mandate Form (institution account details in the prescribed format).
  • Passbook copy/ canceled cheque with bank details (account name, number, IFSC, MICR, address).
  • Ensure the institution bank account is not in the name of Trust/ Society.
SubmissionSubmit all required details and documents on the AICTE portal.
Disbursement Mechanism
Academic FeePaid directly to the institution's bank account based on SFRC guidelines and within the scheme's maximum limits.
Maintenance Allowance

Paid directly to the student's bank account via PFMS (Public Financial Management System). 

  • First Year: 20,000 (1st installment) and 10,000 per month (next 8 installments). 
  • From Second Year Onwards: Disbursed in 10 monthly installments of 10,000 each.
Implementation and Monitoring
OversightAn Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) oversees implementation and ensures compliance with guidelines under the Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Conditions for DisbursementScholarships are disbursed only after students upload their joining report, AADHAR number, and other required documents on the AICTE portal.

Also Read: Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship

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Online Admission/Application Process of Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Yojana 2025

The online admission/application process for the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana ensures transparent and efficient registration, verification, and counseling to facilitate seamless admission and scholarship disbursement for eligible students.

Admission under 10+2 Scheme and Lateral Entry

Admission under the 10+2 Scheme and Lateral Entry facilitates access to higher education for eligible students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

SectionDetails
Eligibility for submission 
  • Passed the 10+2 examination from JKBOSE or CBSE-affiliated schools.
  • Passed Diploma in Engineering from Directorate of Technical Education-approved polytechnics (UTs of J&K and Ladakh).
  • Qualifications must have been completed in the academic years 2019-20, 2020-21, or later.
Application Registration 
  • Applications must be submitted online via the AICTE portal.
  • Information provided must match the details registered during the Class 10+2 examination.
  • Candidates whose credentials do not match the AICTE portal database will be unable to complete registration.
Credentials for registration Upon successful registration, eligible candidates will receive a username and password to complete their application on the AICTE portal.
Assistance via Facilitation CentresFacilitation Centres in UTs of J&K and Ladakh help students complete applications and verify original documents.
Document Verification Requirements
  • Domicile Certificate (State of J&K or Ladakh).
  • Certificates of Class 10th and 12th (for candidates who passed 12th).
  • Polytechnic Diploma Certificate (for diploma holders).
  • Income Certificate.
  • Caste Certificate (SC/ST/SEBC) issued by State Government authority (for reserved category candidates).
  • Disability Certificate (for Persons with Disabilities).

Procedure for Application

The application procedure ensures a structured approach for students to register, verify documents, and secure scholarships under the scheme efficiently.

Section Details
Submission ModeApplications must be submitted online only via the AICTE portal.
Credential Verification Credentials such as caste, educational qualifications, and other details are verified via DigiLocker (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, MeITY).
Role of NSP
  • The NSP portal announces timelines for application opening and closing.
  • Guidelines for application, verification, selection, and scholarship disbursement are available on NSP.
Selection ProcessA selection list is generated and displayed on the NSP portal.
Verification Process 

Applications are verified at two levels:

  • By the Institute where the student is studying.
  • By the State Higher Education Department or State Nodal Agency.
GuidelinesUpdated guidelines for timelines and application processes are published on the NSP portal.
Renewal Application 
  • Students are not permanently debarred from scholarships due to delayed renewal or verification.
  • Renewal applications must be submitted within the specified cut-off date.
  • Renewal applications missed within that year’s deadline will not be considered.

Also Read: Aikyashree Scholarship

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Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana 2025

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana aims to support students from the Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh by providing scholarships for higher education outside these UTs. The Special Scholarship Scheme (SSS) is designed to offer financial assistance to students, enabling them to pursue academic courses in Government and select private institutions across India. Below are the key benefits offered under the scheme:

Financial Assistance for Academic Fees

Tuition and Other Academic Fees: Scholarships cover tuition and admissible academic fees for students, subject to the maximum limits outlined for each course:

General Degree Courses: Rs. 30,000 per annum

Professional/Engineering/Nursing/Pharmacy/Architecture/Hotel Management: Rs. 1,25,000 per annum

Medical Courses (MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS): Rs. 3,00,000 per annum

Direct Payment to Institutions: The academic fee is directly paid to the institution as per the prescribed ceiling for each course, ensuring students are relieved from the financial burden of high education costs.

Maintenance Allowance for Living Expenses

Hostel and Mess Fees: Students receive a fixed maintenance allowance to cover living expenses, including hostel fees, mess charges, books, and other incidental costs.

Amount and Disbursement: Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum, which is disbursed in monthly installments:

  • First year: Rs. 20,000 for the first installment, followed by 8 monthly installments of Rs. 10,000 each.
  • From the second year onward: Rs. 10,000 per month.
  • Direct Bank Transfer (DBT): The maintenance allowance is transferred directly to the students' bank accounts using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) gateway.

Support for Various Courses

The scheme covers a broad range of academic programs:

General Degree Courses: Includes undergraduate courses such as BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, etc.

Professional and Technical Courses: Includes engineering, architecture, hotel management, nursing, pharmacy, and more.

Medical Courses: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, etc.

The scheme offers 5000 scholarships annually, ensuring support for a large number of students.

Eligibility for Students from J&K and Ladakh

Residency Requirement: Only students who are domiciles of J&K and Ladakh are eligible for the scholarships.

Income Limit: Students whose families have an annual income of Rs. 8.00 lakh or less are eligible for financial assistance.

Educational Criteria: Students must have passed the Class 12 examination from JKBOSE or CBSE affiliated schools in J&K or Ladakh. Lateral Entry students must have completed a Diploma in Engineering from a recognized Polytechnic.

Reservations for Socially and Economically Backward Groups

The scheme follows the reservation policy for different social groups as prescribed for J&K and Ladakh:

  • SC: 8% of scholarships
  • ST: 10% of scholarships
  • Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC): 22% of scholarships.
  • Persons with Disabilities: 4% horizontal reservation
  • Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% within the general category.

Support for Institutions

Selection of Participating Institutions: Only select institutions that are accredited by relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., AICTE, UGC) are eligible to participate in the scheme.

IITs/NITs and National Importance Institutions: Students seeking admission to IITs, NITs, IISc, and other centrally funded institutions may also be considered under this scheme, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Simplified Admission and Disbursement Process

Online Registration and Counseling: Students must apply online through the AICTE portal. After document verification, the counseling process will allocate seats based on merit and the availability of scholarships.

Direct Fee Disbursement to Institutions: Academic fees will be disbursed directly to the institutions, while maintenance allowances will be transferred to students' bank accounts.

Renewal of Scholarship

Continuous Financial Support: Scholarships are renewable for subsequent years, subject to students maintaining good academic standing and attendance. If a student fails to progress to the next year, the scholarship will be revoked after two consecutive failures.

Exception for Medical Reasons: Students unable to appear for exams due to illness or unforeseen circumstances can request scholarship renewal with the submission of medical certificates and other supporting documents.

Exclusion Criteria

Students are not eligible if they are pursuing studies through open universities, availing of other scholarships, or gaining admission through management quota. Additionally, students pursuing post-graduate studies or diploma courses are not eligible under this scheme.

Also Read: Digital Gujarat Scholarship
 

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FAQs about Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana

Are there any exclusions or restrictions for Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana excludes students admitted under the management quota, those pursuing postgraduate or diploma courses, and those studying in institutions not listed on the AICTE portal. Students availing of other scholarship benefits, pursuing courses through open universities, or having a family income exceeding INR 8 lakh are also ineligible. Additionally, failure to register online on the AICTE portal or gain admission through AICTE counselling disqualifies applicants from availing of the scholarship benefits.


 

What is the process for students to receive the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana benefits?

Students must register on the AICTE portal and upload the required documents to apply for Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana. After admission, they need to submit a joining report verified by their institution. Academic fees are disbursed directly to the institution, while maintenance allowances are transferred to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

What expenses are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana covers both academic fees and maintenance allowances. Academic fees are paid directly to institutions, subject to upper limits of INR 30,000 for general courses, INR 1.25 lakh for professional courses, and INR 3 lakh for medical courses. A maintenance allowance of INR 1 lakh per year is disbursed to students in instalments to help cover hostel fees, mess charges, and other incidental expenses, ensuring comprehensive financial support throughout the academic program.

Who is eligible to apply for the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana?

Eligibility for the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana requires students to be domiciles in Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh, with a family income of INR 8 lakh or less annually. Applicants must have passed Class XII from recognized boards such as JKBOSE or CBSE. Students applying under the lateral entry scheme must hold a diploma in engineering from recognized polytechnics. Admissions should be secured through AICTE’s counselling process in approved institutions outside these UTs.

What is the purpose of the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana?

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana aims to support students from the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh by covering their academic fees and providing a maintenance allowance for pursuing undergraduate studies outside these regions. 

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