Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan (PM-USP) Yojana

Why is in news? Budget 2023 is a case of education taking a hit

The allocation made for education in the Union Budget 2023, the provision of ₹1,12,000 crore as compared to ₹1,04,000 crore, does not take the education sector any closer to the top 10 list of allocations as a percentage of GDP. Still, an increase of ₹8,000 crore may be termed as a massive increase.

PM-USP is the central sector scheme of scholarship for college and university students.

Its objective is to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from poor families to meet a part of day to day, while pursuing higher studies.

The scholarships are awarded by Ministry of Education, Government of India on the basis of results of Higher Secondary / Class XII Board Examination.

Eligibility:

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.

Pursuing regular degree courses and not correspondence or distance mode or pursuing Diploma courses

Pursuing courses at colleges/ institutions recognized by the All India Council for Technical Education and respective Regulatory Bodies concerned

Not availing the benefit of any other scholarship schemes including State-run scholarship schemes/ fee waiver & reimbursement schemes.

Students with gross parental/ family income up to Rs. 4.5 lakh per annum are eligible for scholarships. An income certificate will be required only for fresh applicants.