Are you a bright student of Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh with a dream to study higher education in a college which is also top? The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan Yojana (PM-USP Yojana), also referred to as the Special Scholarship Scheme of J&K and Ladakh (SSSJK&L) might be the key to realising those aspirations.
This is not just a piece of financial aid, but an investment in your future, it is a plan to make you completely equipped with an international level education and priceless experiences with the richly different cultures of India.
An Overview of the Special Scholarship Scheme
The scheme was initiated in 2011, as a result of an idea to provide better employment to the young people of the states of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. One of the main suggestions was to motivate students to study abroad in other countries, which would contribute to the personal development and nationalization.
The scheme offers fresh 5,000 scholarships annually to students who study at the approved government institutions and other during the course of study at the selected colleges in India.
Key Aims and Vision of the Scheme
The core mission of the SSSJK&L is twofold:
- Comprehensive Financial Support: To cover both your academic fees (tuition and other admissible charges) and provide a maintenance allowance for hostel, mess, books, and other incidental expenses.
- Empowerment and Integration: To build the capacity of the youth from J&K and Ladakh, enabling them to compete on a national level. By studying in different parts of the country, scholars gain exposure to new languages, cultures, and ways of life, truly embracing the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).
Scholarship Benefits and Financial Support
The scholarship is geared to assist you in your whole course. The 2025-26 financial gains to the academic session would appear as below:
| Stream of Study | Number of Scholarships (per annum) | Academic Fee Cover (Max) | Maintenance Allowance (Fixed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Degree | 2,070 (Fixed) | ₹30,000 | ₹1,00,000* |
| Professional/Engineering (e.g., B.Tech, B.Sc Nursing, B.Pharmacy) | 2,830 (Flexible) | ₹1,25,000 | ₹1,00,000* |
| Medical/Dental (e.g., BDS, subject to NEET) | 100 (Flexible) | ₹3,00,000 | ₹1,00,000* |
**Maintenance allowance of ₹1,00,000 is awarded annually to your bank account in 10 monthly instalment of ₹10,000 in your bank account through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to meet your living expenses.*
Important Note: The number of scholarships receiving in the Engineering and Medical streams is not fixed, though the combined amount should not exceed 5,000 a year.
Are You Eligible? Check the Criteria
Before you apply, ensure you meet the following conditions:
- Domicile: You must be a permanent resident (domicile) of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh.
- Academic Qualification: You must have passed your Class 12th or equivalent examination from the JKBOSE or a CBSE-affiliated school located within J&K or Ladakh.
- Family Income: Your total family income must be ₹8,00,000 per annum or less.
- Admission Route: You must secure admission through the AICTE counselling process under the supernumerary quota (except for medical courses) or through a national-level entrance exam counselling (like NEET, JEE) for the ‘Own My Own’ category.
- Lateral Entry: Diploma holders in Engineering can apply for lateral entry, subject to seat availability.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Application
The application process is conducted online. Here is a simplified overview:
- Notification & Registration: Keep an eye on the AICTE website for official notifications. Then, register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and submit your application on the dedicated SSSJK&L portal.
- Document Verification: Visit your nearest Facilitation Centre in J&K or Ladakh with all your original documents for verification.
- Choice Filling & Counselling: For most streams, you will need to fill your preferred colleges online. AICTE will then conduct online counselling based on merit.
- Seat Allotment & Joining: Once a seat is allotted, you must physically report to the college, complete the joining formalities, and upload the auto-generated joining report on the portal.
- Final NSP Registration: Finally, register on the NSP portal using your SSSJK&L candidate ID to generate an NSP Application ID for scholarship disbursement.
Essential Documents You Will Need
Have the following documents ready (originals and copies):
- Domicile Certificate of J&K/Ladakh
- Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheets and Certificates
- Family Income Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-sized photograph
Your Questions Answered: SSSJK&L FAQs
Q1: I wish to study at an IIT/NIT or other national institute on my own. Can I still get the scholarship?
Yes! In case you got admission based on a national level entrance examination counselling (such as JEE, NEET, CUET) without depending on the AICTE counselling, then you may apply under the category of Own My Own (OMO). You will be required to show evidence of your admission and payment of fees.
Q2: Is document verification at a Facilitation Centre mandatory?
Yes. Your application must undergo physical verification of your original documents at a given Facilitation Centre.
Q3: Can I edit my application after submitting it?
After the first submission, you might have an opportunity to correct during a given period. Before the final submission, it is important to revise all details.
Q4: I have taken admission under a ‘Management Quota’. Am I eligible?
No. The management quotas are not covered under this scholarship scheme.
Q5: What is the duration of the scholarship?
The scholarship is renewable, provided that a person has good academic performance and attendance. The standard duration is:
- 3 years for General Degree courses.
- 4 years for Professional/Engineering courses.
- 4.5 to 5 years for Medical courses (like BDS).
Q6: Where can I get help with technical issues or grievances?
The AICTE portal will offer a centralised assistance in the grievance redressal. Search on the official SSSJK&L and NSP portals in the Help or Grievance section.