About this student scheme
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) is the restructured higher education scheme approved in 2023 with Rs 12,926 crore outlay for 5 years. PM-USHA replaces the earlier RUSA (Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) with stronger NEP 2020 alignment. It funds state and central universities, colleges, multi-disciplinary education and research universities (MERUs), and cluster universities. Key components: (1) Strengthening existing universities; (2) New model degree colleges in underserved districts; (3) Grants to gender-inclusive and accessible institutions; (4) Multi-disciplinary curriculum reform; (5) Equity initiatives for SC/ST/OBC/women/PwD. Implemented through Project Approval Boards (PABs) at central and state levels.
Scholarship snapshot
| Scheme Name | PM-USHA Higher Education Scheme 2026 — ₹12,926 Crore | Quality Higher Education Across States |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2023 |
| Benefit | Rs 12,926 crore for 5 years — funding for state universities, colleges, MERUs, gender/accessibility initiatives, and multi-disciplinary reform under NEP 2020 |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 4 September 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://rusa.nic.in |
What students receive
Rs 12,926 crore for 5 years — funding for state universities, colleges, MERUs, gender/accessibility initiatives, and multi-disciplinary reform under NEP 2020
Which students qualify
- ✓State universities and affiliated colleges
- ✓Central universities (component-wise)
- ✓Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs)
- ✓Cluster universities
- ✓Underserved districts for new model degree colleges
- ✓States must commit to NEP 2020 implementation and matching grants
Papers for the application
Applying online, step-by-step
- 1This is an institutional funding scheme — individual students cannot apply directly for PM-USHA.
- 2Eligible state/central universities, colleges, MERUs, or cluster universities prepare a State Higher Education Plan (SHEP).
- 3The SHEP proposal is reviewed by the state-level Project Approval Board (PAB) first.
- 4The central Project Approval Board conducts a performance-based assessment before releasing PM-USHA funds.
- 5States must commit to NEP 2020 implementation and provide matching grants to access funding.
- 6Underserved districts can be proposed within the plan for new model degree colleges.
- 7Students benefit once their institution receives funds for infrastructure, gender/accessibility, or curriculum reform — details at rusa.nic.in.
Official Government Portal
rusa.nic.in is the only authorised application channel, and the government charges nothing there — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on rusa.nic.in