PM-USHA Higher Education — Quick Overview
| 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 | 12 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://rusa.nic.in |
What is PM-USHA Higher Education?
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.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Rs 12,926 crore for 5 years — funding for state universities, colleges, MERUs, gender/accessibility initiatives, and multi-disciplinary reform under NEP 2020. The scheme was launched in 2023 and is implemented by the Government of India.
Benefits of PM-USHA Higher Education
Rs 12,926 crore for 5 years — funding for state universities, colleges, MERUs, gender/accessibility initiatives, and multi-disciplinary reform under NEP 2020
Who is Eligible for PM-USHA Higher Education?
- ✓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
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Documents Required for PM-USHA Higher Education
How to Apply for PM-USHA Higher Education Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://rusa.nic.in
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on rusa.nic.inFrequently Asked Questions — PM-USHA Higher Education
Common Questions About Education Schemes
What is PM YASASVI Scholarship?+
It is a scholarship for OBC, EBC, and DNT students studying in Classes 9-12, selected through the YASASVI Entrance Test conducted by NTA.
How much scholarship amount is given?+
Students in residential schools/hostels get ₹75,000/year and day scholars in top-class schools get ₹25,000/year.
Which students are covered under PM POSHAN?+
All students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government, government-aided schools, and Ashram Shalas. Bal Vatika pre-primary students are also included since 2021.
What nutrition standards apply to the mid-day meals?+
Meals must provide 450 Kcal energy and 12g protein for primary students (Class 1 to 5), and 700 Kcal and 20g protein for upper primary students (Class 6 to 8).
What scholarships are available on the National Scholarship Portal?+
Over 50 scholarship schemes from central ministries covering pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, minorities, and differently-abled students.
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PM POSHAN — Free Mid-Day Meal Scheme 2025
PM Poshan Shakti Nirman (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) provides free hot cooked meals to students in government and government-aided schools to improve nutrition and boost school attendance.
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2026 — Apply for Central Scholarships Online
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PM SHRI Schools Scheme 2026 — 14,500 Upgraded Schools | Smart Class + Career Counselling
PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) is a centrally sponsored scheme that upgrades 14,500 government schools across India into modern, green, and smart schools. Each selected PM SHRI school gets ₹2 crore+ for smart classrooms, digital libraries, labs, career counselling, vocational education, and NEP 2020 implementation over 5 years.