Introduction: What is the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA)?

The Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) is a pivotal Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Education in June 2023. This initiative represents a significant overhaul of the previous Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and is strategically aligned with the transformative goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The primary objective of PM-USHA is to elevate the quality of higher education in State-run universities and colleges across India. With a substantial outlay of ₹12,926.10 crore for the period of 2023-24 to 2025-26, the scheme aims to address critical gaps in the higher education sector by focusing on accessibility, quality, equity, accountability, and affordability. It is designed to foster a more inclusive, dynamic, and high-quality educational ecosystem, preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century and contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Key Features and Objectives

PM-USHA is built on a foundation of comprehensive reform. Its objectives are designed to create a tangible impact on the ground, from improving infrastructure to enhancing student employability. Here are the core features and goals of the scheme:

  • Enhancing Quality and Accreditation: A primary goal is to improve the overall quality of existing state higher educational institutions (HEIs) by ensuring they conform to prescribed norms and standards. The scheme strongly encourages the adoption of accreditation as a quality assurance framework, pushing institutions to achieve and maintain higher standards.
  • Implementing NEP 2020 Reforms: The scheme acts as a crucial vehicle for implementing the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020. This includes promoting multi-disciplinary education, offering flexible curriculum choices, and establishing an Academic Bank of Credit for seamless credit transfer.
  • Focus on Equity and Inclusion: PM-USHA is committed to correcting regional imbalances and ensuring equitable access to quality higher education. It gives priority to 'Focus Districts'—areas that are remote, affected by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), border regions, or have a low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER). The scheme also aims to promote the inclusion of women, minorities, SC/ST/OBCs, and differently-abled persons.
  • Improving Employability: A significant focus is placed on enhancing the employability of graduates. This is achieved through funding for market-linked courses, promoting industry-academia linkages, embedding internships and apprenticeships into degree programs, and developing skill-based vocational education.
  • Infrastructure and Digital Upgradation: The scheme provides grants to strengthen universities and colleges by upgrading their physical and digital infrastructure. This includes developing facilities for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online education to leverage technology for greater access and quality.
  • Fostering Research and Innovation: PM-USHA aims to create an environment within HEIs that is conducive to research and innovation. By supporting universities, it encourages a shift from rote learning to critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Transforming Institutions into MERUs: A key feature is the provision to support selected accredited state universities, providing ₹100 crore each to help them transform into Multi-Disciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs).

Who is Eligible? (Eligibility Criteria)

The PM-USHA scheme is specifically targeted at strengthening the state higher education system. Therefore, the primary beneficiaries are state-level institutions.

  • Eligible Institutions: The scheme covers government and government-aided higher educational institutions of the States and Union Territories. This includes state universities and their affiliated colleges.
  • State-Level Participation: To avail funds under PM-USHA, States and Union Territories must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education. This MoU signifies the state's commitment to implementing the reforms outlined in the National Education Policy 2020, which is a prerequisite for receiving financial support under the scheme. As of early 2025, 33 states and UTs had signed this MoU.
  • Focus on Underserved Areas: While the scheme is broad-based, priority for funding, especially for establishing new model degree colleges, is given to institutions in 'Focus Districts.' These districts are identified by states based on criteria like low GER, a high proportion of marginalized communities, and geographical challenges (e.g., border areas, LWE-affected regions).
  • Accreditation Status: For certain components, such as grants to strengthen universities, having a good accreditation score from bodies like NAAC is a key consideration, as the scheme aims to further enhance the quality of already performing institutions.

How to Apply / Avail the Benefits

The application process under PM-USHA is not for individual students or faculty but is managed at the institutional and state levels. The process is designed to be strategic, ensuring that funds are channelled towards well-planned and impactful projects.

  1. Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): The first and most critical step for any state or UT is to sign the MoU with the central Ministry of Education. This formal agreement commits the state to undertaking necessary administrative and academic reforms in line with the NEP 2020.
  2. State Higher Education Plan (SHEP): Each participating state, through its State Higher Education Council (SHEC), is required to prepare a comprehensive State Higher Education Plan. This plan outlines the state's vision, strategy, and specific proposals for improving its higher education landscape, identifying gaps, and proposing projects for funding under PM-USHA.
  3. Institutional Proposals: Higher education institutions within the state cannot apply directly to the central government. Instead, they must submit their project proposals to their respective state government or State Higher Education Council. These proposals need to be well-articulated, aligning with the objectives of PM-USHA, and should detail the problem they address, the expected outcomes, a budget, and an implementation timeline.
  4. Submission through PM-USHA Portal: The entire process is managed through a dedicated PM-USHA Portal, which ensures transparency and efficiency. States upload their signed MoUs, select their 'Focus Districts', and forward shortlisted institutional proposals to the National Project Directorate for approval.
  5. Approval by Project Approval Board (PAB): The final proposals shortlisted by the state are reviewed by the national Project Approval Board (PAB). The PAB evaluates the proposals based on merit and their alignment with the scheme's goals before sanctioning the funds.
  6. Fund Disbursal: Funds are disbursed from the central ministry to the state governments, which then channel them to the selected institutions. The funding is typically shared between the Centre and the States, with a common ratio being 60:40, though it is 90:10 for special category states.

Official Sources