Rashtriya Uchchatar Shikha Abhiyan was launched in 2013 as a central sponsor scheme with an aim to provide funding to state higher educational institutions. This funding will be used by universities and college institutions for creating better access, equity and excellence.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan Overview
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, a centrally sponsored scheme funded through the Ministry of Education is the ratio 60:40. Funding to states will be allocated based on a thorough evaluation of State Higher Education Plans, which outline each state’s strategy for addressing challenges related to equity, access, and excellence in higher education
| Scheme | Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan |
| Funding Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Target Group | State Colleges and Universities |
| Year of Implementation | 2013 |
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan Features
RUSA has the launched to fulfill the following features:
- Improve the quality of state universities and colleges by verifying that the prescribed rules and regulations are followed and accreditation is adopted as a mandatory quality assurance framework.
- Improving the governance and planning for state universities that promotes autonomy and facilitates a structure for planning and monitoring at state level.
- Monitor that all the prescribed reforms and measures are being followed in terms of affiliation, academic and examination systems.
- Quality check on faculty employment in colleges and universities and regular capacity building workshops at all levels of employment.
- Creating an environment that promotes research and development and innovation.
- Targeting regional imbalance by setting up colleges and universities in underserved areas.
- Ensuring education is accessible by socially and educationally backward classes, SC/STs, promote inclusion of women and minorities and differently abled persons.
Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan Objectives
RUSA has the objective of fulfilling the following targets:
- Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan has the target to reach out to underserved, remote and rural areas. The goal is to make higher education accessible to tier-2 cities and areas with low GER.
- The scheme will be implementing recommendations of NEP and suggest some changes that can be implemented in the current education system in order to promote equity and inclusion in higher education.
- Employment will be enhanced through vocational training and skill upgradation,
- The scheme will support the state government to implement and promote gender inclusion and equity initiatives.
- Funding will be utilised towards creation of new model degree colleges.
- Grant facilities will be provided for strengthening both accredited and non-accredited universities.
- State universities will be provided funding and support to promote research and development.
Last updated on January, 2026
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Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan FAQs
Q1. What is RUSA?+
Q2. Who is the implementing agency of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan?+
Q3. What is PM-USHA?+
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Q5. What is the objective of RUSA?+



