PM Scholarship Scheme India 2025
Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) — eligibility, amount, required documents, and how to apply for wards and widows of defence personnel
What is the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme?
The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is a central government scholarship for wards and widows of defence personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Assam Rifles, and RPF/RPSF) pursuing professional and technical degree courses.
The scheme is administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) under the Ministry of Defence. Applications are made through the KSB portal (ksb.gov.in).
The scholarship encourages the dependents of ex-servicemen and serving personnel to pursue higher education in professional fields — engineering, medicine, management, law, and other degree-level technical/professional courses.
Note: PMSS is specifically for wards/widows of defence and para-military personnel — it is NOT a general merit scholarship open to all. Students not belonging to this category should look at other schemes (National Scholarship Portal, INSPIRE, Pragati, etc.).
All information here is for general reference. Verify current eligibility, amounts, and application dates from the official KSB portal (ksb.gov.in) before applying.
Eligibility for PM Scholarship Scheme
Who is eligible for PMSS:
Category 1 — Wards of Ex-Servicemen: Children of retired or deceased Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Assam Rifles, RPF, or RPSF personnel.
Category 2 — Wards of Serving Personnel: Children of currently serving defence/para-military personnel.
Category 3 — Widows of Defence Personnel: Widows of ex-servicemen or martyred/deceased service personnel.
Category 4 — Wards of RPF/RPSF: Children of Railway Protection Force and Railway Protection Special Force personnel (a separate component).
Academic eligibility: Minimum 60% marks in Class 12 (or equivalent) for fresh applications. Currently enrolled in a degree-level professional/technical course recognised by AICTE, MCI, BCI, or relevant authority — including engineering, medical, dental, pharmacy, MBA, MCA, B.Arch, nursing, B.Ed.
Income criteria: There is no strict income limit for the defence ward PMSS. All eligible wards can apply. However, priority may be given based on merit and service conditions of the parent.
Scholarship Amount and Duration
PM Scholarship Scheme amount (approximate, subject to revision):
For male students: ₹2,500 per month For female students: ₹3,000 per month
The scholarship is paid for the duration of the course — typically 4 years for engineering/B.Tech, 5.5 years for MBBS, 3 years for BBA/BCA/B.Sc nursing, etc.
Payment: Scholarship amount is credited directly to the student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Annual renewal: Students must renew the scholarship each year by submitting updated mark sheets showing satisfactory academic progress (usually 50%+). Failure in exams or discontinuation of course leads to cancellation.
Total 500 slots per year for RPRF/RPSF wards — the main defence ward scheme has a larger allocation. Check the KSB portal for current approved quota.
Required Documents for PMSS Application
Documents required for PM Scholarship Scheme application:
For Ex-Servicemen/Defence Personnel Wards: - PPO (Pension Payment Order) or service certificate of parent - Discharge book of parent - Death/disability certificate (if applicable) - Student's Aadhaar card - Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates - Current course admission letter/enrolment proof - Bank passbook or account details (in student's name) - Recent passport-size photograph
For Widows: - Death certificate of the serviceman - PPO copy - Marriage certificate
For RPF/RPSF Personnel Wards: - Service certificate from Railways authority confirming parent's RPF/RPSF status
All documents must be scanned and uploaded on the KSB portal in the specified format (usually PDF, under 100KB–200KB each).
How to Apply for PM Scholarship Scheme
Application is online through the Kendriya Sainik Board portal:
Step 1: Visit ksb.gov.in and go to the PMSS application section. Step 2: Register using the ex-serviceman's PPO number and mobile number. Step 3: Fill in the student's personal details, academic information, and parent's service details. Step 4: Upload all required documents. Step 5: Submit the application and note the reference number. Step 6: Applications are verified by Zila Sainik Boards (ZSB) and then processed at central level. Step 7: Selected students are notified and scholarships are disbursed to bank accounts.
Timeline: Applications typically open between July–August and close by September–October. Exact dates vary each year — monitor the KSB website.
Help: Zila Sainik Boards in each district assist ex-servicemen families with application process and documentation. Contact your nearest ZSB for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the PM Scholarship Scheme in India?
PMSS is specifically for wards (children) and widows of ex-servicemen and serving personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Assam Rifles, RPF, and RPSF. The student must be enrolled in a first-degree professional/technical course (engineering, medical, management, law, etc.) in an institution recognised by the relevant authority (AICTE, MCI, BCI, etc.). Students who are not related to defence/para-military personnel are not eligible for PMSS.
What is the amount of PM Scholarship Scheme?
The current PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) amount is approximately ₹2,500 per month for male students and ₹3,000 per month for female students. This translates to ₹30,000–₹36,000 per year. The amount is paid directly to the student's bank account. These amounts may be revised — always verify the current rates on the official KSB portal (ksb.gov.in) before applying.
What courses are covered under PM Scholarship Scheme?
PMSS covers first professional degree courses recognised by their respective statutory bodies: Engineering (AICTE), Medicine/MBBS (NMC), Dental (DCI), Pharmacy, Management/MBA (AICTE), Law (BCI), B.Arch (COA), MCA, B.Sc Nursing, B.Ed, integrated dual-degree programmes. Distance learning and correspondence courses are generally NOT covered. The course must be a regular, full-time programme at an institution in India.
How to renew the PM Scholarship Scheme every year?
PMSS renewal is done annually through the KSB portal: (1) Log in to ksb.gov.in using previous application credentials, (2) Apply for renewal and upload the latest year's mark sheet showing 50%+ marks (or as specified), (3) Submit proof of continued enrolment in the same course, (4) Renewal is typically processed before the next academic year. Students who fail to renew or who fail in their exams lose the scholarship — it is not automatically continued.
Is there a PM Scholarship for all students in India, not just defence ward?
PMSS is specifically for defence/para-military wards. For general students, India has several other scholarship schemes: National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) has 50+ central and state schemes. The National Talent Search (NTS) is merit-based. INSPIRE scholarship is for science students. Post-Matric and Merit-cum-Means scholarships are available for SC/ST/OBC/minority students. Visit scholarships.gov.in to find all schemes for which you are eligible.
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