The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is one of the most impactful educational support programs launched by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. It was first introduced in the academic year 2006-07 with the vision of promoting higher technical and professional education among the dependent wards of Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard personnel and their widows. Over the years, the scheme has helped thousands of students fulfill their dream of pursuing quality education in fields like engineering, medicine, management, law, and other professional courses.
Every academic year, 5,500 scholarships are granted – 2,750 for boys and 2,750 for girls. The scholarship amount is quite substantial, offering ₹2,500 per month for boys and ₹3,000 per month for girls. It is disbursed annually for a duration of 1 to 5 years, depending on the length of the chosen course.
Join WhatsApp
Join Telegram
This scholarship not only reduces the financial burden on the families of ex-servicemen but also ensures that the children and widows of those who served the nation can secure a bright future through higher education.
Key Highlights
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Ministry of Defence |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹2,500/month for boys & ₹3,000/month for girls |
| Total Beneficiaries | 5,500 students (2,750 Boys & 2,750 Girls) each year |
| Eligibility | Wards/Widows of Ex-Servicemen or Ex-Coast Guard personnel |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Official Website | www.ksb.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for PMSS
To ensure transparency, strict eligibility rules are followed under this scheme:
- Applicant must be a dependent ward or widow of Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
- Admission should be in the 1st year of a professional degree course (Lateral entry & integrated courses not allowed).
- The student must have secured 60% or above in MEQ (10+2 / Diploma / Graduation).
- Only two children from one family can avail of this scheme.
- Students studying abroad or through distance learning are not eligible.
Priority Categories
Selection is done based on categories, with priority given as follows:
- Killed in Action – Wards & Widows of ESM/Coast Guard personnel.
- Disabled in Action – Wards of ESM disabled in service with disability attributable to duty.
- Died in Service – Wards & Widows who lost their spouse during service.
- Disabled in Service – Wards of personnel disabled while serving.
- Gallantry Award Winners – Wards/Widows of awardees.
- General (PBOR only) – Wards/Widows of Ex-Servicemen & Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
READ ALSO
Benefits of PMSS
- Financial Relief – ₹30,000 to ₹36,000 annually depending on gender.
- Encourages Higher Studies – Focus on professional & technical courses.
- Gender Equality – Equal distribution of scholarships between boys & girls.
- Nation Building – Supports families of those who served India selflessly.
Application Process
Applying for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme is entirely online through the KSB Portal.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official website – www.ksb.gov.in.
- Download Annexures 1, 2, and 3 from the PMSS section.
- Fill the annexures completely in the prescribed format.
- Register online and create a profile using valid details.
- Upload scanned documents including certificates, Aadhaar, and bank details.
- Fill in application details (Part-1, Part-2 & Part-3).
- Save & forward the application for verification.
- Check with your Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) for updates.
Documents Required
- Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Certificate (Annexure-1).
- Bonafide Certificate from the institution (Annexure-2).
- Bank Aadhaar Linking Certificate (Annexure-3).
- Matriculation Certificate (DOB proof).
- MEQ Certificates (10+2/Diploma/Graduation).
- Bank Passbook (SBI/PNB preferred).
- Aadhaar Card.
- Supporting Service Documents (depending on category 1–6).
Exclusions
- Civilians & Para Military wards not eligible.
- More than two wards of a single family cannot apply.
- Foreign/Distance learning students excluded.
FAQs
Q1. How many students are selected every year under PMSS?
A total of 5,500 students are awarded scholarships annually, with an equal split between boys and girls.
Q2. Can I apply if I am already in the second year of my degree course?
No, the scheme is strictly for students admitted in the first year of their degree course.
Q3. What is the duration of the scholarship?
The scholarship is provided for 1 to 5 years, depending on the course duration approved by the regulatory body.
Important Links
Sources And References
List Of Approved Courses For AY 2021-22
Documents Required (Fresh Application)
Documents Required (Renewal Application)
