The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is a transformative initiative launched in 2006–07 by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. It aims to support the dependent wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel by providing financial assistance for pursuing higher technical and professional education.
Funded through the National Defence Fund, this scheme not only promotes education but also honors the sacrifices made by defence families by empowering their children and spouses with career-building opportunities.
📌 Key Highlights of PMSS
- Implementing Authority: Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Ministry of Defence
- Scholarship Amount: ₹2,500/month for boys, ₹3,000/month for girls
- Total Beneficiaries per Year: 5,500 students (2,750 boys + 2,750 girls)
- Disbursement Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via ECS
- Application Mode: Online via KSB Portal or National Scholarship Portal
- Course Coverage: AICTE/UGC/MCI-approved professional degree programs
🎯 Objectives of the Scheme
The PMSS is designed to:
- Encourage higher education among defence families
- Reduce dropout rates by offering financial stability
- Promote gender equity through equal scholarship slots
- Support widows of ex-servicemen in pursuing education
- Build skilled professionals in fields like engineering, medicine, and management
This scheme aligns with national goals of inclusive development and empowerment through education, especially for families who have served the nation.
💰 Benefits of PMSS
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 💸 Monthly Scholarship | ₹2,500 for boys, ₹3,000 for girls |
| 📅 Annual Disbursement | Paid annually based on course duration |
| 🎓 Course Coverage | Professional degree courses like BE, MBBS, BBA, BCA, B.Pharm, MBA, MCA |
| 👨👩👧👦 Equal Distribution | 2,750 boys and 2,750 girls selected annually |
| 🏅 Letter from PM | Selected students receive a personal letter from the Prime Minister |
The scholarship is not credited monthly, but calculated and disbursed annually, ensuring a lump sum that helps cover tuition and related expenses.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for PMSS, applicants must:
- Be a dependent ward or widow of Ex-Servicemen or Ex-Coast Guard personnel (PBOR only)
- Be admitted in the first year of a professional degree course (no lateral entry/integrated courses)
- Have scored 60% or above in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ)
- Be pursuing a course approved by AICTE, UGC, MCI, or other regulatory bodies
- Have a bank account linked with Aadhaar for DBT
📌 Note: Only two children per family are eligible. Students studying abroad or via distance learning are not eligible.
🥇 Priority Categories for Selection
Selection is based on merit and the following priority order:
- Wards/Widows of personnel killed in action
- Wards of personnel disabled in action
- Wards/Widows of personnel died in service
- Wards of personnel disabled in service
- Wards/Widows of personnel awarded gallantry awards
- Wards/Widows of personnel (PBOR only)
This ensures that families most affected by service-related sacrifices are given precedence.
🚫 Exclusions
Applicants will be disqualified if:
- They are not related to defence personnel (civilian or paramilitary wards excluded)
- They are pursuing distance education or studying abroad
- They have already received PMSS for another course
- They fail in any semester/year or change course mid-way
- Their college is not approved by AICTE/UGC/MCI
📝 Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the KSB Portal or National Scholarship Portal
- Download and fill Annexures 1, 2, and 3
- Register online and receive login credentials via email
- Activate your account and log in to the dashboard
- Click on “New Application” and select PMSS
- Fill Part-1, Part-2, and Part-3 of the form
- Upload scanned original documents
- Click “Save and Forward” to submit
🛑 Important: Incomplete applications or missing documents may lead to rejection.
📄 Documents Required
- Ex-Servicemen/Coast Guard Certificate (Annexure-1)
- Bonafide Certificate from institution (Annexure-2)
- Bank certificate for Aadhaar linkage (Annexure-3)
- Matriculation certificate (DOB proof)
- MEQ certificate (10+2/Diploma/Graduation)
- First page of bank passbook (preferably SBI/PNB)
- Aadhaar card
- PPO/ESM Identity Card
- Supporting documents for priority categories (Part II Order, Gazette Notification, etc.)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can apply for PMSS? Only dependent wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel (PBOR) pursuing professional courses.
Q2. Can I apply if I’m studying abroad or via distance learning? No, such cases are not eligible under PMSS.
Q3. Is Aadhaar seeding with bank account mandatory? Yes, it is essential for scholarship disbursement.
Q4. What happens if I fail in a semester? Scholarship is discontinued if any subject/year is not cleared in the first attempt.
Q5. Can I apply for multiple courses? No.
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