Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for the Wards/Widows of Central Police Force Personnel
₹2,500–₹3,000/month scholarship · widows and wards of Central Para Military Forces · undergraduate courses
This MHA scheme helps children and widows of Central Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, etc.) personnel pursue professional degrees in engineering, medicine, or management. It provides a monthly scholarship of ₹1,250 (boys) or ₹1,500 (girls) for 2–5 years. Apply offline by submitting a paper application to your CPF headquarters by November 30 each year.
About This Scheme
This MHA scheme helps children and widows of Central Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, etc.) personnel pursue professional degrees in engineering, medicine, or management. It provides a monthly scholarship of ₹1,250 (boys) or ₹1,500 (girls) for 2–5 years. Apply offline by submitting a paper application to your CPF headquarters by November 30 each year.
Full official description
The scheme “Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for the Wards/Widows of Central Police Force Personnel” has been introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in the Academic year 2006-07 to encourage higher technical and professional education for the wards of widows and ex-CPF personnel. Service conditions of Central Police Forces (CPFs) Personnel are extremely exacting, tough, rigorous, and peculiar to the Services. The service condition often keeps these personnel away from family for long spells. This leads to neglect of family matters, including the education of children. The Prime Minister has announced 5000 scholarships for the wards of ex-servicemen/widows of army personnel as well as para-military forces, including the Railway Protection Force, for pursuing advanced education in the field of Medical Engineering/IT and other technical subjects, which would be funded out of the interest income generated from the National Defence Fund. Out of the total 5000 scholarships, 1000 scholarships have been allocated to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Railways. On the basis of the strength of the forces, it has been decided that 910 scholarships for CPFs controlled by MHA and 90 for the Railways Protection Force controlled by the Ministry of Railways.
Benefits
- ₹1,250 per month for boys
- ₹1,500 per month for girls
- Duration: 2–5 years as approved by the regulatory body for the program
- 910 scholarships available annually for CPF personnel (MHA quota)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
This scholarship specifically targets families of CAPF personnel killed in action — a deeply underserved group with very specific document requirements (death in action certificate). A legal or document-assistance startup could create real value by simplifying the claims process for these families.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a ward or widow of ex-CPF or in-service CPF personnel (below officer rank, up to Subedar Major/Inspector)
- Pursuing an eligible first professional degree: Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Veterinary, MBA, or MCA
- Minimum 60% marks in 10+2 for new applicants; 50% per year for renewal
- Scholarship admissible for only two children per family
- Open to both married and unmarried wards
- Priority given to wards of personnel killed/disabled in action or recipients of gallantry awards
Exclusions
- Only for widows and wards of CAPF personnel killed in action, not for personnel who retired normally
- Not available for postgraduate courses
How to Apply
- Visit the MHA scholarship portal (linked from mha.gov.in or the respective CAPF force's website).
- Register with details of the deceased CAPF parent and the applicant's current course.
- Fill the application form with all mandatory details and upload supporting documents.
- Submit — the application is routed through the respective CAPF force for verification.
- Approved scholarships are disbursed monthly via DBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the aim of the Scheme?
The aim of the scheme is to encourage higher technical and professional education for the wards of widows and ex-CPFs personnel.
Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?
Welfare And Rehabilitation Board, CPFs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
When was this scheme launched?
The scheme was introduced in the Academic year 2006-07.
Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
The applicants should be Wards/widows of CPFs personnel died in harness, Wards of ex-CPFs personnel disabled while on duty, Wards of ex-CPFs personnel in receipt of Gallantry Awards or Wards/widows of Ex-CPFs/in-service personnel (Below Officer Rank i.e. up to the rank of Subedar Major /Inspector only).
Which are the courses eligible for the Scholarship?
The courses eligible for the Scholarship: First professional degree programme in engineering, medicine, dental, veterinary, MBA, MCA, etc. duly recognized by the respective government regulatory bodies, such as All India Council for Technical Education, Medical Council of India, etc.
What should be the minimum percentage of marks required at Class 12th to apply under the scheme?
At least 60% marks at the 10+2 level required for the initial sanction.
What should be the minimum percentage of marks required for renewal of the scholarship?
For renewal in subsequent years, 50% marks each year is mandatory.
Shall an applicant be eligible for a scholarship after marriage/re-marriage?
Yes, a person shall be eligible for scholarship after his/her marriage/re-marriage.
How many children can avail of the benefits of the scheme in a family?
The scholarship is admissible for two children only per family.
What is the amount of Scholarship given under the scheme?
The amount of scholarship of [?]1250/- per month & [?]1500/- per month will be given to the boys & girls respectively.
What is the duration of the Scholarship?
The duration of scholarship is two to five years as approved by the concerned regulatory body for the programme.
When will the applications be invited for the scheme?
The applications are invited from eligible candidates by 30th November of each year.
How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
Each applicant should submit his/her application to the concerned force Head Quarter.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Death certificate of the CAPF parent with proof of death in action
- Service records of the deceased parent
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate for wards, marriage certificate for widows)
- Current course admission letter
- Bank account details