Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme
₹2,500–₹3,000/month scholarship · wards of ex-servicemen and paramilitary personnel · undergraduate and professional courses
PMSS is for children (wards) and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel who want to pursue professional degrees like engineering, medicine, MBA, or MCA. It provides a monthly scholarship of ₹2,500 (boys) or ₹3,000 (girls) for 2–5 years of study. Apply online through the Kendriya Sainik Board website (ksb.gov.in) during your first year of admission.
About This Scheme
PMSS is for children (wards) and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel who want to pursue professional degrees like engineering, medicine, MBA, or MCA. It provides a monthly scholarship of ₹2,500 (boys) or ₹3,000 (girls) for 2–5 years of study. Apply online through the Kendriya Sainik Board website (ksb.gov.in) during your first year of admission.
Full official description
The Scheme “Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)” was introduced from the Academic year 2006-07 by the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The scheme is being implemented to encourage technical and post-graduate education for the widows and wards of the deceased/ex-service personnel of Armed Forces. The scheme is funded out of National Defence Fund administered by Prime Minister’s Office. Scholarships are available for education at various technical institutions (medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, MBA, MCA and other equivalent technical institutions having AICTE/UGC approval). The Scheme is managed by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB).
Benefits
- ₹2,500 per month for male scholars (paid annually)
- ₹3,000 per month for female scholars (paid annually)
- Scholarship covers 2 to 5 years depending on course duration
- 5,500 scholarships awarded per academic year (2,750 boys + 2,750 girls)
- Payment directly credited to bank account via ECS
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Edtech founders: wards of ex-servicemen are a disciplined, nationally distributed cohort — many based in smaller towns and cantonments with limited access to quality coaching. A scholarship-discovery or test-prep product that integrates with KSB's database could reach this underserved segment efficiently.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a ward (child) or widow of an ex-serviceman or ex-Coast Guard personnel
- Enrolled in the 1st year of a professional degree (lateral entry students are not eligible)
- Minimum 60% marks in 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation (whichever is the qualifying exam)
- Pursuing eligible courses: BE/B.Tech, MBBS, BDS, MBA, MCA, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, BA.LLB — from AICTE/UGC approved institutions only
- Only one scholarship per student and for one course only
- Not available for students studying abroad or through distance/online mode
- Master's degrees are not eligible, except MBA and MCA
Exclusions
- Not available to students pursuing postgraduate courses
- Not available to wards of serving (non-retired) defence personnel under this specific scheme
- Students already holding another central scholarship are not eligible
How to Apply
- Visit the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) portal at ksb.gov.in.
- Register and apply online — applications are open twice a year (fresh and renewal).
- Fill in details about the ex-serviceman parent and the ward's current course.
- Upload all required documents and submit.
- Applications are verified by the respective Rajya Sainik Board.
- Shortlisted candidates are selected based on merit, and scholarship is disbursed via DBT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for PMSS?
The dependent wards of Ex Servicemen / Ex Coast Guard personnel and their widows (below officer rank only) who are studying in higher technical and professional degree courses can apply for PMSS.
How to Apply For Scholarship?
Application to be filled ONLINE by visiting the KSB website www.ksb.gov.in. For easy understanding, a flow chart is available on the KSB website under the PMSS link ‘How to Apply for Scholarship’.
What is the minimum percentage (%) in MEQ for PMSS?
Students should have scored 60% and above in Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) i.e. 10+2/ Diploma/ Graduation to apply online.
Is there any provision to apply for PMSS in Second year of professional degree course?
No, student has to apply in first year (except lateral entry courses) of professional degree course only. Students who have taken admission between 01 Apr to 30 Nov are only eligible to apply for PMSS.
Is the copy of Discharge Book necessary along with application form?
No, Discharge Book is not to be enclosed with application form. Only Annexure 1 of Application Form duly signed by Secretary/ Director of ZSB/ RSB/ Coast Guard HQs to be enclosed with application.
Are diploma courses eligible for PMSS?
No, only professional degree courses recognized by a government regulatory body such as AICTE, National Medical Commission (NMC) etc. are eligible for PMSS.
Are PG Courses allowed for PMSS?
No, Only MBA and MCA are allowed for PMSS.
Are B.Sc B.Ed/ BA+LLB integrated Courses eligible for PMSS?
Yes, these courses are integrated and eligible
Is PMSS courses conducted abroad are eligible for PMSS?
No, PMSS is applicable to the students who are studying in India only.
What is the last date of submission of application form to apply for PMSS and how will I come to know about it?
An advertisement is published in all the leading news papers across country in the month of Aug every year. Wide publicity is also ensured through RSBs/ZSBs. Student should apply online by visiting KSB website www.online.ksb.gov.in latest by 30 Nov.
How will the students know about their selection in PMSS Merit List?
On finalization of merit list, the same is uploaded on KSB website www.online.ksb.gov.in and the same is also forwarded to all Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs). Student can also monitor the progress of his/ her application on KSB website www.online.ksb.gov.in in their database.
If a student does not claim his/ her scholarship amount, then what would be the case?
If a student does not claim his/ her scholarship by sending Payment-cum-Renewal Form on declaration of result of each academic year, then his/ her case would be closed for ever
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Aadhaar card
- Ex-serviceman's PPO (Pension Payment Order) or discharge certificate
- Proof of relationship with the ex-serviceman
- Current course admission proof
- Previous year's marksheet (for renewal)
- Bank account details