Central Govt Education & Learning

Prime Minister's Scholarship 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.

Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare For: Individual Official Source
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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

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

  1. Wards of Civilians including Para Military Personnel are NOT ELIGIBLE.
  2. Students studying in 2nd or subsequent years are not eligible.
  3. Students studying abroad are not eligible for this scheme.
  4. No distance learning/vocational course is permitted under PMSS.

How to Apply

Online
  • Application to be filled ONLINE by visiting KSB website www.online.ksb.gov.in. Procedure to apply ONLINE: Step 1: Visit the KSB Website and click on List of documents to be uploaded under the PMSS link and Download Annexures 1, 2 and 3. Step 2: Complete these three Annexures in all respects (Please do not use your own format or any other format) Visit the KSB website and click on the link "Apply Online" under the PMSS link. A new window will appear. Step 3: Upload your Passport size photo and click on the "Upload" icon. Step 4: If you have not registered earlier please fill all the boxes which appear in the window in Part-1 and Part-2 with details of ESM and click submit. Step 5: After registration, a login ID, password, and a link will be automatically generated by the system and sent to the Email mentioned in Registration Part-I. Step 6: After successfully registering User will get an activation link to his/her email, kindly click on the activation link. Step 7: A window will appear and by putting your User Name (Login ID) and Pass Word, it will take you to your dashboard visit KSB Website and click on the login button, and log in with login credentials. Step 8: After login click on “New Application” and choose Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme. Step 9: Please fill all the boxes which appear in the window in Part-1, Part-2 & Part-3 and Scan all required documents in original and upload legible documents at the right place of the application. Step 10: Save and Forward (If the application is not saved & forwarded, the onus lies with the student/ESM). Please check with your ZSB about your application available on their Portal (if required). (Online Submission Flow Chart) [Note: Hard copy / paper application will not be entertained. One candidate can apply for one course only.] Selection of Student: On scrutinizing of applications, a merit list is generated as per undermentioned parameters :- (a) Merit list is prepared as per priority for grant of scholarship (Category 1 to 6) and subject to percentage of marks obtained in Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ). (b) Separate list is prepared for male and female students.

If you have doubt or need any clarification, kindly contact your Zila Sainik Board for detailed Information Brochure available with them.

Acknowledgement of Scholarship Amount from Students:

  • On receipt of scholarship amount from KSB, student is required to update Column 14 of Renewal Application by logging into his/her KSB account using Login ID & Password by entering ‘DATE OF PAYMENT AND AMOUNT RECEIVED’ (two separate columns).
  • This is mandatory audit requirement to get benefit of PMSS, otherwise scholarship will be cancelled and the money already paid will be recovered. SAVE BUTTON is provided at bottom of Column 14. This action has to be completed immediately on receipt of scholarship amount for each instalment.

Other Important Aspects for ESM/Student Relating to PMSS

  • Students to response in time according to SMS/e-mail received from Kendriya Sainik Board.
  • E-mail and Mobile Number mentioned in the application must be of student. Alternate Mobile Number can be of ESM. E-mail and mobile number once registered should not be changed since all messages being sent to the registered e-mail/mobile number.
  • During checking of new application if observation raised from ZSB/RSB and KSB is not rectified within the stipulated time frame of 10 days, then the application will be automatically rejected by the system. So ensure that the observation is rectified in time to avoid system rejection of application.
  • During the period from January to May, processing, selection and preparation of merit list of new application (1st year students) is being done by KSB. Processing and payment of renewal application is done as and when received by KSB throughout the year. Student/ESM to keep in mind the periodicity of checking of application (new and renewal) before raising any query relating to checking/payment status of applications.
  • Student/ESM should login to KSB account to check the status of application. It is to be noted while application status is showing pending to the student dashboard, but on ground the application is in the process at different levels / functionaries at KSB.
  • In the cases application status showing 'New' to the student dashboard, it indicates that the application is yet to be submitted by the ESM/ Student and the application is still with the ESM/ Student’s dashboard. In such cases, ESM/ Student is required to open the application and click on 'Save and Forward' button to submit the application for onward processing.
  • Student studying abroad as well as distance learning/ vocational course is not eligible for PMSS.
  • The amount of scholarship including any other scholarship or financial assistance from any other source will not exceed the total amount of scholarship available under this scheme.

Renewal Instructions for Students/ESM:

  • The scholarship amount of First Installment will be paid immediately after the selection in merit list. For subsequent payment, the students should submit Online Renewal Application on completion of their each academic year, till completion of the course.
  • 50% marks are mandatory in each semester / academic year. Passing of all subjects in each semester / year in FIRST ATTEMPT is mandatory requirement for continuation of scholarship.
  • If a student failed / get RA in any subject, his / her scholarship will be closed forever. He will not be entitled for subsequent instalment of PMSS. The student can apply for renewal of scholarship within ONE YEAR from declaration of result.
  • Processing of renewal application is done as and when received throughout the year. However, during the period from January to May, processing, selection and preparation of merit list of new application (1st year students) is being done by KSB. It is to be noted while applications status is showing pending to you, but on ground your application is in process at different levels / functionaries i.e. at User level, Supervisory level and finally by JD (PMSS) of KSB.
  • On approved by JD (PMSS), the list of students is sent to Account Officer of KSB to process the payment through concerned bank. In the cases where application status is showing ‘New’ to the student’s dashboard, it indicates that the application is NOT yet submitted by the ESM/Student and the application is still with the ESM/student’s dashboard. In such cases, ESM/Student is required to open the application and click on save and forward button to submit the application for onward processing.
  • Student/ESM to keep in mind the periodicity of checking of application (new and renewal) before raising any query relating to checking/payment status of applications. Therefore, have PATIENCE and check your e-mail / KSB account for regular updates.
  • Student need to ensure that Mobile No and E-mail ID given for PMSS are remain functional till completion of the course because all alert and SMS about status of your application are sent on given Mobile No and E-Mail. However, in case of any change, KSB must be informed accordingly for updating your record.
  • The students who have already been selected for PMSS and presently studying in 2nd or subsequent year need not to apply for New Application. Such students are required to apply for Renewal Application only.

Instructions for PMSS

Check List for Student

Do’s and Don’ts


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.in

Documents Required

  • Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Certificate duly filled up and signed by ZSB/Coast Guard HQ as per [Annexure-1](https://ksb.gov.in/writereaddata/download/2025/Annexure-1.pdf). 1. Bonafide Certificate duly filled up correctly and signed by Vice Chancellor/ Principal/ Vice Principal/Dean/Associate Dean/Registrar/Dy Registrar/Director/Dy Director of the Institute/College as per [Annexure-2](https://ksb.gov.in/writereaddata/download/2025/Annexure-2.pdf). 1. Certificate from students bank stating that Aadhaar Card of student linked with his/her bank account number as per [Annexure-3](https://ksb.gov.in/writereaddata/download/2025/Annexure-3.pdf)). 1. Matriculation Certificate for verifying the Date of Birth.
  • Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) certificate as applicable (10+2 Marksheet/ Graduation (mark sheets of 3 years/ all semesters) /Diploma (mark sheets of all semesters.
  • st page of Bank Pass Book (preferably SBI/PNB only) clearly showing name and A/c Number of Student and IFS code of the bank (duly printed and not hand written).
  • Aadhaar Card of Student
  • PPO/ESM Identity Card for Category 6 and the following supporting documents incase of Category 1 to 5: Copy of -
  • Category - 1: Part II Order in case of Army/ Gen form in case of Navy and POR in case of Air Force
  • Category - 2: Part II Order in case of Army/ Gen form in case of Navy and POR in case of Air Force
  • Category - 3: Part II Order in case of Army/ Gen form in case of Navy and POR in case of Air Force
  • Category - 4: Part II Order in case of Army/ Gen form in case of Navy and POR in case of Air Force
  • Category - 5: Award Certificate along with Gazette Notification.
  • Category - 6: Original PPO or ESM Identity Card to be scanned and uploaded.
  • [Annexure-1](https://ksb.gov.in/writereaddata/download/Annexure-1-Revised-2024-25.pdf) (Bonafide Certificate duly signed by Vice Chancellor / Principal / Vice Principal / Dean / Associate Dean / Registrar / Deputy Registrar / Director / Deputy Director. - [Annexure-2](https://ksb.gov.in/writereaddata/download/Annexure-2-Revised-2024-25.pdf) ((Instructions and Certificate / Undertaking from Student / ESM). - [Annexure-3](https://ksb.gov.in/writereaddata/download/Annexure-3-Revised-2024-25.pdf) (Aadhaar Linking Certificate duly completed and signed by Bank Manager) (SBI / PNB only). - Original mark sheets (both semesters / academic year) issued by university. Computer generated mark sheets not to be uploaded.
  • [Annexure-4](https://ksb.gov.in/writereaddata/download/Annexure-4_CertificatefromUniversity.pdf) (Not applicable to all Students). Certificate signed by University to be uploaded by those students whose mark sheets are issued by the University on completion of entire course. - First page of Bank Pass Book or cancelled cheque leaf of student (if Name and Account Number is printed).
  • Aadhaar Card of Student showing name and address.

Tags

Ex-servicemenStudentEducationScholarshipEx-Coast GuardWidowPMSS
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