The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) aims to support children and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel in India. The scheme is also known as “PM Scholarship Defence”. This scholarship helps deserving students pursue higher education in professional and technical fields without worrying about financial constraints. Over the years, it has empowered thousands of students by providing monthly financial aid and encouraging them to chase their academic goals.
PM Scholarship Scheme for Armed Forces Objectives
The objectives of the PM Scholarship Scheme for Armed Forces include:
- Providing financial assistance for higher education to dependent wards and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel.
- Encouraging students to pursue technical and professional degree programs such as engineering, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, architecture, and other government-approved courses.
- Lightening the financial load on defence families and ensuring students can continue their studies without interruptions.
PM Scholarship Scheme for Armed Forces Eligibility
To apply for the PM Scholarship under the “armed forces student scholarship” scheme, candidates must fulfill certain criteria:
-
Applicant must be a dependent ward or widow of an ex-serviceman or ex-Coast Guard personnel. Only these categories qualify; wards of civilians or paramilitary personnel are not eligible.
-
Applicant must have secured at least 60% marks in their Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ), e.g. Class 12 (10+2), diploma or graduation, depending on the course.
-
A student should have enrolled in the first year of a recognized professional degree course. Lateral-entry students or those already in their second year (except in certain integrated courses) are generally not eligible.
-
Courses must be full-time, regular, and recognized by relevant authorities (e.g. AICTE, UGC, Medical Council of India, etc.). Distance education or study abroad is not covered.
-
Only one course per student is eligible. The scheme does not support multiple courses.
PM Scholarship Defence Benefits
The PM Scholarship Defence provides the following key benefits under the scheme:
-
Monthly Scholarship Amount: ₹ 2,500 per month for male students and ₹ 3,000 per month for female students.
-
Duration: Scholarship is provided for the entire course duration, typically 1 to 5 years, depending on the approved length of the degree.
-
Annual disbursement through direct benefit transfer (DBT) / ECS into the student's bank account.
-
Opportunity to pursue higher education without financial burden. The scheme is beneficial for wards/widows of defence personnel who may otherwise struggle to fund education.
These benefits make the “ex-servicemen scholarship scheme” a vital support structure for many families tied to the Armed Forces, helping ensure that education remains accessible and affordable.
PM Scholarship Defence Application Process
Eligible candidates may apply for the PM Scholarship Scheme for Armed Forces online through these steps:
- Visit the official portal of the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), under the Department of Ex‑Servicemen Welfare.
- Register as a “New Applicant” (for fresh scholarships) or log in for renewal (if already registered).
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal details, academic information, and service-related documentation of the ex-serviceman (like discharge certificate, death certificate, gallantry award certificate, if applicable).
- Upload the required documents: MEQ mark sheet (class 12/diploma/graduation), admission proof in the first year of professional course, bonafide certificate from the institute, Aadhaar and Aadhaar-seeded bank account, and relevant service/dependence certificates.
- Submit the application before the deadline. After scrutiny by KSB, eligible applicants are selected based on merit and priority. The scholarship amount is provided annually.