Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program: Eligibility, Benefits, Steps to Apply

Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program: The PMSS is a scholarship program introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. It was introduced to encourage the dependent wards of the State/UTs Police Personnel who are martyred during Naxal or terror attacks. Under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program, a total of 500 scholarships are to be presented in equal numbers to the Boys and Girls (i.e. 250 for boys and 250 for girls).

What is PMSSS?

PMSSS stands for the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme. It is a support program started by the Government of India to help students who wish to pursue higher studies. 

• The scheme aims to reduce financial pressure on families and encourage children to focus on their careers. 

• It primarily supports boys and girls and those dependent wards whose parents served in the State or UT Police and were martyred during terror or Naxal attacks.

• This scheme offers help for several professional courses. Students can study medicine, engineering, management, nursing, agriculture, pharmacy, computers, and other approved fields.

Key Benefits of PMSSS

Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program offers several benefits to students, making their access to higher education easier. Some of the key benefits of the scheme are as follows:

Monthly Financial Support

Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program gives financial help every month. Although the amount is paid yearly, it is calculated monthly. This helps students plan their academic expenses smoothly. It also supports them in buying books, study materials, and other essentials.

• Girls receive ₹3,000 per month.

• Boys receive ₹2,500 per month.

Equal Opportunity

Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program offers 500 scholarships every year. Half are meant for boys and the other half for girls. This demonstrates the central government's plan to promote fairness and equal access to education.

Long Duration of Support

Students can receive the scholarship for up to 5 years. The duration depends on the length of their course. This long-term support helps learners complete their degrees without money issues.

Wide Range of Courses

Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program supports several first professional degree courses. These include the following:

• Engineering

• Medical

• Dental

• Pharmacy

• Nursing

• Agriculture

• Management

• Computer applications

• Education (B.Ed)

These courses are recognised by national bodies like AICTE, UGC, and the Medical Council of India.

Direct Transfer to Bank

The scholarship amount is sent directly to the student’s bank account through PFMS under the Direct Benefit Transfer system. 

Eligibility Criteria for PMSSS

To receive the benefits of the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program, a student must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria ensure that only the right students get the support. The details related to the eligibility criteria for PMSSS are as follows:

Who Can Apply?

Only dependent wards of the State or UT Police personnel who were martyred during terror or Naxal attacks can apply. Civilian children cannot apply under this scheme.

Academic Requirement

For new applicants:

• Students must score at least 60% marks in their Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ).
  The MEQ varies by course. For example:

• For MBBS → 10+2

• For Engineering → 10+2 or Diploma

• For B.Ed. or MBA → Graduation

For renewal applicants:

• Students must score a minimum of 50% marks every year.

Course Requirement

Students must be taking admission in the first professional degree program. Diploma courses are not allowed. Online, distance, or correspondence learning is also not allowed. Lateral entry students joining the second year of engineering after completing a diploma can apply.

College Requirement

The student must study in a college or university that is:

• approved by UGC,

• or recognised by AICTE,

• or has an MBBS/BDS approval from the Medical Council of India.

Maximum Limit

Only two children per family can receive benefits under this scheme.

Not Eligible Categories

The following students cannot apply:

• Those already taking other scholarships

• Those studying abroad

• Those who change course or college after selection

• Those pursuing master’s programs (except MBA/MCA)

Documents Required for Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program

Students must upload certain documents while applying under the  Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program. These documents help verify details and avoid mistakes.

For New Applicants

• Aadhaar card

• Passport-size photo

• Certificate from the State Government confirming the martyrdom of the police personnel

• Marksheet of MEQ (XII/Diploma/Graduation)

• Disability certificate (if any)

• Death certificate

• Bank details (Aadhaar-seeded account)

• Any other required document

For Renewal

• Certificate issued by the educational institution confirming academic performance

How to Apply for PMSSS?

Students must apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for the  Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program. The process is simple and designed to help students complete the form easily.

Step 1: Visit the NSP website

Open the official website: scholarships.gov.in.

Step 2: New Registration

Click on "New Registration" under the Applicant Corner. Read all instructions carefully. Tick the checkbox to confirm, then click "Continue".

Step 3: Fill Basic Details

Enter the candidate's name, mobile number, email, and other required information. Create a candidate login ID and password.

Step 4: Log in to the Portal

Use the credentials to log in. Click on Fresh Application.

Step 5: Choose the Scheme

Select the Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme from the list.

Step 6: Fill the Application Form

Add the personal, academic, and bank details. Make sure the information is correct because changes cannot be made later.

Step 7: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of all required documents. Make sure they are clear and readable.

Step 8: Submit the Form

Check everything once again. Then click on Submit.

State Wise Guidelines

Each State and Union Territory prescribes their own additional instructions to make the process smoother in its region. Some of the common Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program state-wise guidelines are as follows:

• Students must keep their mobile numbers and email IDs active for updates.

• State authorities verify documents before approving scholarship forms.

• Incomplete forms are rejected immediately.

• States ensure that no more than two children from the same family apply.

• Any false information leads to cancellation and a five-year ban from central scholarships.

Some States may also provide help through local police departments or education offices to guide students during the application. This support ensures that every eligible dependent ward of the State/UTs Police Personnel who are martyred during Naxal or terror attacks gets a fair chance to benefit from the  Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Program.