Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Wards of Ex-Servicemen
Typically opens September–November. Verify on the KSB portal each year.
- Amount
- ₹2,500 per month for boys, ₹3,000 per month for girls
- Who can apply
- Wards/widows of ex-servicemen pursuing professional degree courses (engineering, medicine, MBA, etc.).
- Income limit
- No income limit — merit-based among eligible wards
- Study level
- College / UG, Postgraduate, Professional courses
- Apply through
- Kendriya Sainik Board portal
- Notes
- Widely claimed; selection is merit-based on class 12 marks.
About this scholarship
The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is a prestigious initiative by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) to support the dependent wards and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-coast guard personnel. It targets students pursuing first professional degree programs in engineering, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, MBA, MCA, and similar technical courses. The scheme is aimed at acknowledging the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel by ensuring their children have the financial backing to attain high-level professional qualifications. Selection is merit-based, heavily relying on the student's Class 12 or diploma marks, with a specific priority order that favours the wards of personnel killed or disabled in action. It provides a significant monthly stipend, paid annually, for the entire duration of the professional course. To renew the scholarship each year, students must pass all subjects in the first attempt and secure at least 50% marks in their university exams.
Documents you need
- Ex-Serviceman/Widow identity card
- Annexure 1 (Bank details)
- Annexure 2 (Bonafide certificate from college)
- Class 12 or diploma marksheet
- Aadhaar card
- Bank passbook
How to apply
- Register as a fresh applicant on the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) official web portal (ksb.gov.in).
- Fill out the detailed application form and upload the specific annexures strictly in the format provided by the KSB.
- Submit the application online and take a printout; the Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) will verify your documents.
- Renew the scholarship every year on the KSB portal by uploading your passing marksheets.
Why applications get rejected
- Applying for a general degree like BA, BSc, or BCom; the scheme strictly only covers recognised professional and technical degree courses.
- Uploading incomplete or incorrectly signed annexures, which is the most common reason for rejection by the KSB.
- Failing a subject and getting a backlog; the scholarship requires passing all subjects in the first attempt to be eligible for renewal.
Common questions
What courses are eligible for the PMSS for wards of ex-servicemen?
It covers professional degree courses like BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, B.Ed, BBA, BCA, B.Pharma, etc., recognised by regulatory bodies.
Can wards of civilian employees in defense apply?
No, the scheme is exclusively for the wards and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-coast guard personnel below officer rank.
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