The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) was launched in the academic year 2006-07 by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. It aims to encourage higher technical and professional education for the dependent wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
Each academic year, a total of 5500 students (2750 boys and 2750 girls) are selected for this scholarship. The scholarship amount is paid annually for a duration ranging from one to five years, depending on the course duration.
Benefits
- ₹2,500 per month for boys.
- ₹3,000 per month for girls.
- The scholarship is paid annually for a period of one to five years, as per the duration of the course.
- Total of 5500 students selected each year (2750 boys & 2750 girls).
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be a dependent ward/widow of an Ex-Serviceman (ESM) or Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
- The applicant must have secured at least 60% marks in the last qualifying examination (10+2 / Diploma / Graduation).
- The applicant must be admitted in the first year of a professional course.
- Lateral Entry & Integrated Courses are not eligible.
- The course must be approved by the respective regulatory bodies (refer to the approved list here: PMSS Approved Courses).
Priority for Grant of Scholarship
The selection of candidates follows this priority order:
- Category 1: Wards & Widows of ESM / Ex-Coast Guard personnel killed in action.
- Category 2: Wards of ESM / Ex-Coast Guard personnel disabled in action and boarded out of service due to disability.
- Category 3: Wards & Widows of ESM / Ex-Coast Guard personnel who died in service (death attributable to military service).
- Category 4: Wards of ESM / Ex-Coast Guard personnel disabled in service (disability attributable to military service).
- Category 5: Wards & Widows of ESM / Ex-Coast Guard personnel who received gallantry awards.
- Category 6: Wards/Widows of ESM / Ex-Coast Guard personnel (PBOR Only – Personnel Below Officer Rank).
Exclusions
- Children of civilians (including paramilitary personnel) are not eligible.
- Only two children per ex-serviceman can apply.
- Students pursuing education abroad or via distance learning are not eligible.
Application Process
Online Application:
- Visit the KSB Website: www.ksb.gov.in
- Download Required Annexures:
- Click on “List of documents to be uploaded under PMSS” and download Annexures 1, 2, and 3.
- Prepare Required Documents: Complete all Annexures in the prescribed format.
- Register on KSB Portal:
- Click on “Apply Online” under PMSS.
- Upload passport-size photo and complete Part-1 and Part-2 with Ex-Serviceman details.
- Submit the form to receive Login ID & Password via email.
- Activate Account:
- Click on the activation link received via email.
- Log in using your credentials.
- Fill in the Application Form:
- Click on “New Application” and select Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme.
- Complete Part-1, Part-2 & Part-3 and upload the required documents.
- Save & Forward Application:
- Ensure that the application is saved & forwarded.
- Verify application status with Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) if needed.
Note: Each candidate can apply for only one course.
Documents Required
(All original documents must be scanned and uploaded)
- Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Certificate (Signed by ZSB/Coast Guard HQ as per Annexure-1).
- Bonafide Certificate from Institute/College (Signed by Principal/Vice Chancellor as per Annexure-2).
- Bank Certificate stating that the Aadhaar Card is linked to the student’s bank account (Annexure-3).
- Matriculation Certificate (for Date of Birth verification).
- Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) Certificate (10+2, Graduation, or Diploma Mark Sheets).
- 1st page of Bank Passbook (preferably PNB/SBI) showing Student’s Name, Account Number, and IFSC Code.
- Aadhaar Card (Student).
- PPO / ESM Identity Card (for Category 6 applicants).
- Additional Documents for Categories 1 to 5:
- Category 1: Part II Order (Army) / Gen Form (Navy) / POR (Air Force).
- Category 2: Part II Order / Gen Form / POR.
- Category 3: Part II Order / Gen Form / POR.
- Category 4: Part II Order / Gen Form / POR.
- Category 5: Gallantry Award Certificate & Gazette Notification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for PMSS?
Dependent wards/widows of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel pursuing professional courses.
Q: How long will I receive the scholarship?
For 1 to 5 years, depending on the duration of the course.
Q: If I fail a subject/semester, can I still receive the scholarship?
No, students must pass all subjects in the first attempt to remain eligible.
Q: Is Aadhaar seeding mandatory for bank accounts?
Yes, the Aadhaar Card must be linked to the student’s bank account.
Q: What if my university issues mark sheets only after the entire course duration?
Students must provide interim progress certificates for scholarship renewal.
Q: Can I submit computer-generated mark sheets?
Yes, but they must be duly attested by the respective institute.
Q: Are children of Para-Military or Central Armed Police Forces eligible?
No, only wards of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel are eligible.
Q: Can a selected student change the course or college?
No, course and college changes are not permitted after selection.
Q: Can I reapply for PMSS if I have availed it before?
No, students can only avail of the scholarship once.
Sources & References
- Official Website: www.ksb.gov.in
- List of Approved Courses: Click Here
- Important Instructions & Guidelines: PMSS Guidelines