The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Railway Protection Force (RPF) was announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 15th August 2005 during his address from the Red Fort. It was officially introduced in the academic year 2008-09 to promote higher technical and professional education for the dependent wards of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows (below the Rank of Gazetted Officer).
Scholarships Available
A total of 150 students (from the academic session 2015-16) are selected under this scheme annually.
- 50% of the scholarships (75) are reserved for female candidates.
- If there are fewer than 75 eligible male or female applicants, the remaining slots will not be transferred to the other gender.
Distribution of Scholarships Among Zonal Railways and RPSF:
| Sl. No. | Zone/Organization | Quota |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CR + KRCL | 10 |
| 2 | ECoR | 06 |
| 3 | ECR | 08 |
| 4 | ER | 16 |
| 5 | NCR + CORE | 06 |
| 6 | NER | 06 |
| 7 | NFR | 08 |
| 8 | NR + JR RPF Academy + RDSO | 16 |
| 9 | NWR + Construction | 04 |
| 10 | SCR | 06 |
| 11 | SECR | 04 |
| 12 | SER | 10 |
| 13 | SR + ICF | 10 |
| 14 | SWR | 04 |
| 15 | WCR | 04 |
| 16 | WR | 10 |
| 17 | RPSF | 22 |
| Total | 150 |
Benefits
- Scholarship Amount:
- ₹2,500 per month for male students
- ₹3,000 per month for female students
- Letter from Hon’ble Prime Minister:
- Selected applicants will receive a personal letter from the Prime Minister in an appropriate language.
- Scholarship Duration:
- Two to five years, depending on the course duration.
Note: The scholarship payment is granted after approval of DG/RPF, based on the merit order each year.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Students:
- Dependent wards of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows (below the Rank of Gazetted Officer).
- Students who have taken regular admission in eligible courses.
- Minimum 60% marks in the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) (i.e., 12th Std., Diploma, or Graduation).
- A family can only have two wards receiving the scholarship.
- The institute must be registered under AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education).
- Students studying abroad or in distance learning courses are not eligible.
- PMSS can be availed for only one course per student.
Eligible Courses
The scholarship is only applicable for Professional Degree Courses recognized by government regulatory bodies such as AICTE, MCI, UGC, and NCTE. Eligible courses include:
- Engineering (BE, B.Tech.)
- Medical (MBBS, BDS)
- Pharmacy (B.Pharma)
- Management (BBA, MBA)
- Computer Applications (BCA, MCA)
- Agriculture (B.Sc. Agri.)
- Education (B.Ed.)
- Law (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, B.Com LLB – 5-year Integrated courses only)
Note:
- Master’s degree courses are NOT eligible, except for MBA and MCA.
Minimum Marks in MEQ for Eligibility
| Professional Course | Minimum Qualification (MEQ) |
|---|---|
| MBBS and equivalent Medical Courses | 12th Standard |
| B.E., B.Tech. | 10+2 / Diploma (for lateral entry) |
| BBA, BCA, B.Sc. (Agri.), etc. | 12th Standard |
| MBA, B.Ed., MCA | Graduation |
| Law (BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, B.Com LLB – 5 years) | 12th Standard |
Order of Preference for Scholarship Selection
If applications exceed available scholarships, preference will be given in the following order:
- Category I – Wards/Widows of Ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died in harness due to encounters, terrorism, or criminal incidents while protecting railway property, passengers, or during election work.
- Category II – Wards/Widows of Ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died while in service.
- Category III – Wards of retired RPF/RPSF personnel.
- Category IV – Wards of serving RPF/RPSF personnel.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP): scholarships.gov.in
- Select “Central Schemes” → “Ministry of Railway” → “PMSS”.
- Click “Apply” (New users must register first).
- Fill out the Registration Form and submit it.
- After registration, a Student Registration ID will be generated.
- Log in with the Registration ID, complete the Application Form, and upload required documents.
- Click “Final Submission” to complete the application.
Post-Application Process
- Zonal Railways verify the applications on the scholarship portal.
- Only verified applications will be considered for the scholarship.
- Scholarship amounts will be transferred directly to the applicant’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- The Security Directorate, Railway Board will finalize the list for submission to PMO.
Documents Required
For Fresh Applicants:
- Service Certificate (for Category IV applicants)
- PPO/Discharge Certificate (for Categories I, II, III)
- 10+2/Diploma/Graduation mark sheet
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Details
For Renewal Applicants:
- Latest Service Certificate (for Category IV applicants)
- Mark sheet/Proof of progression to the next academic year
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the aim of the scheme?To support higher technical and professional education for dependent wards of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows.
- Who is eligible for this scholarship?Dependent wards of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows (below Gazetted rank) who meet the eligibility criteria.
- What are the benefits of the scheme?₹2,500 per month for male students and ₹3,000 per month for female students.
- How many students receive the scholarship annually?150 students, with 75 reserved for female candidates.
- Can students studying abroad apply?No, this scheme is only for students studying in India.
- Is distance learning allowed?No, only regular courses are eligible.
- How do I apply?Apply online through NSP (scholarships.gov.in).
Sources and References