Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Wards of Ex-Servicemen 2026-27
Kendriya Sainik Board, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence
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About This Scholarship
The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) was introduced from the academic year 2006-07 to encourage higher technical and professional education among the dependent wards of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel, and their widows. It is run by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, through the Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards. KSB states that 5,500 wards and widows are selected in each academic year, split equally between boys and girls (2,750 each). The scholarship is Rs 2,500 a month for boys and Rs 3,000 a month for girls, paid annually for two to five years depending on the length of the course. Only first-year students (except lateral entry) of professional courses recognised by a government regulator such as AICTE or the National Medical Commission can apply, and they need at least 60 percent in the qualifying exam. KSB has opened fresh applications for 2026-27, with 31 December 2026 as the last date. Wards of civilians, including paramilitary personnel, are not eligible under this scheme. NSP lists separate Prime Minister's Scholarship Schemes for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles, for the Ministry of Railways, and for wards of state or UT police personnel martyred in terror or Naxal attacks.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Kendriya Sainik Board, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence |
| Who | Wards and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel below officer rank, in first year of a professional course |
| Amount | Rs 2,500 a month for boys (Rs 30,000 a year); Rs 3,000 a month for girls (Rs 36,000 a year) |
| Awards | 5,500 a year: 2,750 for boys and 2,750 for girls |
| Income limit | None stated |
| Applications 2026-27 | Open; last date 31 December 2026 |
| Portal | KSB online portal (online.ksb.gov.in) |
Sources: KSB PMSS pages, Important Instructions for PMSS, KSB 2026-27 notice and Schemes on NSP. Checked on 5 October 2026.
Provider
Kendriya Sainik Board, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence
Type
Merit-based
Level
Undergraduate
Duration
Course duration, renewed yearly (maximum 5 years)
5500
Awards
Course duration, renewed yearly (maximum 5 years)
Duration
Fixed scholarship of Rs 2,500 a month for boys and Rs 3,000 a month for girls, paid annually (Rs 30,000 and Rs 36,000 a year). The scheme pages mention no separate fee reimbursement
Coverage
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Who | Dependent wards of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel, and their widows (personnel below officer rank only) |
| Number of wards | Scholarship is admissible for only two wards of an ex-serviceman |
| Age | Male ward up to 25 years at admission; female ward until she marries; no age limit for a widow until she remarries |
| Marks | At least 60 percent in the Minimum Educational Qualification (10+2, diploma or graduation as applicable) |
| Year of study | Admitted to the first year in the current year (except lateral entry); students in the second or later years are not eligible |
| Courses | Professional degree courses recognised by a government regulator such as AICTE or NMC; integrated courses such as B.Sc.-B.Ed and BA-LLB are eligible (10+2 as MEQ); at postgraduate level only MBA and MCA |
- Diploma courses, courses abroad, distance learning and vocational courses are not eligible.
- Wards of civilians, including paramilitary personnel, are not eligible.
- The total of this scholarship and any other scholarship or assistance cannot exceed the amount available under PMSS.
Source: KSB eligibility page and Important Instructions for PMSS.
Minimum Marks
60%
Age Limit
Up to 25 years
Eligible Categories
Scholarship Benefits
Financial Support
INR 30,000 - 36,000
Disbursement: Paid annually to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account: the first year's amount is remitted in advance after selection; later payments follow each completed academic year with at least 50 percent marks
What's Covered
| Ward | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Boys | Rs 2,500 | Rs 30,000 |
| Girls | Rs 3,000 | Rs 36,000 |
The scholarship is paid annually for two to five years, as per the duration of the course approved by the regulatory body. For integrated courses it is paid for the full duration except the internship period. The first year's amount is remitted in advance after selection. Later payments follow successful completion of each academic year, with at least 50 percent marks and no break; a student who fails any subject or semester loses the scholarship permanently. The student submits the online Payment-cum-Renewal Form, bonafide certificate, mark sheets and a bank passbook page within one year of completing the academic year, and records the date and amount of each payment on the KSB portal.
How to Apply
Application Guide
- Open the KSB online portal named on the KSB pages (online.ksb.gov.in) and register: the ex-serviceman, widow or orphan fills Parts 1 and 2 with the ex-serviceman's details (PPO number, identity card number, Aadhaar number, bank account, mobile number, email ID, dates of enrolment and discharge) and uploads a photograph.
- Log in with the login ID and password sent to the registered email, open Application and Renewal Application, then New Application, and fill in the online form. One candidate can apply for one course only; paper applications are not accepted.
- Upload the required documents: ex-serviceman certificate, bonafide certificate, Aadhaar-linked bank certificate, matriculation certificate, MEQ certificate, bank passbook page and the PPO or category documents.
- Click Save and Forward to submit; an application that still shows status New has not been submitted.
- Apply by 31 December 2026 (KSB notice for 2026-27) and as soon as admission is taken.
- The Zila Sainik Board or Coast Guard HQ checks the uploaded documents against the originals within five working days and forwards the application to the Rajya Sainik Board for a second check and recommendation to KSB.
- Correct any observation within 10 days; an observation not rectified in time leads to automatic rejection by the system.
- Log in to track the status; the merit list is uploaded on the KSB website.
Selection Process
Each application is checked in three stages: the Zila Sainik Board or Coast Guard HQ checks every uploaded document against the originals, the Rajya Sainik Board makes a second-stage check, and KSB processes the application, with new applications processed and the merit list prepared between January and May. A Board of Officers nominated at KSB finalises the merit list, which KSB uploads on its website. Priority follows six categories: (1) wards or widows of personnel killed in action; (2) disabled in action and boarded out with a disability attributable to service; (3) died in service from causes attributable to service; (4) disabled in service with an attributable disability; (5) recipients of gallantry awards; (6) other personnel below officer rank. The 5,500 awards are split equally between boys and girls. The pages do not say how candidates are ranked within a category.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application End
Thursday, 31 December 2026
Application Deadline
Thursday, 31 December 2026