PM Scholarship Scheme

October 25, 2025 HowToThing Team

Introduction

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme is one of the most prestigious educational financial assistance programs launched by the Government of India. It aims to encourage higher professional and technical education among the wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen, Ex-Coast Guard personnel, and Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles (AR). The scheme was initiated to recognize the sacrifices made by these brave individuals for the nation and to support their families in achieving educational excellence.

Education is one of the strongest pillars of national development. Many families of defense personnel and CAPF members face economic challenges after the demise or retirement of their breadwinners. To ensure that their children can continue their higher studies without financial burden, the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme was launched in 2006 by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence.

Later, the scheme was extended to include the wards of CAPF, Assam Rifles, and State Police Personnel who died in terrorist or Naxal attacks. This extension shows the government’s commitment to recognizing and supporting those who protect the nation.

Administering Departments

The PM Scholarship Scheme is implemented through multiple ministries, depending on the category of the applicant:

For Defence Personnel: Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Ministry of Defence.
For CAPFs & Assam Rifles: Ministry of Home Affairs
For State Police Personnel: Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with respective State Governments.

Each of these departments monitors the selection process, fund disbursement, and renewal applications.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the PM Scholarship Scheme, students must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include:

A. General Eligibility

The applicant must be a dependent ward or widow of Ex-Servicemen, Ex-Coast Guard, CAPF, or State Police personnel.
The candidate must be pursuing a professional degree course recognized by AICTE, UGC, MCI, or any government-recognized authority.
The student must have secured at least 60% marks in the minimum educational qualification (10+2 or diploma) for the first-year admission.
Benefits and Impact

The PM Scholarship Scheme has positively impacted thousands of families. Some key benefits include:
- Financial stability: Helps reduce the burden of tuition fees and living expenses.
- Encouragement for higher education: Motivates children of defense and police families to pursue professional careers.
- National gratitude: Demonstrates the government’s respect toward the families of those who serve the nation.
- Improved literacy and employment: Creates opportunities for better career growth and social upliftment.
According to government data, more than 1.5 lakh students have benefited from the PM Scholarship Scheme since its inception.

APPLY

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme ( is a symbol of gratitude from the nation to its brave defenders and their families. It not only provides financial assistance but also instills hope, dignity, and recognition. By supporting the education of wards and widows of soldiers, CAPF, and police personnel, the scheme strengthens the foundation of an educated and empowered generation.

The PMSS continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that no child of a soldier or police hero is deprived of education due to financial hardship. It’s more than a scholarship — it’s a tribute to the sacrifices of India’s protectors and a step toward building a better, educated future.

The scholarship amount under the PMSS is disbursed directly to the students’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer system. The financial assistance is ₹2,500 per month for boys and ₹3,000 per month for girls, provided throughout the duration of their professional course. This support ensures that financial limitations do not hinder their academic progress. Every year, around 5,500 new scholarships are awarded under the Ministry of Defence, and a few thousand more are provided under the Ministry of Home Affairs for CAPFs, Assam Rifles, and State Police Personnel. The number of scholarships is equally divided between male and female students to promote gender equality, though unfilled slots can be transferred to the other category if necessary.