Ministry of Defence (Kendriya Sainik Board)
PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) 2026-27 for Ex-Servicemen Wards
Objective
The PM Scholarship Scheme honours the families of India's defence personnel. Ex-Army, Navy, Air Force, Ex-Coast Guard, and CAPF veterans. By funding their children's professional and technical degree education through monthly stipends.
Eligibility Criteria
- Wards (sons/daughters) of Ex-Servicemen, Ex-Coast Guard personnel, and widows of deceased ex-servicemen
- Wards of Ex-CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) personnel. CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles
- Must be studying in a first professional degree. Engineering, medicine, MBA, MCA, B.Pharma, B.Nursing, B.Ed, etc.
- Minimum 60% marks in the qualifying examination for first-time applicants
- Course must be approved by AICTE/MCI/UGC or relevant regulatory body
- Cannot draw scholarship from any other central government source simultaneously
Benefits & Features
- 1₹3,000 per month for girl students (fresh and renewal)
- 2₹2,500 per month for boy students (fresh and renewal)
- 3Scholarship paid directly via bank transfer every quarter
- 4Duration: for the entire duration of the professional degree course (up to 5 years)
Required Documents
- Ex-Serviceman PPO (Pension Payment Order) or Discharge Book
- Certificate from Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) confirming ex-serviceman status
- Aadhaar card of student
- Bank account details (student's own account)
- Bonafide certificate from current institution
- Marksheet of qualifying exam (10+2 or equivalent)
- Admission letter from the institution
How to Apply
Frequently Asked Questions
| Can a ward of an Ex-CRPF officer apply for PMSS? | Yes. Wards of Ex-CAPF personnel including CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles are eligible for PM Scholarship Scheme. |
| What is the monthly scholarship amount in 2026? | ₹3,000 per month for girl students and ₹2,500 per month for boy students. |
| My father retired from the Army 10 years ago. Am I still eligible? | Yes, there is no recency requirement. As long as your father is a bona fide ex-serviceman with a valid PPO/Discharge Book, you are eligible. Provided you meet the academic criteria. |
Official Portal & Helpline
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1What Is the PM Scholarship Scheme?
If one of your parents served in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or a Central Armed Police Force like the CRPF or BSF. The central government wants to make sure their sacrifice also gives you a clear path to a professional career.
The PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is run by the Ministry of Defence through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB). It pays a monthly stipend to wards and widows of ex-servicemen who are pursuing professional degree courses. Engineering, medicine, law, MBA, nursing, and more.
Applications for 2026-27 open in August-September 2026 at ksb.gov.in.
2Monthly Stipend. How Much and For How Long?
| Student | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Girl students | ₹3,000/month |
| Boy students | ₹2,500/month |
The stipend is paid for the full duration of your course. So if you're doing a 4-year B.Tech, you get it for 4 years. For a 5-year MBBS, it's 5 years.
3Who Qualifies as an Ex-Serviceman?
The scheme covers wards of:
- Ex-Army, Navy, Air Force personnel. All ranks from Sepoy to Officer
- Ex-Coast Guard personnel
- Ex-CAPF. CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, NSG
- Widows of any of the above, including those who died in service
The ex-serviceman must have a valid PPO (Pension Payment Order) or Discharge Book. Your Zila Sainik Board will verify this.
4Course Must Be Professional. Check This List
Only the following types of courses are covered:
- Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.). AICTE approved
- Medicine (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS)
- MBA, MCA
- B.Pharma, B.Nursing, B.Ed
- Law (LLB 3-year or 5-year)
- Any other first professional degree approved by UGC/MCI/BCI
B.A., B.Com, B.Sc general degree courses are NOT covered.
5How to Apply. Step by Step
- Visit ksb.gov.in when applications open (August 2026)
- Register with your family's PPO number and ex-serviceman details
- Fill the PMSS online application form
- Upload all documents. Aadhaar, PPO copy, marksheet, bonafide certificate
- Submit online and also send a hard copy to your Zila Sainik Board (ZSB)
- ZSB verifies and recommends. KSB selects final awardees
6Renewal Process for Existing Scholars
If you received PMSS in 2025-26, renewal is not automatic. You must:
- Apply for renewal on ksb.gov.in during the same application window
- Upload your current year marksheet showing promotion
- Maintain the minimum marks required (usually 50% for renewal)
Check ksb.gov.in in August 2026 for the exact renewal instructions.