The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) 2025, launched by the Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, provides financial support to the dependent wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and Ex-Coast Guard personnel. This merit-based scheme encourages them to pursue higher technical and professional education in India.
Key Highlights
• Launched By: Ministry of Defence (Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare)
• Year Introduced: Academic Year 2006–07
• Scholarship Duration: 1 to 5 years (as per course duration)
• Total Seats: 5,500 (2,750 Boys & 2,750 Girls annually)
• Eligible Courses: AICTE/UGC/MCI-approved professional & technical degrees
• Application Mode: Online via www.ksb.gov.in
Benefits
| Gender | Monthly Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|
| Boys | ₹2,500 |
| Girls | ₹3,000 |
• The amount is disbursed annually
• Applicable for 1 to 5 years, depending on course duration
• Paid via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the student’s bank account
• Separate merit list for boys and girls
Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a dependent ward or widow of an Ex-Serviceman or Ex-Coast Guard personnel
• Must be admitted to 1st year only (Not applicable for Lateral Entry/Integrated Courses)
• Must have scored a minimum of 60% in the qualifying examination (10+2 / Graduation / Diploma)
• The course must be approved by regulatory authorities (AICTE, UGC, MCI, etc.)
• A maximum of 2 wards per ESM family can apply
Priority Categories
| Category | Priority Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wards/Widows of personnel killed in action |
| 2 | Wards of personnel disabled in action and boarded out |
| 3 | Wards/Widows of personnel died in service (attributable to service) |
| 4 | Wards of personnel disabled during service (attributable to service) |
| 5 | Wards/Widows of gallantry award winners |
| 6 | All other wards/widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard (PBOR only) |
Exclusions
• Wards of Civilians or paramilitary personnel
• More than two applicants from the same ESM family
• Students studying abroad
• Distance education students
• Students who have already availed of MSS once for a course
Application Process (Online)
Step-by-Step Guide
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Visit www.ksb.gov.in
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Click PMSS – Apply Online
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Download Annexure 1, 2 & 3 and fill them as per instructions
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Register on the portal → receive login credentials via email
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Activate the link from the registered email
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Log in and click New Application → Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme
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Fill in Parts 1, 2 & 3 with ESM and academic details
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Upload scanned original documents in the prescribed format
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Click Save & Forward to complete the submission
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Track status via Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) if required
Only one course per applicant is permitted.
Documents Required (Fresh Application)
• Annexure-1: ESM/Ex-Coast Guard Certificate (signed by ZSB)
• Annexure-2: Bonafide Certificate from the Institute/College
• Annexure-3: Aadhaar-linked Bank Certificate of Student
• Matric Certificate (DOB proof)
• Qualifying Exam Marksheet (10+2/Graduation/Diploma)
• 1st Page of Bank Passbook (Preferably SBI/PNB)
• Student’s Aadhaar Card
• PPO/ESM ID Card for Category 6
• Supporting documents for Categories 1–5 (as applicable):
- Part II Orders / POR / Gen Form (Army, Air Force, Navy)
- Gallantry Award Certificate with Gazette (Category 5)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for PMSS?
The dependent wards of Ex Servicemen / Ex Coast Guard personnel and their widows (below officer rank only) who are studying in higher technical and professional degree courses can apply for PMSS.
How to Apply For a Scholarship?
Application to be filled ONLINE by visiting the KSB website www.ksb.gov.in. For easy understanding, a flow chart is available on the KSB website under the PMSS link ‘How to Apply for Scholarship’.
How long will I get a scholarship?
The scholarship is awarded for the entire duration of the course, except for the internship.
If I fail in any subject /semester/academic year, can I get scholarship even if I clear my subject in subsequent attempts?
No. All subjects/ semesters/ academic years have to be cleared in the first attempt only.
Is seeding of the student’s Aadhaar card with the student’s Bank Account Number necessary for scholarship?
Yes, it is a mandatory requirement for payment of the scholarship.
What should I do if the mark sheets are issued by the university only at the end of the entire course duration?
You can download Annexure-4 available on KSB website www.ksb.gov.in and upload it alongwith computer generated mark sheets signed by Controller of Examination /Registrar (Examination) while applying for 2nd and subsequent installment of scholarship.
Can I send computer-generated mark sheets?
No. Original mark sheets of both semesters/academic years issued by the university are to be scanned and uploaded.
Can I get a scholarship if I am a ward of paramilitary personnel or a ward of the central armed forces police?
No, this scholarship is awarded to the wards and widows of Ex-servicemen who have served in Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast guards.
Can a selected student change the course and college?
Yes. The selected students are allowed to change their course in the first year only if the changed course is included in the Approved List of Courses for PMSS. For a change of course in the 2nd or subsequent year, kindly refer to Para 13 (a) to (d) of Important Instructions for PMSS uploaded on the KSB website www.ksb.gov.in under the link PMSS – New Application – How to Apply for Scholarship.
If a student has already availed of PMSS in the past, can he again apply for PMSS?
No. PMSS is allowed for one course only.