The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for RPF/RPSF 2025 is a Central Government scheme launched under the Ministry of Railways to promote professional and technical education among the wards and widows of RPF/RPSF personnel. Introduced during the academic year 2008-09, this scholarship provides monthly financial aid to dependents of serving, ex-servicemen, or deceased personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF).
The scheme covers professional courses such as MBBS, B.Tech, BCA, MBA, B.Pharma, etc., and is available to eligible students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
Key Highlights
• Launched By: Ministry of Railways
• Applicable For: Wards/Widows of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel (below Gazetted rank)
• Total Scholarships: 150 per academic session
• Gender Quota: 75 scholarships reserved for girls
• Monthly Scholarship:
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₹2,500 for boys
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₹3,000 for girls
• Duration: 2–5 years (based on course duration)
• Application Mode: Online via https://scholarships.gov.in
Benefits
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Monthly Financial Assistance:
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₹2,500 per month for male students
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₹3,000 per month for female students
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Tenure: Scholarship is valid for 2 to 5 years, depending on course duration
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Special Recognition:
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Selected students receive a personal letter from the Hon’ble Prime Minister in their preferred language
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Direct Bank Transfer (DBT):
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The scholarship amount is credited directly to the applicant’s bank account via PFMS
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Eligibility Criteria
• Must be a dependent ward or widow of Ex/Serving RPF or RPSF personnel (non-gazetted)
• Must have secured at least 60% marks in Minimum Entry Quthe alification (MEQ)
• Must be enrolled in a regular professional/technical course (not distance learning)
• Courses must be from AISHE-registered institutes (having an AISHE Code)
• Only two wards per family can avail of the scholarship
• Not valid for students studying abroad
Eligible Courses
Scholarships are available for professional degree programs only, including:
• Engineering: BE, B.Tech
• Medical: MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm
• Management: MBA
• IT/Computer: BCA, MCA
• Law: BA LLB, BBA LLB, BSc LLB, BCom LLB (5-year integrated only)
• Education: B.Ed.
• Agriculture: B.Sc. (Agri)
• Other Government-approved technical and professional degrees
Note: Master’s programs are not covered, except MBA and MCA
Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) Marks Requirement
| Course Type | MEQ | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS, BDS, B.Sc (Ag), BBA, BCA, LLB, etc. | 12th Standard | 60% |
| BE, B.Tech | 12th / Diploma | 60% |
| MBA, MCA, B.Ed. | Graduation | 60% |
Order of Preference (If Applications Exceed Quota)
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Category I: Wards/widows of ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died in line of duty duethe to terrorist/criminal encounters or during election duty
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Category II: Wards/widows of ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died while in regular service
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Category III: Wards of retired RPF/RPSF personnel
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Category IV: Wards of serving RPF/RPSF personnel
Zone-wise Quota Distribution
| Zone/Organization | Quota |
|---|---|
| CR + KRCL | 10 |
| ECoR | 6 |
| ECR | 8 |
| ER | 16 |
| NCR + CORE | 6 |
| NER | 6 |
| NFR | 8 |
| NR + RDSO + RPF Academy | 16 |
| NWR + Construction | 4 |
| SCR | 6 |
| SECR | 4 |
| SER | 10 |
| SR + ICF | 10 |
| SWR | 4 |
| WCR | 4 |
| WR | 10 |
| RPSF | 22 |
Application Process (Online)
Steps to Apply:
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Visit the National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in
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Click on Central Schemes > Ministry of Railways > PMSS for RPF
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Register as a new user (with mobile OTP verification)
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Fill in the online application form and upload documents
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Submit the form and note the system-generated application number
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The application is sent for verification to the Zonal Railway
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On successful verification, the scholarship amount is disbursed to your bank account
Documents Required
For Fresh Applicants:
• Service Certificate (for Category IV) – Annexure II format
• PPO/Discharge Book (for Categories I to III)
• Marksheet of MEQ (10+2/Diploma/Graduation)
• Aadhaar Card
• Bank Passbook Copy
For Renewal Applicants:
• Updated Service Certificate (for Category IV)
• Previous year marksheet or proof of promotion to the next class
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the aim of the scheme?
The aim of the scheme is to encourage higher technical and professional education for the dependent wards of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows (below the Rank of Gazetted officer). - When did this scheme launch?
The scheme was announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 15th August 2005 and introduced in the Academic year 2008-09. - Who is eligible to get the benefit of the scheme?
The dependent wards of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows (below the Rank of Gazetted officers) are eligible to apply under the scheme. - What is the benefit of the scheme?
The amount of the scholarship would be as follows:
(i) ₹2500/- per month for male students
(ii) ₹3000/- per month for female students - How many students will receive the scholarship under the scheme?
The scholarship will be given to a total number of 150 students in an academic session. Half of the scholarships are reserved for female candidates i.e. 75. - What is the minimum qualification required for the student to apply under the scheme?
Students should have secured 60% and above in Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) i.e. 12th Std., Diploma,loma/Graduation. - How many wards per family are eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
The scholarship is admissible for only two wards per family and should be ensured by the beneficiaries as well as by the concerned zonal Railways/RPSF. - Are the students studying abroad eligible to apply under the scheme?
No, the students studying abroad are not eligible for this scheme. - Is the distance learning course permitted under this scheme?
No, the distance learning course is permitted under this scheme. - Can a student avail of more than one course?
No, the student can avail of one course only. - What types of courses are eligible under the scheme?
Professional Degree Courses like BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, BEd, BBS, BCA, MCA B. Pharma, etc. duly recognized by the respective Government Regulatory Bodies, such as All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Medical Council of India (MCI), University Grants Commission (UGC), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) etc. (Master Degree Courses are not eligible for PMSS except MBA, MCA). - How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
Online submission of the Application form can be done through the website of the National Scholarship Portal. https://scholarships.gov.in/