The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) was launched in 2006-07 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to support higher education among the wards and widows of Central Police Forces (CPF) personnel. Given the demanding service conditions, the scheme aims to ensure that children of CPF personnel receive opportunities for professional and technical education, helping them build a strong career.
For the academic year 2025-26, the scheme continues with upgraded benefits and an easy application process.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launched By: Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
• Beneficiaries: Wards and widows of Central Police Forces (CPF) personnel
• Number of Scholarships: 910 (MHA) + 90 (Railways) out of total 5000 under PMSS
• Scholarship Duration: 2 to 5 years based on the course
• Mode of Disbursement: Direct transfer to students’ bank accounts
Benefits
• For Boys: ₹1,250/- per month
• For Girls: ₹1,500/- per month
• Duration: For the full approved duration of the professional course (2 to 5 years)
The amount is disbursed quarterly.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Beneficiaries:
• Wards and widows of CPF personnel killed in action
• Wards of ex-CPF personnel disabled in action
• Wards of ex-CPF personnel in receipt of gallantry awards
• Wards/widows of CPF personnel who died in harness
• Wards of ex-CPF personnel disabled while in service (attributable cases)
• Wards of ex-CPF personnel (PBOR rank – up to Subedar Major / Inspector)
• Wards of in-service CPF personnel (PBOR), subject to availability and merit
Academic Requirements:
• Minimum 60% marks in 10+2 or equivalent examination for initial application
• Minimum 50% marks every year for renewal
Courses Covered:
• First professional degree programs like Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Veterinary, MBA, MCA, etc., recognized by respective regulatory bodies (AICTE, MCI, etc.)
Additional Notes:
• Only two children per family are eligible.
• Marriage/re-marriage after receiving scholarship will not disqualify the recipient.
Application Process
Offline Mode
• Step 1: Applications must be submitted to the respective Force Headquarters by 30th November 2025.
• Step 2: HQs will scrutinize and forward applications to the Chairman, Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB), CPFs, by 15th December 2025.
• Step 3: WARB will finalize and submit the list to MHA by 31st December 2025.
• Step 4: Selected candidates will be directly informed by WARB, CPFs, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Important Notes:
• Applications sent directly to WARB or MHA will not be accepted.
• Incomplete or late applications will be rejected.
• Attach two self-addressed, stamped envelopes (27×12 cm) with the application.
Documents Required
• Attested photocopy of Matriculation Certificate (for date of birth)
• Attested copy of 10+2 Marksheet
• Bonafide Certificate from College/Institute
• Proof of admission into a recognized course (approved by AICTE/MCI etc.)
• Certificate of non-dropout from college for renewal
• Attested copy of Service/Discharge Certificate/I-card issued by CPF
• Copy of PPO/Special Family Pension order (in case of widows)
• Dependency Certificate (if applicable)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of death certificate (if applicable)
• Individual Bank Account Details (preferably ECS-enabled accounts)
• Declaration cum Pre-receipt signed on a Revenue Stamp
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 wards of widows and ex-CPFs personnel. - Which is the implementing agency of this scheme?
Welfare And Rehabilitation Board, CPFs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India - When was this scheme launched?
The scheme was introduced in the Academic year 2006-07. - Who is eligible to apply under the scheme?
The applicants should be Wards/widows of CPFs personnel died in harness, Wards of ex-CPFs personnel disabled while on duty, Wards of ex-CPFs personnel in receipt of Gallantry Awards or Wards/widows of - Ex-CPFs/in-service personnel (Below Officer Rank i.e. up to the rank of Subedar Major /Inspector only).
Which are the courses eligible for the Scholarship?
The applicants should be Wards/widows of CPFs personnel died in harness, Wards of ex-CPFs personnel disabled while on duty, Wards of ex-CPFs personnel in receipt of Gallantry Awards or Wards/widows of Ex-CPFs/in-service personnel (Below Officer Rank i.e. up to the rank of Subedar Major /Inspector only). - What should be the minimum percentage of marks required at Class 12th to apply under the scheme?
The courses eligible for the Scholarship: First professional degree programme in engineering, medicine, dental, veterinary, MBA, MCA, etc. duly recognized by the respective government regulatory bodies, such as All India Council for Technical Education, Medical Council of India, etc. - What should be the minimum percentage of marks required for renewal of the scholarship?
At least 60% marks at the 10+2 level required for the initial sanction. - Shall an applicant be eligible for a scholarship after marriage/re-marriage?
Yes, a person shall be eligible for scholarship after his/her marriage/re-marriage. - How many children can avail of the benefits of the scheme in a family?
The scholarship is admissible for two children only per family. - What is the amount of Scholarship given under the scheme?
The amount of scholarship of ₹1250/- per month & ₹1500/- per month will be given to the boys & girls respectively. - What is the duration of the Scholarship?
The duration of scholarship is two to five years as approved by the concerned regulatory body for the programme. - When will the applications be invited for the scheme?
The applications are invited from eligible candidates by 30th November of each year. - How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
Each applicant should submit his/her application to the concerned force Head Quarter.