PM Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education 2025-26: Eligibility, Benefits & Application Process
The PM Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education, introduced in 2006-07 by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, is a key initiative designed to assist the educational aspirations of service personnel’s widows and children. It provides crucial financial support to students enrolling in professional courses after completing Class 12.
The PM Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education aims to provide financial assistance to the children and widows of personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles (AR), and State/UT police who lost their lives in terror or Naxal attacks. Supported by the National Defence Fund, the scheme seeks to enable deserving students to access professional and technical education without facing financial hardship.
PMSS 2025-26: Key Highlights
- Launched by: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Administered by: Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare
- Scholarships Offered Annually:
- 2,000 new scholarships (1,000 boys & 1,000 girls)
- Additional 500 scholarships for wards of martyred State/UT police personnel
- Application Window: December 2025 to January 2026 (Tentative)
- Website: www.scholarship.gov.in
Financial Benefits
- Girls: ₹36,000 annually (₹3,000/month)
- Boys: ₹30,000 annually (₹2,500/month)
Eligibility Criteria
For CAPFs & Assam Rifles
- Wards/widows of deceased, disabled, retired, or serving personnel (below officer rank).
- Must be pursuing a first professional degree (e.g., engineering, medicine, nursing, MBA, etc.).
- Minimum 60% marks in the qualifying exam (10+2, diploma, or graduation).
For State/UT Police
- Wards of police personnel martyred in terror/Naxal attacks.
- Must be enrolled in eligible professional courses.
- Minimum 60% marks in the qualifying exam.
Note:
- Students entering 2nd year via lateral entry after diploma are also eligible.
Eligible Courses
PMSS supports a wide range of professional and technical degree courses, including but not limited to:
- Medical & Paramedical: MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, BAMS, BHMS, BPT, Pharm D
- Engineering & Technology: B.Tech, B.E., B.Arch, B.Sc (Computer Science)
- Management & IT: BBA, MBA, BCA, MCA, BBM
- Others: B.Ed, LLB, Hotel Management, Agriculture, Social Work
Application Process
- Visit National Scholarship Portal (NSP 2.0)
- Register and fill out the PMSS application form.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application within the deadline.
Required Documents
- Service Certificate (Annexure-A format)
- Marksheet of MEQ (Class 12/Diploma/Graduation)
- Bonafide Certificate from the current institute
- PPO/Discharge Certificate/Book
- Death/Disability/Gallantry Award Certificates (if applicable)
Contact Information
For queries related to the PM Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education:
Name: Dr Pudi Hari Prasad
Designation: Joint Secretary (ESW)
Telephone: 23011804
Conclusion
The PM Scholarship Scheme for Higher Education is more than just financial aid—it’s a tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of India’s service personnel. By enabling their children to pursue higher education, the scheme not only empowers families but also nurtures the next generation of professionals who will shape the nation’s future.
