Imagine being personally promoted by a letter of encouragement by the Honourable Prime Minister on top of being financially sponsored to pursue your academic dreams. This is what happens to hundreds of students year in year out courtesy of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS).
This is an initiative initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs as a heart touching gesture to take care of the families of these supermen of our Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. This scheme will enable you to achieve your higher education goals in areas such as engineering, medicine or management, should you be the ward or widow of a service member.
We will discuss all you required to know to win this prestigious scholarship.
Scholarship at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Wards of CAPFs & Assam Rifles |
| Launched By | Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |
| Beneficiaries | Wards and Widows of serving, retired, and deceased CAPF & Assam Rifles personnel |
| Number of Awards | 2,000 fresh scholarships annually (1,000 for girls, 1,000 for boys) |
| Scholarship Amount | Girls: ₹3,000/month (₹36,000/yr) Boys: ₹2,500/month (₹30,000/yr) |
| Application Mode | Online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Official Website | https://scholarships.gov.in/ |
What are the Benefits?
The PMSS does not only provide financial support, it provides acknowledgment and long-term assistance.
- Financial Support: The chosen scholars are given a regular monthly allowance which is paid after a year straight to their bank account.
- Duration: The scholarship will last up to five years while your first professional degree course is in progress.
- Prestige: Each new chosen scholar is sent a hand letter by the Honourable Prime Minister, which is a mark of great honour and inspiration.
Am I Eligible for the PMSS?
It is a needs-based scholarship and has certain criteria. To obtain the conditions, you should:
1. Who You Are (Beneficiary Category)
You should be a ward or widow of a CAPF/Assam Rifles personnel (usually Personnel Below Officer Rank – PBOR) in one of the following categories in descending order:
- Category A: Wards/Widows of personnel killed in action.
- Category B: Wards of ex-personnel disabled in action.
- Category C: Wards/Widows of personnel who died in service (including election duty).
- Category D: Wards of ex-personnel disabled in service.
- Category E: Wards of ex-personnel who have received Gallantry Awards.
- Category F: Wards of ex-CAPF & AR personnel (PBOR).
- Category G: Wards of serving CAPF & AR personnel (PBOR).
Important Family Rule: This scholarship is admissible for a maximum of two children per family.
2. What You Are Studying (Course Eligibility)
You must be pursuing your first professional degree in a recognised field. Eligible courses include:
- Engineering: BE/B.Tech
- Medical: MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing, B.Pharma
- Management & IT: BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA
- Other: Veterinary, Agriculture, B.Ed, etc.
Please Note: Diploma courses, correspondence/distance learning, and most Master’s degrees (except MBA/MCA) are not covered.
3. Your Academic Performance
- New Applicants: You must have scored a minimum of 60% marks in your Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ), i.e., Class 12, Diploma, or Graduation.
- Renewal Applicants: You must pass each subsequent academic year with a minimum of 50% marks.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is entirely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
For New Applicants:
- Register: Go to the NSP website and click ‘New Registration’. Read the guidelines carefully and proceed.
- Fill & Submit: Log in with your new credentials, select the PMSS, and complete the application form with accurate details.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required documents (see list below).
For Renewal Applicants:
- Log In: Visit the NSP portal and click ‘Fresh Application’ under the Applicant Corner.
- Update & Submit: Log in with your existing ID and password, update your academic details, and submit the renewal application with the necessary documents.
Documents Checklist
Ensure you have these scanned copies ready before starting your application.
For Fresh Applications:
- Aadhaar Card
- Mark sheet of Minimum Entry Qualification (Class 12/Diploma/Graduation)
- Service Certificate from the Head of Office (for serving personnel)
- Category-specific documents: PPO/Discharge Book, Disability Certificate, Death Certificate, or Gallantry Award Certificate.
For Renewal Applications:
- Service Certificate (for wards of serving personnel)
- Academic passing certificate from your educational institution
- Bank account details (seeded with Aadhaar)
Important Points to Remember
- DBT Payment: The scholarship amount is transferred directly to your bank account via the Public Finance Management System (PFMS).
- One Chance: If you change your course or college after selection, your scholarship will be permanently cancelled.
- Approved Institutes Only: Your college/university must be recognised by UGC, AICTE, or other relevant government regulatory bodies. Courses studied abroad are not eligible.
- Accuracy is Key: Providing false information or ineligible details will lead to immediate cancellation and may result in you being blacklisted from central government scholarships for five years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I am the ward of a civilian employee in the CAPFs. Am I eligible?
No, it is only wards and widows of uniformed CAPF and Assam Rifles.
Q2: Can I apply if I am already receiving another scholarship?
No, applicants who are receiving benefits under any other scheme or stipend do not qualify under PMSS.
Q3: Is there a grace period if I miss the renewal deadline?
Yes, a one year grace period can be allowed on renewal applications received late at the discretion of the authorities.
Q4: How many scholarships are available each year?
Every year 2,000 fresh scholarships are granted, of which 1,000 are given to girls and 1,000 to boys.
Q5: Who can I contact for help with my application?
For any queries, you can contact:
- Telephone: 011-23063111
- Email: secywarb-mha@nic.in
Conclusion: Take the Next Step
The PMSS is your chance to commemorate the service of your family by creating a brilliant future of your own. It is a place to start your professional plan with obvious advantages and a standardized application procedure.
Ready to apply? Visit the National Scholarship Portal today to begin your journey.