Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Wards of Ex-Servicemen 2026

About this scholarship

The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Wards of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel is a highly prestigious initiative administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) under the Ministry of Defence. Its core mission is to honor the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel by ensuring their children have the financial backing necessary to attain high-level professional qualifications. Unlike general welfare schemes, this is a targeted effort to uplift the families of those who served the nation, particularly prioritizing the wards of personnel who were martyred or disabled in action. The financial support provided by the PMSS is both steady and substantial. It is designed to offset the heavy costs associated with professional degrees. Selected boys receive ₹2,500 per month, while girls receive a slightly higher stipend of ₹3,000 per month. This amount is disbursed annually and continues for the entire duration of the professional course (up to four or five years, depending on the degree). Eligibility is governed by very specific criteria. First, the scheme is exclusively for dependent wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel below officer rank. Wards of civilians working in the defense sector are not eligible. Second, the student must be enrolled in a recognized first professional degree program. This includes B.E., B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, B.Ed, BBA, BCA, B.Pharma, and similar technical or professional courses. If you are pursuing a standard academic degree like a B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com, you are completely ineligible. Furthermore, there is no family income limit for this scheme; selection is purely merit-based, heavily relying on the student's Class 12 or diploma marks, combined with a strict priority order based on the ESM parent's service history (e.g., killed in action, disabled, gallantry award winners). The application process is handled entirely through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) official web portal (ksb.gov.in). The biggest hurdle students face is the documentation, specifically the 'Annexures'. The KSB provides strict templates for things like Bank Details (Annexure 1) and the College Bonafide Certificate (Annexure 2). If you upload a generic letter from your college instead of the official stamped Annexure 2, your application will be rejected outright. Once selected, the pressure shifts to academic performance. You must renew the scholarship every year on the KSB portal. To do so, you must pass all your subjects in the first attempt and secure at least 50% marks in your university exams. If you fail a subject and get a backlog, even if you clear it later, you immediately lose your eligibility for the scholarship renewal. The PMSS is an incredible honor and a vital financial tool, provided you follow the rigid application rules and maintain a clean academic record.

Documents you need

Ex-Serviceman/Widow identity card
Annexure 1 (Bank details)
Annexure 2 (Bonafide certificate from college)
Class 12 or diploma marksheet
Aadhaar card
Bank passbook

How to apply

Ensure you are a dependent ward or widow of an Ex-Serviceman or Ex-Coast Guard personnel, admitted into a recognized professional degree course.
Download the mandatory Annexure forms (Bank Details, Bonafide Certificate, etc.) from the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) website and get them physically signed and stamped by the respective authorities.
Register as a fresh applicant on the KSB web portal (ksb.gov.in) and carefully fill out the application form.
Upload the signed Annexures, your Class 12 or diploma marksheet, and your ESM/Widow ID card, then submit the application for verification by the Zila Sainik Board.

Expert Tip

The Annexures are the most common reason for rejection. Do not use generic bank certificates or college bonafide letters. You must download the exact Annexure 1, 2, and 3 formats from the KSB website, get them signed by the bank manager and college principal, and scan them clearly.

Why applications get rejected

Applying for a general degree like BA, BSc, or BCom; the scheme strictly only covers recognised professional and technical degree courses.
Uploading incomplete or incorrectly signed annexures, which is the most common reason for rejection by the KSB.
Failing a subject and getting a backlog; the scholarship requires passing all subjects in the first attempt to be eligible for renewal.

Common questions

When does PMSS open for 2026?

Typically opens September–November. Verify on the KSB portal each year.

What is the last date to apply for PMSS?

The closing date is announced for each cycle rather than fixed in advance, so it is not the same every year. Typically opens September–November. Verify on the KSB portal each year.

How do I apply for PMSS?

Applications are submitted through Kendriya Sainik Board portal. Ensure you are a dependent ward or widow of an Ex-Serviceman or Ex-Coast Guard personnel, admitted into a recognized professional degree course.

Can I apply if my parent is currently serving in the military?

No, the scheme is strictly for the wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and Ex-Coast Guard personnel.

Is the scholarship available for Master's degrees?

It generally covers only first professional degree courses. However, MBA and MCA are notable exceptions that are covered under the scheme.

What happens if I get a backlog/ATKT in my first year?

You will lose the scholarship. Renewal strictly requires you to pass all subjects in the first attempt with at least 50% marks.

Do I apply for this on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)?

No, you must apply directly on the Kendriya Sainik Board's official portal (ksb.gov.in).