Supporting the Educational Dreams of Soldiers’ Children & Widows
Education is the most powerful tool for social and economic upliftment. Recognizing this, the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW), Ministry of Defence, provides Education Grants to support the children, widows, and orphans of Ex-Servicemen (ESM). Commonly this is known as CEA but it is different from CEA. CEA is applicable to serving persons only and applicable to all ranks of Armed Forces. After retirement Education grant is applicable for below JCOs rank only.
This initiative ensures that the families of those who served the nation continue to receive financial assistance to pursue quality education, helping them build a secure and dignified future.
Historical Background of Education Grant
The Education Grant scheme was launched in 1981, initially providing ₹15 per child (for a maximum of three children) up to Class XII.
Since then, the scheme has undergone several revisions:
| Year | Revision | Grant Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Scheme introduced | ₹15 per child (max 3 children, up to Class XII) |
| 1996 | First revision | ₹100 per month |
| 2007 | Second revision | ₹200/month (boys), ₹400/month (girls) up to Class XII; ₹600/month (girls) up to graduation |
| 2011 | Latest revision (in vogue) | ₹1,000/month per child (max 2 children) up to graduation; widows eligible for PG courses |
Objective of the Scheme
The aim of this grant is to provide financial assistance to:
- Up to two dependent children (first two born) of Ex-Servicemen or their widows
- Orphans of ESM (up to the rank of Havildar including MACP Naib Subedar in the Army and equivalent ranks in the Navy and Air Force)
- Widows of ESM pursuing post-graduation degree courses
The goal is to promote educational continuity among dependents of ESM families who might otherwise face financial hardships.
Financial Assistance Details
- Amount: ₹1,000 per month per child
- Duration: For one academic year (paid in one installment)
- Scope:
- For children studying in Classes 1–12 or undergraduate degree courses
- For widows pursuing a two-year postgraduate course
- Not applicable for professional or technical degrees (e.g., engineering, medical, management, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Education Grant, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Applicant must be an ESM or widow.
- Rank should be Havildar/equivalent or below.
- The child must have passed the class in the just-concluded academic year.
- The case must be recommended by the Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) and Rajya Sainik Board (RSB).
- The applicant should not be receiving any other education allowance from State, Central Government, or employer.
- Must possess a valid bank account (preferably with PNB or SBI) linked with Aadhaar.
Important Rules & Clarifications
- Grant is limited to the first two children recorded in the Discharge Book.
- If no entries are present, a valid Part-II order from the Record Office must be uploaded.
- In case of twins, both are eligible (counted as two children).
- If the 1st child passes away, the 3rd child becomes eligible.
- Once a child’s name is registered under the scheme, it cannot be replaced by another child in subsequent years.
Application Procedure (Online)
All applications must be submitted online via the KSB web portal within the stipulated timelines.
Applicants must upload scanned copies of the following documents:
- PPO (Pension Payment Order) – if applicable.
- Part-II Order (for those with Gallantry Awards or without PPO).
- Complete Discharge Book (all pages, legible and authenticated by DSWO).
- ESM/Widow Identity Card issued by ZSB.
- Mark sheet/Progress Report of the student.
- Part-II Order or entry in Discharge Book mentioning children’s names.
- Self-declaration stating that no other education allowance/scholarship has been availed.
- Bank Account details linked with Aadhaar (preferably PNB/SBI).
- Aadhaar Card of applicant.
Last Dates for Application Submission
| Academic Level | Class/Year | Last Date for Submission |
|---|---|---|
| School Classes | 1 to 9 & 11 | 30th September |
| Board Classes | 10 & 12 | 30th October |
| Undergraduate (including integrated courses up to 3 years) | UG Courses | 30th November |
Applications beyond these dates will not be accepted. Claims for earlier academic years will not be entertained.
Role of Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO)
The ZSWO plays a crucial role in verifying and recommending applications. They must personally check the original documents and certify that:
- The applicant is genuine and eligible.
- Documents are original, legible, and authenticated.
- No duplicate or overlapping benefits are claimed from other sources.
Once verified, the case is recommended for approval and further processing by KSB.
Renewal of the Grant
For each subsequent academic year, a fresh online application must be submitted, provided the student has advanced to the next class successfully. The renewal follows the same process and document verification standards.
Key Takeaways
- 🎯 Focus: Support for education of children/widows of ESM (up to Havildar rank).
- 💰 Grant: ₹1,000/month per child (max two).
- 🧾 Mode: Online only, through the KSB portal.
- 🗓️ Timelines: 30 Sept (Class 1–9 & 11), 30 Oct (10 & 12), 30 Nov (UG).
- ⚠️ Not Applicable: For professional or technical courses.
- ✅ Verification: By ZSWO and RSB before final approval.
Conclusion
The Education Grant Scheme stands as a testament to India’s commitment to its soldiers — not just in service, but beyond it. Through this scheme, the Kendriya Sainik Board ensures that the sacrifices of servicemen are honored by securing the educational futures of their children and dependents.
By promoting education, the scheme builds bridges of opportunity and empowerment for families who have given so much to the nation.
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