PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS): Benefits, Eligibility, and Application Process

pmss revised application

What is PMSS and its Benefit

The PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), introduced in the academic year 2006–07, is a government initiative to offer financial assistance to the children and widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and Ex-Coast Guard personnel. The aim of this scheme is to encourage higher education among the wards of defense personnel and reduce the financial burden of professional and technical courses.

This article covers the benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and application process for the PMSS in detail.

Number of Scholarships Available

  • A total of 5,500 scholarships are awarded each academic year.
  • Equal distribution: 2,750 for boys and 2,750 for girls.

Benefits of PM Scholarship Scheme

  • Duration: 2 to 5 years, depending on the course length.
  • Scholarship Amount:
    • Boys: ₹2,500 per month
    • Girls: ₹3,000 per month
  • The amount is disbursed annually.

Eligibility Criteria for PM Scholarship

To apply for PMSS, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

  • Admission must be secured in the first year of a professional course (not through lateral entry).
  • Minimum 60% marks in Minimum Educational Qualification (10+2/Diploma/Graduation).
  • Only the first two children of ESM or Ex-Coast Guard personnel are eligible.
  • Wards of civilians or paramilitary personnel are not eligible.
  • Students studying through distance education or abroad are not eligible.

How Are Students Selected for the PM Scholarship?

The selection is merit-based, depending on:

  • Priority Categories (explained below).
  • Marks in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ).
  • Separate merit lists for boys and girls.

Priority Categories:

  1. Killed in Action
  2. Disabled in Action (and discharged)
  3. Died in Service (attributable)
  4. Disabled in Service (attributable)
  5. Gallantry Award Winners
  6. Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR)

Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) Details

  • MBBS/BE/B.Tech: Based on 10+2 or Diploma.
  • B.Ed/MBA: Based on Graduation.
  • If CGPA is given, candidates must upload a conversion formula along with mark sheets.
  • All subjects (including optional) are considered for the 60% mark requirement.

Approved Courses for PM Scholarship

  • Professional Degree Courses like:
    • BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, B.Ed, BBA, BCA, B.Pharm, BA LLB, etc.
  • Must be approved by AICTE, NMC, UGC, or other recognized bodies.
  • MBA and MCA are the only eligible Master’s programs.
  • Vocational courses are not eligible.

Rules for Course Changes Under PMSS

  • Allowed:
    • Within the same university without changing the course duration.
    • Between universities if the course and academic year remain the same.
  • Not Allowed:
    • Change of course leading to academic year change.
    • Transfer to another university with a new course.

List of Documents Required for PM Scholarship Application

  1. Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard Certificate (Annexure-1).
  2. Bonafide Certificate from the institute (Annexure-2).
  3. Bank Certificate linking Aadhaar (Annexure-3).
  4. Matriculation Certificate (Proof of DOB).
  5. MEQ Certificates (10+2/Graduation/Diploma).
  6. Bank Passbook Copy (SBI/PNB preferred).
  7. Aadhaar Card.
  8. Affidavit/Self-attested certificate (if ward was born after retirement).
  9. Passport Size Photograph of the student.
  10. PPO/ESM Identity Card for Category 6.
  11. Supporting documents for Categories 1–5 (Part II Orders, Gallantry Award Certificates, etc.)

⚠️ Note: Missing documents will lead to rejection.

PM Scholarship New Application Process (Step-by-Step)

  1. Visit the KSB Website.
  2. Click on PMSS > New Application.
  3. Download and complete Annexures 1, 2, and 3.
  4. Fill out registration details.
  5. Upload passport photo.
  6. Activate your account via the link sent to your email.
  7. Login and fill out Parts 1, 2, and 3.
  8. Upload all required documents.
  9. Click on Save and Forward.
  10. Confirm with Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) if needed.

PM Scholarship Renewal Application Process

  • Renew every academic year.
  • Process is similar to the new application.
  • Fill columns 1 to 13 in the Renewal Form.
  • Upload the bonafide certificate, original mark sheets, and other documents.
  • Save and Forward the renewal application.
  • Update Column 14 after receiving the scholarship amount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who can apply?
Dependents of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel (PBOR only) pursuing professional degree courses in India.

Q2. How to apply?
Only through the official KSB PMSS portal online.

Q3. Minimum marks required?
At least 60% in the MEQ (10+2/Graduation/Diploma).

Q4. Is the scholarship available in second year?
No, must apply in the first year itself.

Q5. Is a discharge book required?
No, only Annexure-1 is required.

Q6. Are diploma courses eligible?
No, only professional degree courses are eligible.

Q7. Are courses abroad eligible?
No, only courses in India are eligible.

Q8. How to know if selected?
The merit list will be available on the KSB Website and shared with Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs).

Q9. If a student fails a year?
Scholarship is closed forever if 50% marks are not secured each academic year.

Q10. Aadhaar linking necessary?
Yes, Aadhaar must be linked with the student’s bank account.

Important Contacts for PM Scholarship Support

DepartmentContact NumberEmail AddressMatters Handled
KSB Helpline011-20862449ksbwebsitehelpline@gmail.comApplication issues, latest updates
Technical Team011-20862449 (Ext-215)ksbwebsitehelpline@gmail.comLogin, Password reset, Website issues
Team PMSS011-20862447 (Ext-223/224)jdpmssksb-mod@gov.inPolicy matters related to PMSS

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