PMSS 2027
PMSS 2026-27 Application has started. The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) has opened fresh applications for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Academic Year 2026-27. Eligible wards of Ex-Servicemen (ESM), Ex-Coast Guard personnel and widows can apply online through the KSB portal.
The KSB has announced that the fresh application window for PMSS 2026-27 opened on 1 August 2026 and the last date for application is 31 December 2026. Eligible students should not wait until the last date because the application has to pass through verification and recommendation by the concerned Zila Sainik Board/Rajya Sainik Board before final consideration by KSB.
Important Correction: ₹36,000 Is Per Year, Not Per Month
There are several social-media messages circulating about PMSS mentioning a scholarship of ₹36,000 per month.
This is incorrect.
Under the present PMSS rate:
- Boys: ₹2,500 per month equivalent, or ₹30,000 per year
- Girls: ₹3,000 per month equivalent, or ₹36,000 per year
The scholarship is paid annually, not as a monthly payment. The official DESW page and KSB information confirm these rates. The scholarship rates were increased with effect from Academic Year 2019-20 from the earlier rates of ₹24,000/₹27,000 per year to ₹30,000 for boys and ₹36,000 for girls.
Therefore, the correct headline should be:
PMSS Scholarship Up to ₹36,000 Per Year for Eligible Children of Ex-Servicemen
and not ₹36,000 per month.
What Is PMSS?
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) was introduced from Academic Year 2006-07 to encourage higher technical and professional education among dependent wards of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel and their widows.
The scheme is funded from the National Defence Fund and is managed by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.
The scheme covers approved professional and technical courses, including courses in areas such as medical, dental, engineering, pharmacy, management and other approved disciplines.
PMSS 2026-27: Latest Important Dates
| Particular | PMSS 2026-27 |
|---|---|
| Academic Year | 2026-27 |
| Fresh application started | 1 August 2026 |
| Last date for online application | 31 December 2026 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application portal | KSB online portal |
| Paper application | Not accepted |
| Scholarship selection | Merit-based |
| Maximum fresh scholarships | 5,500 |
| Boys | 2,750 |
| Girls | 2,750 |
KSB’s latest notice specifically states that fresh PMSS applications for Academic Year 2026-27 are open and that the last date for applying is 31 December 2026.
How Many Scholarships Are Available?
A total of 5,500 fresh scholarships are provided every academic year under the PMSS for the ESM/Ex-Coast Guard category.
The scholarships are divided equally:
- 2,750 scholarships for boys
- 2,750 scholarships for girls
In addition to fresh scholarships, students who were selected in previous years can continue to receive renewal payments subject to the prescribed academic and other conditions.
PMSS Scholarship Amount 2026-27
The current rates are:
| Student | Monthly equivalent | Annual amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boy | ₹2,500 | ₹30,000 |
| Girl | ₹3,000 | ₹36,000 |
The payment is made annually to the selected student’s bank account.
The official DESW record also confirms that the scholarship rate was enhanced in Academic Year 2019-20 to ₹30,000 per year for boys and ₹36,000 per year for girls.
Who Can Apply for PMSS 2026-27?
PMSS is primarily intended for eligible dependent wards of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel and their widows.
The KSB PMSS instructions specify age-related conditions for dependent wards. A male ward is eligible up to 25 years of age at the time of admission to the course, while a female ward is eligible until she gets married. A widow candidate has no age limit until remarriage, subject to the applicable PMSS provisions.
Important: Maximum Two Wards
The scholarship is admissible for a maximum of two wards of an ESM/Ex-Coast Guard family.
Particulars of all children have to be correctly indicated in the prescribed application. If a child was born after the ESM’s retirement/release, KSB instructions provide for an affidavit/self-certificate to be uploaded by the Ex-Serviceman.
Which Courses Are Eligible Under PMSS?
PMSS is not a general scholarship for every college course.
KSB states that eligible courses include first professional degree courses, including approved integrated degree courses, provided they are recognized by the relevant Government regulatory authority.
Examples listed by KSB include:
- BE
- B.Tech
- MBBS
- BDS
- B.Ed
- BBA
- BCA
- B.Pharm
- BA LLB
- Other approved professional/technical courses
KSB also states that Master’s degree courses are generally not eligible, except MBA and MCA.
Students studying abroad are not eligible, and distance-learning/vocational courses are not covered under PMSS. A student can avail PMSS for one course only.
Important Point About Integrated Courses
KSB provides separate provisions for approved integrated courses. The Minimum Educational Qualification for an integrated course is generally 10+2, and scholarship can be paid for the approved duration of the course, excluding internship where applicable.
Minimum Marks Required for PMSS
The PMSS selection is merit-based.
KSB’s important instructions state that applications with less than 60% marks in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) are not to be recommended.
The marks are to be considered across the relevant subjects/semesters/academic years as prescribed under the scheme.
For a fresh applicant, the candidate should therefore carefully check the applicable MEQ and ensure that the required marks are satisfied before submitting the application.
Who Should Not Apply?
According to the KSB PMSS instructions, applications should not be recommended in several situations, including:
- A student who has already availed PMSS earlier.
- A student securing less than the prescribed minimum marks.
- A student already studying in the second or subsequent year of the course, except eligible lateral-entry cases.
- A student receiving another scholarship/concession exceeding the PMSS amount.
- A student pursuing a course not included in the approved PMSS course list.
- Students studying abroad.
- Students pursuing distance-learning or vocational courses.
PMSS 2026-27 Online Application Process
KSB clearly states that the PMSS application is to be submitted ONLINE.
Hard-copy/paper applications are not entertained.
Step 1 – Take Admission in an Eligible Course
The student must first obtain admission to an eligible first-year professional/technical course covered by PMSS.
Students already studying in the second or subsequent year generally cannot submit a fresh PMSS application, subject to the specific lateral-entry provisions.
Step 2 – Register/Log In on the KSB Portal
The application is submitted through the KSB online scholarship portal.
KSB provides the online application facility through its PMSS section and specifically directs applicants to use the online system.
Step 3 – Fill in the PMSS Application
Enter the student’s personal, educational, bank and ESM-family details carefully.
The information should match the supporting documents.
Step 4 – Upload the Required Documents
The applicant has to scan and upload the prescribed original documents.
KSB’s current document list includes several important documents.
Documents Required for PMSS 2026-27
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
1. Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Certificate
The prescribed certificate duly filled and signed by the concerned Zila Sainik Board/Coast Guard Headquarters is required.
2. Bonafide Certificate
A prescribed Bonafide Certificate signed by the competent authority of the college/institution is required.
KSB specifies authorities such as the Vice Chancellor, Principal, Vice Principal, Dean, Associate Dean, Registrar or other authorized institutional authority.
3. Bank Certificate
A certificate from the student’s bank confirming that the Aadhaar of the student is linked with the student’s bank account is required in the prescribed format.
4. Matriculation Certificate
The matriculation/10th certificate is required for verification of the student’s date of birth.
5. MEQ Certificate
Depending on the course, the relevant educational qualification documents must be uploaded, such as:
- 10+2 marksheet;
- Graduation marksheets;
- Diploma marksheets, where applicable.
KSB specifies that the relevant marksheets should be uploaded as required for the course.
6. Student Bank Passbook
The first page of the student’s bank passbook should clearly show:
- Student’s name
- Account number
- IFSC code
KSB states that the details should preferably be from SBI/PNB and should be printed rather than handwritten.
7. Aadhaar Card of Student
The student’s Aadhaar Card is required.
8. ESM/PPO and Category-Specific Documents
KSB requires:
- PPO/ESM Identity Card for the prescribed category; and
- supporting documents for the other specified PMSS categories.
Depending on the category, documents such as Army Part II Order, Navy General Form, Air Force POR, PPO endorsement or Gallantry Award Certificate with Gazette Notification may be required.
Important
Failure to upload any required document can lead to rejection of the application.
Apply Early – Do Not Wait for 31 December
Although the final application date for PMSS 2026-27 is 31 December 2026, applicants should not wait until the final day.
KSB’s important instructions require the ZSB/RSB/Coast Guard authorities to verify the application and forward eligible applications through the prescribed online process.
The older detailed KSB instructions also require timely verification and recommendation, with ZSB/RSB stages to be completed within the prescribed timelines.
Therefore, the safest approach is:
Admission → Prepare documents → Apply online → Check application → Rectify observations → Follow up with ZSB/RSB
How Is PMSS Selection Made?
PMSS is not an automatic scholarship.
A candidate meeting the basic eligibility conditions is considered for selection on the basis of merit and the priority/category provisions of the scheme.
KSB’s instructions provide a procedure for resolving cases where candidates have equal marks.
Among the tie-breaking considerations are:
- Orphan candidate
- Ward of widow of ESM
- Junior rank of parent
- Longer course duration
- Longer service of ESM
- Age of student
These criteria are applied in the prescribed order when marks/percentage are equal.
What Happens After the Application Is Submitted?
The process does not end when the student clicks “Submit”.
The application is subject to verification by the concerned authorities.
Broadly, the process involves:
Student → ZSB/Coast Guard HQ → RSB → KSB → Merit List → Scholarship Payment
KSB’s instructions require the concerned ZSB/RSB/Coast Guard authorities to scrutinize documents and recommend eligible applications online. The final merit list is prepared by the nominated Board of Officers at KSB and is uploaded on the KSB website.
PMSS Payment and Renewal
For a newly selected student, the first-year scholarship is remitted in advance after selection.
Subsequent payments are dependent on successful completion of the academic year and fulfillment of the renewal conditions. KSB’s instructions specify a minimum of 50% marks for subsequent continuation, while also requiring students to clear examinations in the first attempt.
A student who fails a subject/semester or otherwise fails to meet the prescribed continuation conditions can lose the scholarship.
KSB specifically states that students must clear examinations in the first attempt to continue PMSS benefits; subsequent attempts/reappear/failure can result in closure of PMSS benefits.
Important Renewal Requirement
After completing an academic year, the student has to submit the prescribed online payment-cum-renewal documentation, including the relevant:
- Payment-cum-Renewal Form
- Bonafide Certificate
- Mark sheets
- First page of bank passbook
KSB specifies that these documents should be submitted within the prescribed period; failure to do so can result in closure of the scholarship.
What If There Is an Error in the Application?
Applicants should regularly check the application status.
If the ZSB/RSB finds an error or missing information, the application may be placed under observation.
KSB’s instructions provide for communication of the reason for observation so that the student can rectify the problem.
Therefore, applicants should not simply submit the form and forget about it.
Keep checking:
Application Status → Observation/Remarks → Rectification → Re-submission/Forwarding
What If a Student Changes College or Course?
KSB requires selected students to intimate changes in:
- Address
- Course
- College
to KSB in writing.
Specific rules apply to migration and change of course. Some changes within the same university/course may be permitted, whereas a change involving a different programme or change of academic year may not be permitted.
Therefore, a PMSS beneficiary should not change course or college without checking the applicable KSB rules.
PMSS Is Different From Other Scholarship Schemes
There are several schemes carrying the name Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme.
For example, the National Scholarship Portal also lists PMSS schemes relating to Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles and certain State/UT Police personnel.
The PMSS discussed in this article is the KSB/Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare scheme for wards of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel and their widows.
Applicants should therefore make sure they are applying under the correct PMSS category.
PMSS 2026-27: Quick Eligibility Checklist
Before applying, check the following:
- Parent is eligible Ex-Serviceman/Ex-Coast Guard/widow category
- Student is eligible dependent ward
- Student is taking admission in the first year of an approved course
- Course is included in the PMSS approved list
- Required minimum marks are available
- Student has not previously availed PMSS
- Student is within the applicable age limit
- Maximum two wards condition is satisfied
- Aadhaar is available
- Student’s bank account is ready
- Aadhaar-bank linkage is completed
- Bonafide Certificate is available
- ESM/Ex-Coast Guard certificate is available
- Required PPO/identity/category documents are ready
- All documents are scanned clearly
- Application is submitted online before 31 December 2026
PMSS 2026-27: Important Points for ESM Parents
Ex-Servicemen should ensure that their child’s documents contain consistent information.
In particular, check:
Name + Date of Birth + Father’s/Mother’s Name + ESM Details + PPO + Bank Account + Aadhaar
Any mismatch can result in an observation or delay.
Parents should also ensure that all dependent children are properly reflected in the prescribed ESM records because KSB’s PMSS instructions require particulars of all children to be indicated.
PMSS 2026-27 Application: Do Not Miss the Deadline
The fresh application for Academic Year 2026-27 is already open from 1 August 2026.
The official KSB website has announced:
Last Date: 31 December 2026
Eligible ESM families should start the application process early rather than waiting until December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PMSS scholarship ₹36,000 per month?
No. ₹36,000 is the annual scholarship amount for eligible girl students. The equivalent monthly rate is ₹3,000. For boys, the rate is ₹30,000 per year, equivalent to ₹2,500 per month. The amount is paid annually.
When did PMSS 2026-27 applications start?
Fresh applications for Academic Year 2026-27 started on 1 August 2026.
What is the last date to apply for PMSS 2026-27?
The current KSB notice gives 31 December 2026 as the last date for fresh applications.
How much scholarship is available for boys?
Eligible selected boys receive ₹30,000 per year.
How much scholarship is available for girls?
Eligible selected girls receive ₹36,000 per year.
How many PMSS scholarships are available?
A total of 5,500 fresh scholarships are available annually, divided equally between boys and girls — 2,750 each.
Can a student studying in the second year apply as a fresh candidate?
Generally, no. KSB’s instructions state that students pursuing the second or subsequent year are not to be recommended, except eligible lateral-entry cases.
Can a student studying abroad get PMSS?
No. KSB specifically excludes students studying abroad.
Are distance-learning courses eligible?
No. Distance-learning and vocational courses are not covered under PMSS.
Is MBA eligible?
Yes. KSB specifically includes MBA and MCA as exceptions among Master’s-level courses.
How many children of an ESM can receive PMSS?
The scholarship is admissible for a maximum of two wards of an ESM/Ex-Coast Guard family.
Is a paper application accepted?
No. KSB states that the application must be submitted online and that hard-copy/paper applications will not be entertained.
What happens if a student fails an examination?
KSB’s instructions require students to clear examinations in the first attempt to continue PMSS benefits. Failure/reappearance can lead to closure of the scholarship.
Final Takeaway
The PMSS 2026-27 fresh application process is now open for eligible wards of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard personnel and widows.
The most important facts are:
Application Start: 1 August 2026
Last Date: 31 December 2026
Fresh Scholarships: 5,500
Boys: 2,750 scholarships × ₹30,000 per year
Girls: 2,750 scholarships × ₹36,000 per year
Application Mode: Online
Maximum Wards: Two
Selection: Merit and prescribed priority criteria
Course: Approved professional/technical courses
Payment: Annually
Management: Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB)
Most importantly, ₹36,000 is per year and not per month. ESM parents and students should rely on the latest KSB instructions rather than messages circulating on WhatsApp or social media.
Eligible students should complete the application as early as possible and ensure that every required document is correctly uploaded so that the application can pass ZSB/RSB verification without unnecessary delay.
Official application and information: KSB PMSS portal and PMSS section of the Kendriya Sainik Board website.
Disclaimer: PMSS rules, approved courses, document requirements and timelines may be modified by the Government/KSB. Applicants should verify the latest instructions displayed on the official KSB portal before submitting the application.