PM CARES for Children — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | PM CARES for Children 2026 — COVID Orphans: ₹10 Lakh at 18 + Free Education + Health |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2021 |
| Benefit | ₹10 lakh at age 18 + free school education + PM-JAY ₹5 lakh health insurance + scholarship |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://pmcaresforchildren.in |
What is PM CARES for Children?
PM CARES for Children scheme provides comprehensive support to children who lost both parents or legal guardian due to COVID-19. Benefits include: ₹10 lakh corpus deposited in their name (accessible at age 18), free education from Class 1 to Class 12 (Navodaya/KVS or state residential schools), PM-JAY health insurance up to ₹5 lakh, and monthly stipend after 18 years.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹10 lakh at age 18 + free school education + PM-JAY ₹5 lakh health insurance + scholarship. The scheme was launched in 2021 and is implemented by the Government of India.
PM CARES for Children योजना COVID-19 से माता-पिता या अभिभावक खोने वाले बच्चों की देखभाल करती है। ₹10 लाख corpus fund 18 वर्ष की उम्र में मिलता है, Class 1 से 12 तक मुफ्त शिक्षा (Navodaya/KVS), PM-JAY ₹5 लाख स्वास्थ्य बीमा, और 18 वर्ष के बाद उच्च शिक्षा के लिए scholarship।
18 वर्ष पर ₹10 लाख + Class 1-12 मुफ्त शिक्षा + PM-JAY ₹5 लाख बीमा + उच्च शिक्षा scholarship
Benefits of PM CARES for Children
₹10 lakh at age 18 + free school education + PM-JAY ₹5 lakh health insurance + scholarship
Who is Eligible for PM CARES for Children?
- ✓Child who lost both parents OR legal guardian due to COVID-19
- ✓Child whose surviving parent is single (other died due to COVID)
- ✓Death must have occurred between March 11, 2020 and December 31, 2021
- ✓Child must be below 18 years of age at time of registration
- ✓Indian citizen
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Documents Required for PM CARES for Children
How to Apply for PM CARES for Children Online?
- 1Visit the official portal at https://pmcaresforchildren.in
- 2Click on Apply Now or Register button on the homepage
- 3Enter your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and verify OTP
- 4Fill in the online application form with required details
- 5Upload the required documents including Aadhaar and bank passbook
- 6Review all details and submit the application
- 7Note down the application reference number for future tracking
- 8Wait for verification and approval from the concerned authority
Official Government Portal
Apply directly on the official government website. This is the only authorised portal — never pay anyone to apply on your behalf.
🔗Apply on pmcaresforchildren.inFrequently Asked Questions — PM CARES for Children
Common Questions About Education Schemes
What is PM YASASVI Scholarship?+
It is a scholarship for OBC, EBC, and DNT students studying in Classes 9-12, selected through the YASASVI Entrance Test conducted by NTA.
How much scholarship amount is given?+
Students in residential schools/hostels get ₹75,000/year and day scholars in top-class schools get ₹25,000/year.
Which students are covered under PM POSHAN?+
All students studying in Classes 1 to 8 in government, government-aided schools, and Ashram Shalas. Bal Vatika pre-primary students are also included since 2021.
What nutrition standards apply to the mid-day meals?+
Meals must provide 450 Kcal energy and 12g protein for primary students (Class 1 to 5), and 700 Kcal and 20g protein for upper primary students (Class 6 to 8).
What scholarships are available on the National Scholarship Portal?+
Over 50 scholarship schemes from central ministries covering pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, EBC, minorities, and differently-abled students.
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