PM Scholarship Defence (PMSS) — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) 2026 — ₹2,500-₹3,000/Month for Defence Personnel Children | ksb.gov.in |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2006 |
| Benefit | Boys: ₹2,500/month | Girls: ₹3,000/month for Professional courses — paid for entire course duration (up to 5 years) |
| Category | Education |
| Last Verified | 18 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://ksb.gov.in/welfare-schemes.htm |
What is PM Scholarship Defence (PMSS)?
Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for the wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel — administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), Ministry of Defence. Boys receive ₹2,500/month and Girls receive ₹3,000/month for a maximum of 5 years (depending on course duration). 5,500 fresh scholarships per year. For Professional Courses: Engineering, Medical, Dental, Veterinary, MBA, BBA, BCA, MCA, Law, Architecture, Pharmacy etc. at recognized Indian institutions. Apply online at ksb.gov.in/pmss every August-October.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive Boys: ₹2,500/month | Girls: ₹3,000/month for Professional courses — paid for entire course duration (up to 5 years). The scheme was launched in 2006 and is implemented by the Government of India.
प्रधानमंत्री छात्रवृत्ति योजना (PMSS) — पूर्व सैनिकों और पूर्व तटरक्षक कर्मियों के बच्चों/विधवाओं के लिए। केंद्रीय सैनिक बोर्ड (KSB), रक्षा मंत्रालय द्वारा संचालित। लड़कों को ₹2,500/माह और लड़कियों को ₹3,000/माह (अधिकतम 5 वर्ष)। 5,500 नई छात्रवृत्तियाँ सालाना। Engineering/Medical/MBA/BCA/Law/Pharmacy आदि के लिए। ksb.gov.in/pmss पर अगस्त-अक्टूबर में आवेदन।
Benefits of PM Scholarship Defence (PMSS)
Boys: ₹2,500/month | Girls: ₹3,000/month for Professional courses — paid for entire course duration (up to 5 years)
Who is Eligible for PM Scholarship Defence (PMSS)?
- ✓Ward (son/daughter) or widow of Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard / Serving Defence Personnel (Below Officer Rank — Up to Hav/Equivalent and disabled officers)
- ✓Must have Pension Payment Order (PPO) or Discharge Book with KSB-recognized ESM status
- ✓Admitted to first year of a recognized professional degree course (Engineering / Medical / Dental / MBA / MCA / BBA / BCA / Architecture / Pharmacy / Law / Veterinary / Nursing)
- ✓Minimum 60% in qualifying exam (12th for UG, UG for PG)
- ✓Studying full-time (not distance/correspondence/private)
- ✓Not availing any other central/state scholarship simultaneously
Documents Required for PM Scholarship Defence (PMSS)
How to Apply for PM Scholarship Defence (PMSS) Online?
- 1Visit ksb.gov.in/pmss when notification opens (August-October)
- 2Click 'Apply for PMSS' → New Registration with Aadhaar + ESM ID
- 3Login → fill personal/academic/parent service details
- 4Upload all documents (especially ESM proof from Zila Sainik Board)
- 5Submit + take printout for ESM verification at Zila Sainik Board
- 6ZSB officer signs/stamps → upload signed copy back at ksb.gov.in
- 7KSB approves → DBT credited within 60-90 days; renewal every year
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 ksb.gov.in/welfare-schemes.htmFrequently Asked Questions — PM Scholarship Defence (PMSS)
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.
Related Education Schemes
PM YASASVI Scholarship Scheme 2025
PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India provides scholarships to OBC, EBC, and DNT students for education in Classes 9-12.
PM POSHAN — Free Mid-Day Meal Scheme 2025
PM Poshan Shakti Nirman (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) provides free hot cooked meals to students in government and government-aided schools to improve nutrition and boost school attendance.
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) 2026 — Apply for Central Scholarships Online
The National Scholarship Portal is a one-stop platform for students to apply for all central government scholarship schemes including pre-matric, post-matric, and merit-cum-means scholarships for SC, ST, OBC, and minority students.
PM SHRI Schools Scheme 2026 — 14,500 Upgraded Schools | Smart Class + Career Counselling
PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) is a centrally sponsored scheme that upgrades 14,500 government schools across India into modern, green, and smart schools. Each selected PM SHRI school gets ₹2 crore+ for smart classrooms, digital libraries, labs, career counselling, vocational education, and NEP 2020 implementation over 5 years.