Rajya Sainik Board — Quick Overview
| Scheme Name | Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) Welfare 2026 — State-Level Ex-Servicemen Welfare |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Year | 1951 |
| Benefit | 30+ state welfare schemes for ESM + state job reservation 1-10% + scholarships + grants |
| Category | Defence |
| Last Verified | 23 May 2026 |
| Official Portal | https://ksb.gov.in |
What is Rajya Sainik Board?
Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), under the Department of Sainik Welfare in each state, is the state-level implementation body for welfare of ex-servicemen (ESM), war widows, and their dependents. RSB operates ~600 Zila Sainik Welfare Offices (ZSWO) across India — providing 30+ welfare schemes including: state government job reservations (1-10% in most states), housing allotment in govt schemes, free/subsidised medical care, scholarships for ESM children (₹10K-₹1L/year), monetary grants for marriage/funeral/medical emergencies, business loans (₹5L-₹50L at concessional rates), and assistance with PPO, pension, and ECHS-related matters. RSB also coordinates with state authorities for ESM placement (especially in security services, Group D government jobs). Each state has different benefit amounts — e.g., Haryana provides higher state grants vs other states for war widows. Total ESM beneficiaries: 25+ lakh families across India.
Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive 30+ state welfare schemes for ESM + state job reservation 1-10% + scholarships + grants. The scheme was launched in 1951 and is implemented by the Government of India.
Benefits of Rajya Sainik Board
30+ state welfare schemes for ESM + state job reservation 1-10% + scholarships + grants
Who is Eligible for Rajya Sainik Board?
- ✓Ex-Servicemen (ESM) of Indian Armed Forces drawing pension — Army/Navy/AF/Coast Guard
- ✓War widows / Family pensioners of deceased ESM
- ✓Disabled ESM with disability pension
- ✓Dependents of ESM: spouse, unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters, sons up to 25 years
- ✓Must register with Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) in your district of residence
- ✓Domicile of the state where you wish to claim state-specific RSB benefits
Documents Required for Rajya Sainik Board
How to Apply for Rajya Sainik Board Online?
- 1On retirement/discharge from Armed Forces, register at the Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) in your home district
- 2Submit Discharge Book, PPO, Aadhaar, Domicile certificate, photograph — receive ZSWO Registration Card (lifetime valid)
- 3Apply for individual welfare schemes via ZSWO — state job reservation, housing, scholarship for children, business loan, medical grant
- 4For state govt jobs: ESM reservation 1-10% (varies by state) — apply through state PSC with ESM certificate from ZSWO
- 5For housing: apply for ESM quota in state housing schemes (10-15% reservation in most states)
- 6For children's scholarship: ZSWO forwards application to State Welfare Director — direct DBT to bank account
- 7For business loan: apply via ZSWO for state Sainik Welfare Loan Scheme or central KSB Penury Grant
- 8Annual ZSWO interaction recommended to stay updated on new welfare schemes
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.inFrequently Asked Questions — Rajya Sainik Board
Common Questions About Defence Schemes
What is the Seva Nidhi Package under Agniveer scheme?+
On completion of 4 years, Agniveers receive Rs.11.71 lakh as Seva Nidhi which includes their monthly contribution plus the government matching contribution with interest.
What percentage of Agniveers are retained permanently?+
Up to 25% of Agniveers are eligible to be enrolled as regular cadre in the armed forces based on merit, medical fitness, and performance.
Who is eligible for ECHS Smart Card?+
All Armed Forces veterans drawing pension (including disability pension and family pension), their spouses, dependent unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters, dependent unmarried sons up to 25 years, handicapped children of any age, and dependent parents. Pre-Mature Retirement (PMR) personnel also eligible.
What is the ECHS membership fee?+
ECHS membership requires a one-time contribution based on the veteran's rank at retirement. Rates range from approximately ₹30,000 (for Sepoy/Equivalent rank) to ₹1,20,000 (for Officer rank). Family pensioners pay the same rate as the deceased ESM's rank. Payable online during application.
Who is eligible for CSD Smart Card?+
All serving personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Assam Rifles), Ex-Servicemen with 5+ years service or medically discharged, defence civilians (DSC/MES/BRO/GREF), war widows, family pensioners, and their dependents (spouse, unmarried children, dependent parents).
Related Defence Schemes
Agniveer Scheme 2026 — Agnipath Defence Recruitment, Salary & Seva Nidhi
The Agniveer Scheme, launched under the Agnipath programme in 2022, recruits Indian youth aged 17.5 to 21 years for a 4-year short-service commission in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force. Agniveers receive a monthly salary starting at Rs.30,000 (rising to Rs.40,000 in the 4th year) plus risk and hardship allowances. On completion of 4 years, they receive a tax-free Seva Nidhi package of Rs.11.71 lakh (their contribution matched by the government with interest). Up to 25% of each batch is offered permanent enrolment in the regular armed forces based on merit and performance. Agniveers also receive priority in central paramilitary forces (CRPF, CISF, BSF) and several state police recruitment drives.
ECHS 2026 — Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme | Free Treatment for Veterans
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), approved on 30 December 2002 and launched on 1 April 2003, provides comprehensive medical care to all retired Armed Forces personnel drawing pension and their dependents through a network of 427+ ECHS polyclinics, service medical facilities, government hospitals, and empanelled civil hospitals across India. ECHS members are issued a 64 KB Smart Card containing personal details, dependents, and medical history. The scheme covers OPD consultation, hospitalization, diagnostics, surgeries, medicines, and specialist care — at no cost to the veteran. Eligible beneficiaries include the ESM pensioner, spouse, dependent unemployed/unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters, dependent unmarried sons up to 25 years, handicapped children, and dependent parents. As of 2026, CSD Smart Cards no longer require annual renewal — they are valid for 10 years until expiry. The scheme is administered by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence.
CSD Canteen Smart Card 2026 — Apply Online | Subsidized Groceries & Liquor for Veterans
The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) Smart Card is the identification card issued by the Indian Armed Forces that allows serving personnel, ex-servicemen (veterans), war widows, and eligible dependents to purchase groceries, household goods, lifestyle products, and liquor at Unit Run Canteens (URC) and CSD canteens across India at significantly subsidized rates (typically 15–50% below market price). Launched as a digital identification programme in 2017, the CSD Smart Card now has online application via csdsmartcard.co.in. The 2026 updates include: discontinuation of annual renewal (cards now valid till 10-year expiry); ability to purchase both grocery and liquor from any URC; provision to buy 2 months' quota of grocery and liquor in one month; and CSD AFD (Against Firm Demand) for big-ticket items like cars and electronics at exclusive discounted rates. Cards are delivered within 7–20 days via courier directly to home address.
AWHO 2026 — Army Welfare Housing Organisation | Affordable Flats for Veterans
The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) is a registered society formed in December 1978 under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 with the singular mission to construct and allot quality dwelling units to serving and retired Army personnel, their widows, and parents of unmarried fatal casualties — at the most affordable rates possible. AWHO operates on a no-profit-no-loss basis under the aegis of the Adjutant General's Branch of the Indian Army. Projects are spread across North, South, East, West zones and NCR — including flats, duplex units, plots, and independent villas. AWHO offers significant savings of 15–25% versus market rates due to bulk land procurement, military engineering services, and zero developer margin. Selected projects also accommodate Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel subject to availability. Application is online at awhosena.in with project-specific draws conducted transparently. AWHO has delivered 50,000+ dwelling units across 70+ projects in 4+ decades.