The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) supports the higher education of the dependent wards and widows of personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. The scheme began in 2006-07 and is run by the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB), Ministry of Home Affairs. It is funded by the National Defence Fund. The forces covered are BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles.
How much scholarship is paid
Every year 2,000 new scholarships are awarded in this category — 1,000 for boys and 1,000 for girls. Girls get Rs 3,000 per month (Rs 36,000 a year) and boys get Rs 2,500 per month (Rs 30,000 a year). The money is paid once a year directly into the bank account (DBT). The scholarship continues for the duration of the course, up to a maximum of five years.
Who can apply
The main conditions are as follows. First, the applicant must be a dependent ward or widow of CAPF or Assam Rifles personnel — including families of serving, retired, disabled and martyred personnel. Second, the applicant must be enrolled in a first professional or technical degree (such as engineering, medicine, pharmacy, nursing or management) at a recognised institution. Third, the applicant must have scored at least 60% marks in the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) — Class 12, diploma or graduation, whichever applies. For renewal, at least 50% marks are needed every year. Selection is on merit and priority — wards of personnel killed in action get the first priority.
How to apply
Apply online only on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP — scholarships.gov.in). First, complete the One Time Registration (OTR), which is mandatory. Then select the PMSS category for CAPF and Assam Rifles, fill in the form and upload the required documents — the service certificate, the MEQ marksheet and bank account details. The application is verified first by the institute and then by the concerned force, after which WARB prepares the merit list. Application dates change every year, and sources differ on the last date for 2026-27 — so check the current session’s last date on the NSP itself. Also confirm any family income limit in the NSP guidelines, as sources differ on this point.
Points to remember
This scholarship is only for a first professional degree — ordinary graduation courses are not covered. Students already taking another Central or State scholarship for the same purpose are not eligible. Never pay anyone for this application — applying on the NSP is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money do CAPF wards get under PMSS?
A: Girls get Rs 3,000 a month (Rs 36,000 a year) and boys get Rs 2,500 a month (Rs 30,000 a year).
Q2: How many scholarships are awarded every year?
A: 2,000 new scholarships in the CAPF and Assam Rifles category — 1,000 for boys and 1,000 for girls.
Q3: How many marks are needed to apply?
A: At least 60% marks in Class 12, diploma or graduation (whichever applies), and at least 50% marks every year for renewal.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: Only online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) — check the current session’s last date on the NSP itself.
Useful links
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/
- PMSS guidelines — WARB (NSP): https://scholarships.gov.in/public/schemeGuidelines/warb/G_1197_3001.pdf
- PM Scholarship (CAPF and Assam Rifles) on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmsswcapfar
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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