Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) 2025 > Application Dates, Eligibility & Registration Process

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) 2025 is a crucial initiative by the Government of India designed to provide financial assistance to the dependent wards and widows of personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, State/UT Police Personnel, and the Railway Protection Force (RPF)/Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF). Under this scheme, selected students pursuing professional and technical education can receive up to ₹3,000 per month (for girls) and ₹2,500 per month (for boys) during the duration of their course. The scheme not only emphasises access to higher education but also aims to bolster equal opportunities for eligible dependents of service-personnel. As per current academic year guidelines, the last date to apply is 31 October 2025 for the ongoing cycle. This article will walk you through the key dates, detailed eligibility criteria, application process, renewal and selection process, and how to maximise your chances under PMSS 2025.

Key dates

Candidate Who Is Eligible

Understanding the eligibility criteria is vital before submitting your application. The scheme has different categories depending on the parent/guardian’s service, so here is a breakdown:

Eligibility for Wards/Widows of CAPFs & Assam Rifles

1. Dependent wards or widows of CAPFs/Assam Rifles personnel who died in action, or became disabled due to service-related causes.
2. Dependent wards of retired/serving CAPFs/AR personnel (below officer rank) and ex-CAPFs/AR with Gallantry Awards.
3. Must have secured at least 60% marks in Class 12 / Diploma / Graduation (as applicable) for fresh applicants.
4. Must be pursuing professional/technical degree in an approved field (engineering, medicine, dental, veterinary, BBA, BCA, B.Pharm, etc.).

Eligibility for Wards of State/UT Police Personnel (Martyred during Terror/Naxal Attacks)

1. Dependent wards of State or UT Police Personnel martyred in terror or Naxal attacks.
2. Same academic criteria: at least 60% in qualifying examination; admitted to first year of approved professional course.

Eligibility for Wards of RPF/RPSF Personnel

1. Wards/widows of ex-serving or serving RPF/RPSF personnel who lost their lives in line of duty (encounters with terrorists/criminals, railway property protection, election duty, etc.)
2. Maximum of two wards per family are eligible for this specific category.
3. Must have minimum 60% in Class 12/Diploma/Graduation as applicable and be admitted into professional/technical course.

👉 Important note: Students pursuing via distance mode, correspondence, abroad, or non-approved/unaccredited institutions are not eligible.

How to Apply – Step wise Registration Process

The application process is entirely online through the designated scholarship portals. Follow these steps to apply for PMSS 2025:

Step 1: Registration

1. Visit the official portal (e.g., National Scholarship Portal – NSP) or the specific scheme portal as indicated in the latest notification.
2. Click on the “Register” tab under Students → OTR (One Time Registration).
3. Read the guidelines, tick confirmation boxes, click “Next”.
4. Enter your mobile number you will receive OTP. Enter OTP & captcha and verify.
5. Enter your Aadhaar number (student or parent) and verify via OTP.
6. Fill in personal details (name, parent’s name, email, bank details etc) and finish registration. A temporary registration number will be generated.
7. Face-authentication via the mobile app may be required to finalize OTR.

Step 2: Login and process of Application Submission

1. Log in using your registration number and password
2. Go onto Apply for Scholarship and choose the “Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme applying for option.
3. Fill out the application form: select category, upload required documents (see next section).
4. Review all details carefully and then final submit the form before the deadline.
5. After submission you can download the acknowledgement/registration slip for your records.

Important Documents You Must Submit

To support your application, gather the following documents (scanned copies) and upload as per specifications:

1. Aadhaar card of student or parent
2. Class 10/12/Diploma/Graduation marksheet & certificate
3. Bonafide certificate from candidates institute
4. Family-relation proof: death certificate, disability certificate, PPO, gallantry award certificate (as applicable)
5. Fee receipt / admission letter of the professional course
6. Bank account details (student’s account seeded with Aadhaar)
7. Passport size photograph of applicant.
8. Service certificate of parent/guardian (CAPFs/AR/State Police/RPF)
9. Dependency proof for widows applicants.
10. Certificate of martyred/deceased status (if applicable)

Ensuring all documents are legible & correct will avoid delays in verification.

Rewards & Benefits: How Much Will You Get?

Scholarship amounts under PMSS 2025 vary by gender, are transferred directly to the student’s bank account, and cover the full duration of the course (up to the approved number of years).

How Candidates get Selected

1. Online Application Submission – Student fills and submits form via portal.
2. Institute Verification – The student’s college/institute verifies admission, course and bonafide status.
3. Authority Verification – Parent/guardian’s service credentials (CAPFs/AR/State Police/RPF) are verified by respective force/unit.
4. Merit List Preparation by WARB – Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs reviews applications, prepares merit list and identifies eligible scholars.
5. Fund Approval and Disbursement – Funds requisitioned by WARB get sanctioned. Scholarship amount is credited via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
6. Renewal for Next Years – Students must apply for renewal each year and meet performance criteria (e.g., minimum 50% marks) to continue receiving scholarship.

Renewal and Withdrawal Policies

1. Renewal: If you are a selected scholar, you’ll receive the first instalment after the merit list. For subsequent years you must apply online for renewal and must have obtained at least 50% marks in each semester/year and must pass per rules.
2. Withdrawal: Applicants can withdraw their application before completion of Level-2 verification via portal drop-down menu. After withdrawal, they may re-apply under same or alternate scheme if portal rules allow.

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