Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS):
Empowering Higher Education for Wards and Widows
The Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is a government initiative aimed at supporting the higher education pursuits of dependent wards and widows of personnel from various service sectors in India. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the scheme.
Background:
Launched in 2006-07 by the Ministry of Defence.
Initially catered to wards and widows of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
Expanded in 2019-20 to include wards and widows of State/UT Police personnel martyred during terror/Naxal attacks.
Eligibility:
For Ex-Servicemen/Coast Guard Personnel:
Wards: Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with minimum 60% marks.
Widows: Must be below 45 years and not remarried.
For State/UT Police Personnel:
Wards: Dependent wards of personnel martyred in terror/Naxal attacks and passed 10+2 or equivalent with minimum 60% marks.
Widows: Widows of martyred personnel who are below 45 years and not remarried.
Benefits:
Financial Aid:
₹2,500 per month for boys and ₹3,000 per month for girls.
Paid annually for the complete duration of the approved course (maximum 5 years).
Courses Covered:
Technical and professional programs including medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, MBA, MCA, and other AICTE/UGC approved courses.
Application Process:
Online application through the Scholarship Portal of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW): Apply ONLINE scholarship https://www.desw.gov.in/prime-ministers-scholarship-scheme-pmss
Applications typically open in June-July and close in July-August each year.
Required documents include ID proof, address proof, income certificate, educational certificates, etc.
Selection Process:
Merit-based selection through a committee constituted by DESW.
Preference given to children of personnel disabled in action and widows with dependent children.
Renewal of Scholarship:
Students awarded the scholarship need to submit annual progress reports to maintain eligibility.
Additional Points:
The scheme is funded by the National Defence Fund.
Separate scholarship schemes exist for other categories of personnel like CAPF personnel.
For detailed information and updates, refer to the official DESW website and notification for the specific year’s scheme.