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On October 15th 2025, the Government of India made a significant announcement regarding ESM financial assistance. As per the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, announcement, the government has approved a major revision in variant grants provided to ex-servicemen and their families. This decision includes a 100% increase in several key welfare grants, including the marriage grant.
These revised rates will apply to all eligible applications submitted on or after 1 November 2025. For thousands of veterans, widows, and families, this marks a much expected step towards improved support and recognition.
The following sections explain what has changed, who is eligible, and how to apply. Let’s see what this announcement got in the bag for our ex-servicemen.
The Government approved a substantial hike in three key welfare schemes for Ex-Servicemen and their families. These schemes are run by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB). The revised assistance will apply only to new applications submitted on or after 1 November 2025.
|
Financial Assistance Type |
Earlier Amount |
Revised Amount (from 1 Nov 2025) |
|
Penury Grant (Monthly) |
Rs. 4,000 per beneficiary |
Rs. 8,000 per beneficiary |
|
Education Grant (Monthly) |
Rs. 1,000 per child |
Rs. 2,000 per child |
|
Marriage Grant (One-time) |
Rs. 50,000 per beneficiary |
Rs. 1,00,000 per beneficiary |
If you see it closely, the Penury Grant and Education Grant have both been doubled under the revised scheme. The Marriage Grant has also seen a 100% increase, though it will apply only to marriages taking place on or after 1 November 2025.
These changes are aimed at providing stronger financial support to families of Ex-Servicemen, particularly those with limited income. The total estimated cost of this revision is around Rs. 257 crore per year. Funding will be drawn from the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which operates under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).
This increase is part of several welfare steps by the government to help Ex-Servicemen and their families. One such step was the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme launched in 2015. It ensures that retired personnel with the same rank and service time get the same pension, no matter when they retire.
More than 25 lakh veterans and their families have benefited from OROP so far. The government has paid over Rs. 35,000 crore in arrears to them.
In addition to central assistance through the Kendriya Sainik Board, many states offer their own welfare schemes for ex-servicemen and their families. These are managed separately by state governments.
For example, in September 2025, the Chhattisgarh government increased the ex gratia amount for martyrs to Rs. 50 lakh. It also raised support under several related schemes. These benefits are part of state-level policies and are not linked to KSB grants.
Since each state has its own rules, amounts, and eligibility conditions, ex-servicemen should contact their Rajya or Zila Sainik Board to get accurate information about local benefits.
Many other support schemes under the KSB and Armed Forces Flag Day Fund remain the same for now. These have not been revised yet. They continue as per the latest approved matrix.
Medical Treatment Grant: Up to Rs. 50,000 for non-pensioner ex-servicemen.
Support for Dialysis and Cancer: Rs. 75,000 per financial year.
Serious Disease Assistance: Covers 75% to 90% of costs, up to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Vocational Training for Widows: One-time grant of Rs. 50,000.
Disabled Child Grant: Rs. 3,000 per month.
Orphan Grant: Rs. 3,000 per month for eligible children.
Interest Subsidy on Home Loans: Up to Rs. 1 lakh.
For more details on the grants and other financial assistance check the latest circulars on the DESW or KSB official websites.
Additionally, you should also know that ECHS has a separate policy. It is not part of the KSB grants. However, it also supports veterans in some required areas. . Earlier, the ECHS raised its financial limits for non-available, emergency, and lifesaving medicines. These ceilings were increased by 100% at ECHS polyclinics. This was to simply reduce out-of-pocket expenses for veterans requiring urgent or special medical care.
It is essential that you know who is eligible. It simply ensures clarity and prevents delays in applying. The main eligible groups are as follows:
Non-Pensioner Ex-Servicemen: These are former service members who do not receive a pension. This could be due to early discharge or not meeting the particular required service duration. They may apply for the Penury Grant, especially if they are over 65 years old and have no regular income.
Widows: Widows of Ex-Servicemen are also eligible. Those over 65 years of age and without steady income can apply for the Penury Grant. Widows may also receive the Education Grant for their children and the Marriage Grant. The grant will only be available if they’re eligible.
Education Grant for Dependent Children: Up to two children of Ex-Servicemen or widows can get the Education Grant. It applies to students from Class I to Graduation. In some cases, defence personnel widows pursuing a 2 year postgraduate course may also qualify.
Marriage Grant Beneficiaries: The Marriage Grant is available for the marriage of up to two daughters of Ex-Servicemen. A widow who remarries may also be eligible. However, the marriage must take place on or after 15 October 2025, as the new grant amount applies from 1 November 2025 onward.
You can follow the below mentioned simple steps to claim the schemes:
Select the Scheme: Check which scheme you require and select one.
Submit the Application: You must apply through your Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) or Rajya Sainik Board (RSB). Some schemes may also be available for online application via KSB, check the official website.
Use the Updated Forms: It is essential that you use the latest application forms that reflect the revised rates, effective from 1 November 2025.
Attach Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents before submission. Incomplete applications can be delayed or rejected.
Keep Acknowledgement: Once you submit your application, collect and keep the acknowledgement or receipt for your records.
Keep tracking your application status, in case of any issue, make sure to respond immediately to avoid any delay. If your application is delayed or stuck for any reason, connect with your RSB/KSB helpline or file a complaint on CPGRAMS.
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On October 15th 2025, the Government of India made a significant announcement regarding ESM financial assistance. As per the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, announcement, the government has approved a major revision in variant grants provided to ex-servicemen and their families. This decision includes a 100% increase in several key welfare grants, including the marriage grant.
These revised rates will apply to all eligible applications submitted on or after 1 November 2025. For thousands of veterans, widows, and families, this marks a much expected step towards improved support and recognition.
The following sections explain what has changed, who is eligible, and how to apply. Let’s see what this announcement got in the bag for our ex-servicemen.
The Government approved a substantial hike in three key welfare schemes for Ex-Servicemen and their families. These schemes are run by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB). The revised assistance will apply only to new applications submitted on or after 1 November 2025.
|
Financial Assistance Type |
Earlier Amount |
Revised Amount (from 1 Nov 2025) |
|
Penury Grant (Monthly) |
Rs. 4,000 per beneficiary |
Rs. 8,000 per beneficiary |
|
Education Grant (Monthly) |
Rs. 1,000 per child |
Rs. 2,000 per child |
|
Marriage Grant (One-time) |
Rs. 50,000 per beneficiary |
Rs. 1,00,000 per beneficiary |
If you see it closely, the Penury Grant and Education Grant have both been doubled under the revised scheme. The Marriage Grant has also seen a 100% increase, though it will apply only to marriages taking place on or after 1 November 2025.
These changes are aimed at providing stronger financial support to families of Ex-Servicemen, particularly those with limited income. The total estimated cost of this revision is around Rs. 257 crore per year. Funding will be drawn from the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, which operates under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).
This increase is part of several welfare steps by the government to help Ex-Servicemen and their families. One such step was the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme launched in 2015. It ensures that retired personnel with the same rank and service time get the same pension, no matter when they retire.
More than 25 lakh veterans and their families have benefited from OROP so far. The government has paid over Rs. 35,000 crore in arrears to them.
In addition to central assistance through the Kendriya Sainik Board, many states offer their own welfare schemes for ex-servicemen and their families. These are managed separately by state governments.
For example, in September 2025, the Chhattisgarh government increased the ex gratia amount for martyrs to Rs. 50 lakh. It also raised support under several related schemes. These benefits are part of state-level policies and are not linked to KSB grants.
Since each state has its own rules, amounts, and eligibility conditions, ex-servicemen should contact their Rajya or Zila Sainik Board to get accurate information about local benefits.
Many other support schemes under the KSB and Armed Forces Flag Day Fund remain the same for now. These have not been revised yet. They continue as per the latest approved matrix.
Medical Treatment Grant: Up to Rs. 50,000 for non-pensioner ex-servicemen.
Support for Dialysis and Cancer: Rs. 75,000 per financial year.
Serious Disease Assistance: Covers 75% to 90% of costs, up to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Vocational Training for Widows: One-time grant of Rs. 50,000.
Disabled Child Grant: Rs. 3,000 per month.
Orphan Grant: Rs. 3,000 per month for eligible children.
Interest Subsidy on Home Loans: Up to Rs. 1 lakh.
For more details on the grants and other financial assistance check the latest circulars on the DESW or KSB official websites.
Additionally, you should also know that ECHS has a separate policy. It is not part of the KSB grants. However, it also supports veterans in some required areas. . Earlier, the ECHS raised its financial limits for non-available, emergency, and lifesaving medicines. These ceilings were increased by 100% at ECHS polyclinics. This was to simply reduce out-of-pocket expenses for veterans requiring urgent or special medical care.
It is essential that you know who is eligible. It simply ensures clarity and prevents delays in applying. The main eligible groups are as follows:
Non-Pensioner Ex-Servicemen: These are former service members who do not receive a pension. This could be due to early discharge or not meeting the particular required service duration. They may apply for the Penury Grant, especially if they are over 65 years old and have no regular income.
Widows: Widows of Ex-Servicemen are also eligible. Those over 65 years of age and without steady income can apply for the Penury Grant. Widows may also receive the Education Grant for their children and the Marriage Grant. The grant will only be available if they’re eligible.
Education Grant for Dependent Children: Up to two children of Ex-Servicemen or widows can get the Education Grant. It applies to students from Class I to Graduation. In some cases, defence personnel widows pursuing a 2 year postgraduate course may also qualify.
Marriage Grant Beneficiaries: The Marriage Grant is available for the marriage of up to two daughters of Ex-Servicemen. A widow who remarries may also be eligible. However, the marriage must take place on or after 15 October 2025, as the new grant amount applies from 1 November 2025 onward.
You can follow the below mentioned simple steps to claim the schemes:
Select the Scheme: Check which scheme you require and select one.
Submit the Application: You must apply through your Zila Sainik Board (ZSB) or Rajya Sainik Board (RSB). Some schemes may also be available for online application via KSB, check the official website.
Use the Updated Forms: It is essential that you use the latest application forms that reflect the revised rates, effective from 1 November 2025.
Attach Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents before submission. Incomplete applications can be delayed or rejected.
Keep Acknowledgement: Once you submit your application, collect and keep the acknowledgement or receipt for your records.
Keep tracking your application status, in case of any issue, make sure to respond immediately to avoid any delay. If your application is delayed or stuck for any reason, connect with your RSB/KSB helpline or file a complaint on CPGRAMS.
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