The PM Scholarship Scheme is a government program introduced in the Academic year 2006-07 to provide financial help to the children of ex-servicemen, ex-coast guard personnel, and widows to pursue higher education. Also known as PMSS which stands for Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme. The scheme aims to support young people from military backgrounds by easing the financial burden of education and helping them grow academically and professionally.  This article will discuss the benefits of the PM Scholarship, the eligibility criteria, the required documents, and the step-by-step application process.

Numbers Of PM Scholarships Available

Each academic year, a total of 5,500 Pradhan Mantri scholarships are awarded to the children and widows of ex-servicemen. These scholarships are distributed equally between boys and girls, with 2,750 scholarships allotted to each group.

Benefits Of the Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme

The PM scholarships are provided for a duration ranging from two to five years, depending on the length of the course as recognised by the relevant government authorities. The scholarship amount is disbursed annually to the selected students.

The annual PM scholarship amounts are:

• INR 2,500 per month for boys
• INR 3,000 per month for girls

Eligibility Criteria for PM Scholarship

Here are the eligibility criteria for the PM Scholarship.

• Students must have secured admission in the first year of their course during the current financial year (except through lateral entry).
• A minimum of 60% marks is required in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ), which can be 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation.
• Students currently studying in the second year or subsequent years are not eligible.
• The applicant must be a dependent ward or widow of an ex-serviceman or ex-coast guard personnel.
• Wards of civilians, including those of paramilitary personnel, are not eligible.
• This scholarship is only available to the two children of ex-serviceman or ex-coast guard personnel. 
• Students who are enrolled in distance learning programs or studying abroad are not eligible for the PM Modi Scholarship.

How are Students Selected for the PM Scholarship? 

The selection process for the PM Scholarship Yojna is based on a merit list generated after the scrutiny of applications. The key parameters for selection include:

• Merit List Preparation: The merit list is compiled according to a priority order for granting scholarships (Categories 1 to 6) and is influenced by the percentage of marks obtained in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ).
• Gender-Based Lists: Separate merit lists are prepared for male and female students.

Minimum Eligible Marks in MEQ

The Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) required for entry into various professional courses under the PM Scholarship Scheme varies. For example:

• MBBS: 10+2 qualification.
• BE/B.Tech: 10+2 or Diploma qualification.
• B.Ed and MBA: Graduation qualification.

To qualify for the PM Scholarship Scheme, candidates need to have achieved a minimum of 60% marks in their MEQ. This percentage is calculated based on all subjects, including optional ones, rather than just the best subjects.

• Marks and CGPA: If both marks and CGPA are mentioned on the mark sheet, the marks will be used for calculating the percentage
• CGPA/Grade Points Only: If only CGPA or grade points are mentioned, students must upload the university-issued percentage conversion formula along with their mark sheet.

Priority for Grant of the PM Scholarship

The PM Scholarship is awarded based on a priority system, categorised as follows:

1. Category 1: Wards or widows of ex-servicemen (ESM) or ex-coast guard personnel who were killed in action.
2. Category 2: Wards or widows of ESM or ex-coast Guard personnel who were disabled in action and medically discharged from service due to disabilities attributable to military or Coast Guard service.
3. Category 3: Wards or widows of ESM or ex-coast Guard personnel who died while in service, with the cause of death attributable to military or Coast Guard service.
4. Category 4: Wards or widows of ESM or ex-coast Guard personnel who were disabled during service, with the disability attributable to military or Coast Guard service.
5. Category 5: Wards or widows of ESM or ex-coast guard personnel who have received gallantry awards.
6. Category 6: Wards or widows of ESM or ex-coast guard personnel who served as Personnel Below Officer Rank (PBOR) only.

PM Scholarship Approved Eligible Courses 

The eligible courses approved by the Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) are given below:

• First Professional Degree Courses: The PM Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) applies to first professional degree courses, including integrated degree programs. Eligible courses include BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, B.Ed, BBA, BCA, B.Pharm, BA LLB, and other similar programs as per the PM Scholarship approved list. These courses must be recognized by relevant government regulatory bodies such as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Medical Commission (NMC), University Grants Commission (UGC), etc.
• Master's Degree Courses: Generally, master's degree courses are not eligible for the Prime Minister Scholarship, except for MBA and MCA programs.
• Vocational Courses: The scheme does not cover vocational courses.
• Single Course Eligibility: Students can avail of the Prime Minister Scholarship for only one course during their academic career.

For a detailed list of eligible courses under Pradhan Mantri Scholarship, you can refer to the [PDF file]

Rules For Change Of Courses Under PM Scholarship

If a student is getting benefits of the PM Scholarship scheme and if he/she requests a change to their courses, then their request will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Within the Same University

If a student transfers to another college within the same university, while staying in the same course or switching streams within the same course, and the academic year remains unchanged, this transfer is allowed

Within the Same University with Course and Year Change

If a student changes to a different course within the same university, resulting in a change of academic year, this transfer is not allowed.

Between Universities

Transferring to a different university while continuing the same course and maintaining the same academic year is allowed.

Between Universities with Course and Year Change

This transfer is not allowed if the transfer involves a different course or program at a new university and the academic year changes.

List Of Documents Required For PM Scholarship

Here’s the list of original documents that need to be scanned and uploaded for the Prime Minister Scholarship application:

• Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Certificate: Duly filled and signed by ZSB (Zila Sainik Board) as per Annexure-1.
• Bonafide Certificate: Duly filled and signed by the Vice Chancellor, Principal, Vice Principal, Dean, Associate Dean, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Director, or Deputy Director of the Institute/College as per Annexure 2.
• Bank Certificate: Certificate from the student’s bank stating that the Aadhaar Card is linked with the student's bank account number as per Annexure 3.
• Matriculation Certificate: This is used to verify the date of birth.
• Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) Certificate: As applicable: 10+2 Marksheet, Graduation (mark sheets of 3 years/all semesters), or Diploma (mark sheets of all semesters).
• Bank Passbook: 1st page of the Bank Passbook (preferably SBI/PNB) clearly shows the name, account number, and IFS code of the bank (must be duly printed and not hand-written).
• Aadhaar Card of Student
• Affidavit/Self-Attested Certificate: If the ward was born after retirement.
• Passport Size Photo of ESM
• PPO/ESM Identity Card for Category 6 and a copy of the following supporting documents are required for Category 1 to 5.

Note: Make sure to upload all of the documents listed above. If any of these documents are missing, your application will be rejected.

PM Scholarship New Application Process

Here is the step-by-step guide for the Prime Minister Scholarship's new online application process.

Visit KSB Website

• Go to the PMSS Portal.
• Click on the "List of Documents to be uploaded under PMSS" link.
• Scroll down and Download Annexures 1, 2, and 3.

Complete Annexures

• Fill out Annexures 1, 2, and 3 accurately and completely.
• Do not use any format other than the one provided.
• Ensure the Annexures are signed by the authorized signatories only.

Start the Online Application Process

• Click on the “Apply Online” link under PMSS.

• A new window will appear.

Upload Photo

• Upload your passport-size photo.
• Click on the "Upload" button.

Need To Registration (If Not Registered Earlier)

• Fill in Part-1 and Part-2 with details of the ESM.

• Submit the form.
• A login ID, password, and a link will be automatically generated and sent to the email address provided during registration.

Activate Your Account

• Open the email and click on the activation link.

Login to Your Dashboard

Use your login credentials to access the dashboard by either:

• Clicking on the activation link, or
• Visiting KSB website and clicking on the login button.
• Once logged in, click on “New Application” and select "Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme."

Complete the Application

• Fill in all the required details in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
• Scan and upload the original documents to the appropriate sections of the application.

Save and Forward

• After completing the application, click on “Save and Forward.”
• Ensure the application is forwarded; otherwise, it will remain pending in your dashboard and will not be considered.
• Verify with your ZSB that the application is available on their portal if necessary.

PM Scholarship Renewal Application Process

You need to renew your Prime Minister scholar scheme each academic year to prove your eligibility for this scholarship. The process of renewal of the scholarship application is the same as the new application process. 

In the renewal process, you have to fill the column 1 to 13 of the “Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme -Renewal” form. Here, we are explaining the step-by-step process for the renewal of the Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) Application.

Visit the KSB Website

• Go to PMSS Portal (KSB website).
• Click on ‘List of Documents to be Uploaded’ under the PMSS – Renewal Application link.
• Download Annexures 1, 2, and 3.

Prepare the Required Annexures

• Complete Annexures 1, 2, and 3 in all respects. Do not use any other format.
• Ensure that the signatures on these annexures are from authorised dignitaries.

Prepare Documents in Digital Form

• Annexure-1: Bonafide Certificate, signed by the Vice Chancellor, Principal, Vice Principal, Dean, Associate Dean, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, Director, or Deputy Director.
• Annexure-2: Instructions and Certificate/Undertaking from the Student/ESM.
• Annexure-3: A certificate for linking Aadhaar, which is filled out and signed by the Bank Manager (SBI/PNB only).
• Original Mark Sheets: Upload the original mark sheets issued by the university for both semesters/academic years. Do not upload computer-generated mark sheets.
• Annexure-4: A certificate signed by the university, to be uploaded by students whose mark sheets are issued only after the completion of the entire course. (Not required for all students) 
• Bank Details: Upload the first page of the student's bank passbook or a cancelled cheque leaf, provided the name and account number are printed.
• Aadhaar Card: Upload the student's Aadhaar Card showing their name and address.

Fill in the Renewal Application Form

• Go to the PMSS portal (KSB website)and click on login.

• A login form will open, fill in your username, password and verification code, and then hit the login button.

• After logging in, go to the Dashboard, and click on “New Application” 

• On clicking the “New Application” a list of schemes will appear, and from the list select the “Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme - Renewal”.

• Upload the passport-size photo, and fill in all the required details from columns 1 to 13. 

• Upload the original scanned documents.

Save and Forward the Application

• Click ‘Save and Forward’. If the application is not saved and forwarded, it will remain pending in your dashboard and not be considered.

Following these steps will complete the renewal application process for the Prime Minister Scholarship.