For students coming from defence families, pursuing higher education is not just about personal growth, it is also about carrying forward a legacy of service and dedication. The PM Scholarship Scheme 2026 has been designed with this very thought in mind. It offers financial support to deserving students so that money never becomes a barrier to quality education.
Whether you are aiming for engineering, medical, management, or law courses, this scheme can significantly reduce the financial burden on your family. The PM Scholarship Scheme 2026 is especially important at a time when the cost of higher education continues to rise every year. Many talented students struggle to continue their studies despite having the merit, simply due to lack of funds. This scholarship ensures that wards and widows of Ex Servicemen and Ex Coast Guard personnel receive the support they deserve, allowing them to focus on building a secure and successful future.
The PM Scholarship Scheme 2026 is a central government initiative aimed at encouraging higher education among defence families. It is managed by the Kendriya Sainik Board under the Ministry of Defence and funded through the National Defence Fund. The scheme focuses on students who secure admission in the first year of professional and technical courses from recognized institutions. What makes this scheme stand out is its transparent and structured process. Applications are submitted online, selections are based on merit and priority categories, and the scholarship amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account. Over the years, the scheme has helped thousands of students pursue their academic goals without financial stress, making it one of the most trusted education support programs for defence families.
PM Scholarship Scheme 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM Scholarship Scheme 2026 |
| Implementing Authority | Ministry of Defence |
| Managing Body | Kendriya Sainik Board |
| Beneficiaries | Wards and widows of Ex Servicemen and Ex Coast Guard personnel |
| Total Scholarships | 5,500 per year |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹3,000 per month for girls and ₹2,500 per month for boys |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Payment Mode | Direct bank transfer |
| Eligible Courses | Professional and technical courses |
| Minimum Qualification | 60 percent marks in qualifying exam |
What Is PM Scholarship Scheme
- The PM Scholarship Scheme is a welfare based education assistance program introduced to support children and widows of defence personnel. Its main purpose is to ensure that students with strong academic potential are not forced to drop out or compromise on quality education due to financial limitations. The scheme applies only to students who take admission in the first year of a regular professional degree course.
- By offering consistent financial assistance throughout the course duration, the scheme allows students to manage tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other academic expenses more comfortably. It also promotes discipline and performance, as students are required to maintain minimum academic standards to continue receiving the scholarship.
Objectives Of PM Scholarship Scheme
- The objectives of the PM Scholarship Scheme 2026 are clear and focused. One of the main goals is to promote higher education among the children of defence personnel. The scheme also encourages students to choose professional and technical courses that improve employability and career growth.
- Another important objective is to honor the contribution and sacrifices made by defence forces by supporting their families in a meaningful way. The scheme ensures equal opportunity for male and female students and promotes merit based selection while following defined priority categories. Overall, it aims to create a strong educational foundation for future generations of defence families.
Scholarship Amount and Benefits
- Under the PM Scholarship Scheme 2026, selected students receive financial assistance on a monthly basis. Female students are awarded ₹3,000 per month, while male students receive ₹2,500 per month. The amount is paid annually and transferred directly to the student’s bank account through a secure payment system.
- This financial support helps students manage major education related expenses such as tuition fees, study material, transportation, and daily academic needs. While it may not cover all costs, it significantly reduces the financial pressure on families and allows students to concentrate on their studies.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Scholarship Scheme 2026
- To apply for the PM Scholarship Scheme 2026, candidates must fulfill specific eligibility conditions. The applicant must be a ward or widow of an Ex Serviceman or Ex Coast Guard personnel. Students must have secured admission in the first year of a professional or technical degree course from a recognized institution.
- A minimum of 60 percent marks in the qualifying examination is mandatory. Students admitted through lateral entry, distance education, or part time courses are not eligible for this scholarship. Only regular full time courses approved by relevant authorities are considered valid.
Priority Category
- Selection under the PM Scholarship Scheme follows a defined priority order. The highest priority is given to wards of defence personnel who lost their lives while in service. Next in line are wards of disabled personnel and gallantry award winners. Other categories include wards of Ex Servicemen below officer rank.
- Within each priority category, students are ranked based on merit. This structured system ensures that those with greater need and sacrifice receive preference while still maintaining academic fairness.
Courses Eligible Under PM Scholarship Scheme
- The scheme supports a wide range of professional and technical courses. These include engineering, medical, dental, nursing, management, law, computer applications, education, and other approved degree programs. All courses must be full time and conducted by recognized institutions approved by regulatory bodies.
- Students pursuing diploma courses, distance learning programs, or short term certifications are not covered under this scheme. Choosing an eligible course from an approved institution is crucial for successful application and continuation of benefits.
How To Apply Online for PM Scholarship Scheme 2026
- Applying for the PM Scholarship Scheme 2026 is a completely online process. Students need to visit the official application portal and complete the one time registration process. After registration, applicants must fill in personal details, academic information, and bank account details carefully.
- Required documents such as mark sheets, service certificates, and identity proof must be uploaded in the specified format. Once the application is submitted, students should download and save the acknowledgment receipt. Applying early is recommended to avoid technical issues or last minute errors.
Renewal Process
The scholarship is not automatically renewed each year. Students must apply for renewal at the beginning of every academic year. To be eligible for renewal, students must secure at least 50 percent marks in the previous academic year and should not have any pending backlogs. Failure to meet the academic criteria or delay in submitting the renewal application may result in discontinuation of the scholarship. Maintaining consistent academic performance is essential to continue receiving benefits under the PM Scholarship Scheme 2026.
FAQs on PM Scholarship Scheme 2026
Who Can Apply For PM Scholarship Scheme 2026
Wards and widows of Ex Servicemen and Ex Coast Guard personnel studying in the first year of a professional or technical degree course can apply.
Is Distance Education Eligible Under This Scheme
No, only full time regular professional courses from recognized institutions are eligible.
Can The Scholarship Be Renewed Every Year
Yes, the scholarship can be renewed annually if the student meets the required academic performance criteria.
How Are Candidates Selected
Selection is based on priority category and academic merit as per guidelines issued by the Kendriya Sainik Board.
