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Introduction
The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for the Ministry of Railways is a flagship initiative established in 2008-09 with a view to providing financial support for higher education to dependent wards and widows of ex-servicemen and serving RPF/RPSF personnel (below Gazetted rank). This program, which is funded centrally, aims to relieve a financial burden while supporting academic progression in families that deserve it.
This scholarship focuses primarily on supporting access to professional and technical courses such as:
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
- B.Sc. (Nursing) and other approved disciplines
It aims to serve a dual purpose:
- Enable families of RPF/RPSF personnel with education
- Contribute to the overall development of qualified professionals in different areas
Main Features and Advantages of PMSS for Ministry of Railways (2025)
The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) through the Ministry of Railways is a government program that enables dependent wards and widows (below gazetted rank) of the RPF/RPSF to attend higher education and/or professional education in a technical field while being financially supported by the program.
In-Depth Benefits Report
Monthly Scholarship Amount:
- ₹2,500 for males.
- ₹3,000 for females.
Quantity of Scholarships: 150 scholarships are awarded every academic session.
Reservation for Girl Candidates: 50% (75 scholarships) are allocated to girl candidates.
Duration of Courses Supported by PMSS: The scholarship will be made available for the years of studies that last from 2 to 5 years, depending on the duration of that course.
Mode of Payment: The scholarship funds will be received by the applicant from the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under their savings account.
Types of Courses Supported:
- Full-time degree programs for professional or technical education from an institution recognised by the AICTE, UGC, MCI etc.
Comprehensive Table – PMSS for Ministry of Railways
The PMSS scheme is of great significance for helping RPF/RPSF personnel's families meet the costs of education, and it also fits into India's vision for equality of opportunity in education for children of all socio-economic backgrounds, especially at the technical and professional level.Below table give the comprehensive understanding of this scholarship scheme
Eligibility Criteria for PMSS under Ministry of Railways
The candidates who wish to apply under the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) of Ministry of Railways will fulfill eligibility conditions which will ensure that the intended level of beneficiaries get the benefit. The following are the details of the eligibility conditions:
- Eligible Beneficiaries:
- Only dependent wards and widows of ex/serving personnel of RPF/RPSF below Gazetted rank would be eligible.
2. Academic Qualification:
- The candidates must obtain a minimum 60% marks or equivalent grade in the last qualifying examination (for e.g. Class 12 for UG courses or Graduation for PG courses).
3.Eligible Courses
Applicants must be enrolled in a regular full-time professional/technical course program from a recognized university/institution. Eligible courses are:
- Engineering (B.Tech/BE)
- Medicine (MBBS, BDS)
- Management (BBA, MBA)
- Computer Applications (BCA, MCA)
- Pharmacy, Nursing, B.Sc. (Agri.), etc.
4.Ineligible Courses Include:
- Lateral entry/admission through management quota
- Distance education/online learning/part-time
5. Age Limit
- There is no claimed upper-age limit; applicants may refer to their specific year's guidelines for any specific changes.
How to Apply for PMSS under Ministry of Railways
To ensure that no difficulties arise while applying for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for dependents of RPF/RPSF, it is worthwhile to follow a straightforward and simple systematic online application mode through National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to attract least distractions. Below is an easy to follow step-by-step process that are search engine friendly:
Application Mode
- Every application is to be completed online via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). There are no offline applications allowed.
Required Documents
Before you start your application, please prepare your documents in scanned format (to upload):
- Proof of your admission in for professional/technical course (admission letter or receipts of fees payment)
- Latest marksheet (60% or above either in qualifying exam or in any study continuation completed)
- Certificate of service (for parent/guardian serving/retired in RPF/RPSF given by proper authority)
Aadhaar of student
- Details of bank account (preferably in name of applicant)
- Passport size image
Step by step application process
Register on NSP
- Go to scholarships.gov.in and register for a 'new account' (in the New Registration option)
Login and fill application
- After register, login and fill application by selecting PMSS for Ministry of Railways (in RPF/RPSF category)
Documents to Upload
- Upload scanned copy/s of required documents in the right format and size.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The PMSS application timeline is announced annually on the national scholarship portaal.Candidates should regularly check updates to avoid
Selection Criteria and Allocation
The selection process of PMSS under the Ministry of Railways is based on merit, with quotas to be allocated for RPF/RPSF.
Selection for the PMSS will be based on:
- How well you performed in your qualifying or academic examination and have at least 60% marks
- Availability of PMSS per zone/unit
- Number of PMSS offered by each zone/unit based on performance marks, from highest to lowest, consideration is given to the date of submission
Allocation of PMSS:
- There will be a total of 150 PMSS offered per year
- 75 PMSS per boys, 75 PMSS for girls
- Distribution of PMSS on the basis of allocation among Zonal Railways and RPSF determined by fixed internal allocation for each zone/unit respectively.
Disbursement & Renewal Process
Disbursement:
- The money for the PMSS will be paid as per DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) directly to the student's bank account.
Amount to be paid:
- ₹2,500/month for male students
- ₹3,000/month for female students
- Duration of the PMSS is between 2-5 years based on course length.
Renewal of PMSS will have three criteria:
- Must reapply for PMSS each academic year
- Must attain - minimum 50% marks for annual examinations
- Must submit latest mark-sheets and continuation certificates from the institution.
Conclusion: Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Ministry of Railways
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) of the Ministry of Railways is a game-changer for the wards and widows of RPF/RPSF personnel. With a financial stipend monthly, a clear application process through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), and a determination to increase merit and gender equity, PMSS is an educational empowerment scheme. For eligible candidates, this not only relieves the financial burden, it offers the pathway to a better future academically and professionally.
