PMSS 2026-27: Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme – Eligibility, Scholarship Amount, Courses, Documents & Apply Online

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) 2026-27 is a scholarship initiative under the Ministry of Home Affairs designed to encourage higher technical and professional education among eligible wards and widows of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles (AR), and eligible States/UTs Police personnel.

The scheme provides financial assistance to selected students pursuing eligible first professional degree courses. Under the PMSS guidelines, scholarships are available for both fresh and renewal applicants, subject to eligibility, merit, document verification and other prescribed conditions.

For the academic year 2026-27, the guidelines specify online registration through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), with the applicant registration period stated as 1 June 2026 to 31 October 2026.

PMSS 2026-27 – Overview

The scheme provides 2,000 new scholarships for eligible CAPFs/Assam Rifles wards, equally divided between boys and girls, along with an additional 500 scholarships for eligible wards of State/UT Police personnel martyred during terrorist/Naxal attacks.

What is PMSS?

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) was introduced in the academic year 2006-07 under the aegis of the National Defence Fund.

Its objective is to encourage eligible dependents of CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel to pursue higher technical and professional education.

From the academic session 2019-20, the scheme was also extended to eligible dependent wards of States/UTs Police personnel who were martyred during Terror/Naxal attacks.

PMSS Scholarship 2026-27: Number of Scholarships

Under the scheme, 2,000 new scholarships are provided every academic year for eligible CAPFs and Assam Rifles applicants.

These are divided as follows:

• 1,000 scholarships for boys

• 1,000 scholarships for girls

The boys' and girls' quotas are not interchangeable.

In addition, 500 scholarships are available for eligible dependent wards of States/UTs Police personnel who were martyred during terrorist/Naxal attacks:

• 250 for boys

• 250 for girls

Renewal scholarships for previously selected beneficiaries are in addition to the new scholarships.

PMSS 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility differs slightly according to the applicant category.

Eligibility for CAPFs & Assam Rifles Personnel

Eligible categories include wards/widows of:

• Deceased CAPFs/Assam Rifles personnel who died in harness or during election duty

• Personnel disabled due to causes attributable to Government service

• Ex-CAPFs/Assam Rifles personnel receiving Gallantry Awards

• Retired and serving CAPFs/Assam Rifles personnel below Officer Rank, subject to the prescribed conditions

The applicant must be pursuing an eligible first professional degree programme.

Eligibility for States/UTs Police Personnel

Dependent wards of States/UTs Police personnel who were martyred during Terror/Naxal attacks may be eligible under the State/UT Police category.

The applicant must satisfy the educational and course-related requirements prescribed under PMSS.

PMSS Minimum Marks Requirement

For a fresh applicant, the guidelines require a minimum of 60% marks in the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ).

The MEQ may be:

• Class 12 / 10+2

• Diploma

• Graduation

depending on the professional course for which admission is being taken.

For renewal applicants, the guidelines require the candidate to pass each subsequent academic year of the professional course with a minimum of 50% marks.

A one-year grace period may be considered in certain cases where there is a delay in submission of a renewal application.

PMSS Scholarship Amount 2026-27

The scholarship amount differs for boys and girls.

The scholarship is paid annually after selection and completion of the prescribed verification and payment process.

PMSS Scholarship Duration

The scholarship can be provided for up to five years, depending upon:

• Duration of the professional course

• Course structure

• Approval by the relevant regulatory authority

• Continued fulfillment of PMSS renewal conditions

Therefore, the actual scholarship duration can differ from one course to another.

Courses Covered Under PMSS

PMSS is primarily applicable to first professional degree courses recognized by the appropriate Government regulatory bodies.

Examples include:

• B.E.

• B.Tech

• MBBS

• BDS

• B.V.Sc.

• B.Ed.

• BBA

• BCA

• B.Pharm

• B.Sc. Nursing

• B.Sc. Agriculture

• MBA

• MCA

• Other eligible professional degree courses listed under the PMSS guidelines

The course must satisfy the recognition requirements prescribed by the relevant regulatory authority.

Important Rule About First Professional Degree

PMSS is restricted to the first professional degree course.

The guidelines specifically distinguish eligible professional degree programmes from courses that do not meet the scheme requirements.

For example, the scheme can cover an eligible B.Ed. course, while certain integrated combinations may be treated differently according to the prescribed PMSS rules.

Students should therefore verify the exact course against the PMSS course list before applying.

PMSS Eligibility for Lateral Entry Students

Students admitted directly into the second year of a technical/professional bachelor's degree through lateral entry after completing a diploma may also be eligible, subject to the PMSS conditions.

The applicant must satisfy the prescribed Minimum Entry Qualification and other requirements.

PMSS Bank Account Requirement

An Aadhaar-seeded bank account is required for scholarship payment.

The applicant should have a valid and active bank account in a nationalized bank with the required electronic banking facility.

For minor applicants, the applicable account requirements must be followed.

Under the current online process, scholarship payment is transferred to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of selected beneficiaries through the prescribed DBT mechanism.

PMSS Documents Required

Applicants should keep the required documents ready before starting the online application.

Fresh Applicants – CAPFs/Assam Rifles Category

Depending on the category, documents may include:

• Service Certificate

• MEQ marksheet

• PPO/Discharge Certificate/Book

• Disability Certificate, where applicable

• Death Certificate, where applicable

• Gallantry Award Certificate, where applicable

• Bonafide Certificate from the college/institute

For applicants under the States/UTs Police category, a certificate issued by the concerned State Government confirming that the police personnel was killed during terrorist/Naxal violence is required.

Renewal Applicants

Renewal applicants generally need:

• Service Certificate, where applicable

• Bonafide Certificate from the institute/college

• Previous academic year's marksheet

• Required category-specific certificate

All documents should be genuine, legible and uploaded in the prescribed format.

Aadhaar Requirements for PMSS

For Applicants Aged 18 Years or Above

Aadhaar is mandatory for applicants who have attained 18 years of age on the date of registration.

Applicants who have not yet received Aadhaar may use their Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID), subject to the applicable requirements.

For Minor Applicants

Applicants below 18 years who do not have Aadhaar may register using the applicable EID.

Where Aadhaar/EID is not available for the minor, Aadhaar of at least one parent/legal guardian may be required under the prescribed process.

Students who register without Aadhaar are required to complete Aadhaar-based e-KYC after attaining 18 years for continuation of registration/scholarship.

PMSS 2026-27 Application Dates

According to the uploaded 2026-27 guidelines, the proposed schedule begins with:

The later stages are dependent on completion of verification and fund-processing procedures.

Applicants should check the NSP portal for any subsequently notified changes to the schedul

How to Apply for PMSS 2026-27 Online

Eligible applicants need to submit the application through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Step-by-Step PMSS Application Process

Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal.

Step 2: Complete the required registration/OTR process.

Step 3: Select the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme.

Step 4: Enter personal and educational details.

Step 5: Provide the required CAPF/Assam Rifles/State Police information.

Step 6: Upload the required documents.

Step 7: Carefully verify all information.

Step 8: Submit the application online.

Step 9: Save the system-generated registration/application number.

Step 10: Track the verification status through the portal.

The PMSS process is designed to be online, including application submission, verification, merit preparation and scholarship disbursement.

PMSS Selection Process

Fresh applications are shortlisted according to the prescribed order of preference and merit.

The broad order includes:

1. PMSS beneficiary category

2. Percentage obtained in the Minimum Entry Qualification

3. Age of the candidate, with preference to the higher age in a tie

4. Rank of the parent, where applicable

For CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel, categories include wards/widows of personnel killed in action, disabled personnel and other categories specified in the guidelines.

There is no fixed quota for a particular CAPF, Assam Rifles organization or State/UT Government.

PMSS Category-Wise Preference

The guidelines specify the following broad categories for CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel:

Eligible dependent wards of State/UT Police personnel martyred during Terror/Naxal attacks are covered under the separate State/UT Police category.

How PMSS Scholarship Is Paid

From the academic year 2024-25 onward, the scholarship amount for selected and finally verified fresh and renewal applicants is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through the prescribed NPCI/Aadhaar-seeded payment and PFMS/DBT system.

The online process involves multiple verification stages before payment.

Online Process Flow

Applicant → College/Institute/University → CAPFs/AR/State Police Verification → WARB → MHA → PFMS/NPCI → Beneficiary

The applicant can also track the application and scholarship status through the online system.

Who Is Not Eligible for PMSS?

The guidelines exclude several categories, including:

• Applicants who do not belong to the prescribed beneficiary categories

• Wards of civilian employees of CAPFs, Assam Rifles or State/UT Police

• Students pursuing professional courses through correspondence/distance learning

• Students who have already availed PMSS

• Students pursuing non-degree diploma courses where the course does not meet PMSS requirements

• Students pursuing master's programmes other than eligible MBA/MCA cases under the scheme

• Students admitted to institutions/courses that do not meet the prescribed recognition requirements

• Students studying abroad

• Cases involving prohibited change of course/college and fresh admission in a subsequent academic year

Students should check the complete PMSS guidelines before applying.

PMSS Scholarship and Other Scholarships

The PMSS guidelines classify the scheme as a merit-based scholarship.

The de-duplication provisions distinguish between merit-based and welfare-based scholarships. Under the stated framework, a student may receive one scholarship from each broad category subject to the applicable rules.

Applicants should nevertheless verify the current NSP rules before accepting another scholarship or financial assistance.

Important Instructions for PMSS Applicants

Applicants should remember the following:

• Check eligibility before registration.

• Enter all information accurately.

• Upload genuine documents.

• Keep the registered mobile number and email active.

• Make sure the Aadhaar and bank-account requirements are fulfilled.

• Verify the course recognition status.

• Do not submit incomplete applications.

• Keep a copy of the submitted application.

• Track application verification on NSP.

• Respond promptly if an application is marked defective.

The guidelines state that an incomplete application or failure to submit required documents can result in rejection. Ineligibility or submission of false information/documents can also lead to cancellation and further action under the scheme rules.

PMSS 2026-27: Key Points at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions – PMSS 2026-27

Q1. What is PMSS?

PMSS stands for Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme. It supports eligible wards/widows of CAPFs, Assam Rifles and eligible State/UT Police personnel pursuing approved professional degree courses.

Q2. Who can apply for PMSS?

Eligible wards/widows covered under the categories specified by the Ministry of Home Affairs can apply, subject to educational, course, category and other conditions.

Q3. What is the minimum percentage for fresh applicants?

A fresh applicant generally needs at least 60% marks in the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ).

Q4. How much scholarship is given to girls?

Eligible selected girls receive ₹3,000 per month, equivalent to ₹36,000 per year.

Q5. How much scholarship is given to boys?

Eligible selected boys receive ₹2,500 per month, equivalent to ₹30,000 per year.

Q6. What is the maximum duration of PMSS?

The scholarship may continue for up to five years, depending on the duration of the approved professional course.

Q7. Is Aadhaar required?

Aadhaar/Aadhaar-linked requirements apply according to the applicant's age and the prescribed registration process. Scholarship payment is made through the Aadhaar-seeded bank-payment system for selected beneficiaries.

Q8. Where can students apply?

PMSS applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Q9. Is PMSS available for diploma courses?

PMSS is primarily for eligible first professional degree courses. Diploma courses that do not lead to the prescribed professional degree are generally excluded.

Q10. Can students studying abroad receive PMSS?

No. Students studying abroad are listed among the categories excluded under the PMSS guidelines.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) 2026-27 provides financial assistance to eligible wards and widows of Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles and eligible States/UTs Police personnel pursuing approved professional degree programmes.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the guidelines provide 2,000 new CAPFs/Assam Rifles scholarships and an additional 500 scholarships for eligible State/UT Police personnel categories. The scholarship amount is ₹36,000 per year for girls and ₹30,000 per year for boys, subject to the scheme's eligibility and verification conditions.

Applicants should carefully verify their category, educational qualification, professional course, documents, Aadhaar/bank requirements and application details before submitting the form through the National Scholarship Portal.

Official Resources

National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in

Welfare and Rehabilitation Board, Ministry of Home Affairs: WARB, Ministry of Home Affairs

PMSS 2026-27: Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme – Eligibility, Amount & Apply Online

PMSS 2026-27: Check Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme eligibility, scholarship amount, courses, documents, selection process, important dates and online application details.

PMSS 2026-27

• Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme 2026-27

• PMSS Scholarship 2026

• PMSS Apply Online

• PMSS Eligibility

• PMSS Scholarship Amount

• PMSS for CAPF Wards

• PMSS for Assam Rifles Wards

• PMSS State Police Personnel

• PMSS National Scholarship Portal

• PMSS 2026 Application Form

• Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme for CAPF

• PMSS Documents Required

PMSS 2026-27, Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme, PMSS Scholarship, CAPF Scholarship, Assam Rifles Scholarship, Police Personnel Scholarship, NSP Scholarship, Scholarship 2026, Education News, Government Scholarship

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