Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles is a Central Government scholarship scheme operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB). The scheme provides financial assistance to dependent wards and widows of eligible CAPF, Assam Rifles, and States/UTs Police martyr families pursuing approved professional and technical degree courses in India.
PMSS for CAPF & Assam Rifles Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Official Scheme Name | Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles |
| Implemented By | Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB), Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Scheme Started From | Academic Year 2006-07 |
| Beneficiaries | Dependent Wards and Widows of Eligible CAPF, Assam Rifles, and States/UTs Police Martyr Families |
| Total Scholarships Per Year | 2,500 Scholarships |
| CAPF & Assam Rifles Scholarships | 2,000 Scholarships |
| Scholarship Amount for Boys | ₹2,500 Per Month |
| Scholarship Amount for Girls | ₹3,000 Per Month |
| Maximum Scholarship Duration | Up to 5 Years |
| Application Mode | Online Through NSP Portal |
| Official Portal | scholarships.gov.in |
| Minimum Marks Required | 60% in Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) |
| Eligible Courses | Approved Professional and Technical Degree Courses |
| Selection Method | National Merit-Based Selection |
Introduction of Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for CAPF & Assam Rifles: A Brief Insight
Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles is a Central Government scholarship scheme operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB). The scheme provides financial assistance to dependent wards and widows of eligible CAPF, Assam Rifles, and States/UTs Police martyr families pursuing approved professional and technical degree courses in India.
The Government introduced this PMSS variant from the academic year 2006-07 under the National Defence Fund with the objective of supporting higher education opportunities for families of security personnel serving the nation. Later, from academic year 2019-20, dependent wards of States/UTs Police personnel martyred during Terror or Naxal attacks were also brought under the PMSS framework through a separate scholarship quota.
Under the present structure, the Government provides a total of 2,500 scholarships every academic year. Out of these, 2,000 scholarships are reserved for CAPFs & Assam Rifles categories, while 500 scholarships are reserved for States/UTs Police martyr categories. Eligible male students receive ₹2,500 per month, while eligible female students receive ₹3,000 per month through the PFMS/DBT payment system.
One of the most important things students should understand is that PMSS does not follow any separate BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, or Assam Rifles quota system. The merit list is prepared at the national level across all eligible forces according to official selection criteria, including category priority, marks obtained in Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ), age preference, and parent rank preference.
The scholarship mainly supports students pursuing professional and technical degree courses such as engineering, medical, nursing, pharmacy, law, management, computer applications, agriculture, journalism, hotel management, biotechnology, and other approved programmes recognised by UGC, AICTE, NMC, and other competent regulatory authorities.
Students should also carefully note that PMSS applies only to the first professional degree course. Distance learning programmes, correspondence courses, unapproved colleges, and most postgraduate programmes remain ineligible under the scheme except approved MBA and MCA courses. Students changing course or college after selection may also face automatic scholarship cancellation according to official guidelines.
The Ministry of Home Affairs processes PMSS applications completely through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Applicants need to complete One Time Registration (OTR), upload required supporting documents, and ensure timely verification by both the Institute Nodal Officer and the Force Nodal Officer before final merit preparation.
Another important practical benefit under PMSS is that eligible students may continue receiving welfare-based scholarships such as SC/ST/OBC welfare scholarships, along with PMSS, because the scheme is classified as a merit-based scholarship under official de-duplication rules. However, students already receiving another merit-based scholarship or stipend may become ineligible.
Students should also avoid fake PMSS portals and unofficial registration websites because all official applications are processed only through NSP. Submission of false information, fake certificates, or fraudulent claims may lead to cancellation of scholarship, refund recovery with interest, and blacklisting from Central Government scholarship schemes for up to five years.
According to official Ministry of Home Affairs data, more than 49,000 scholarships have already been disbursed under PMSS from academic year 2006-07 to 2023-24, making it one of the most important higher education assistance schemes for security personnel families in India.
Students should also understand that multiple Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) variants operate under different Ministries for different beneficiary groups. This article specifically covers the PMSS variant for CAPFs, Assam Rifles, and States/UTs Police martyr categories under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Separate PMSS variants are also available for Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard families under Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and RPF/ RPSF personnel families under the Ministry of Railways.
PMSS remains one of the most useful scholarship schemes for students from defence and security personnel families because it directly supports professional higher education through transparent, merit-based financial assistance.
Readers looking for more Central Government scholarship schemes, student benefit programmes, education assistance schemes, and welfare initiatives can also explore our List of All Central Government Schemes section for more latest scheme-related updates.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing approved professional and technical degree courses in India. The scheme operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) through the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB).
- Monthly scholarship assistance for higher professional education
- ₹2,500 per month scholarship for eligible male students
- ₹3,000 per month scholarship for eligible female students
- Scholarship amount transferred directly through the PFMS/DBT mode
- Financial support available for the course duration up to 5 years according to the approved course structure
- Separate scholarship quota for States/UTs Police personnel martyred during Terror/Naxal attacks
- Equal reservation of scholarships for boys and girls
- Priority selection for martyr, disability, and gallantry award categories
- Online transparent merit-based selection through the NSP portal
- Selected fresh category students receive a personal letter from the Hon’ble Prime Minister
PMSS Scholarship Amount Chart
| Student Category | Monthly Scholarship | Yearly Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Male Students | ₹2,500 Per Month | ₹30,000 Per Year |
| Female Students | ₹3,000 Per Month | ₹36,000 Per Year |
Total Scholarships Available Under PMSS
| Beneficiary Category | Total Scholarships Per Year |
|---|---|
| CAPFs & Assam Rifles | 2,000 Scholarships |
| States/UTs Police Martyred During Terror/Naxal Attacks | 500 Scholarships |
| Total Annual Scholarships | 2,500 Scholarships |
Gender-wise Scholarship Distribution
| Category | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| CAPFs & Assam Rifles | 1,000 | 1,000 |
| States/UTs Police Martyr Category | 250 | 250 |
- There is no fixed force-wise quota for BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, or Assam Rifles
- The scholarship merit list is prepared at the national level across all eligible forces
- Girls’ and boys’ quotas are not interchangeable according to official PMSS guidelines
Important: More than 49,000 scholarships have already been disbursed under PMSS from academic year 2006-07 to 2023-24, according to official Ministry of Home Affairs data.
Approved Courses Under PMSS for CAPF and Assam Rifles
Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for CAPFs and Assam Rifles is applicable only for approved professional and technical degree courses listed in Appendix I of the official guidelines. A total of 122 courses are approved under PMSS across multiple streams. Students must verify their course is in the approved list before applying because unapproved course applications will be rejected during verification.
| Course Stream | Key Eligible Courses |
| Medical and Health Sciences | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, BSc Nursing, B.Pharma, BSc BPT (Physiotherapy), BSc MLT, BVSc and AH (Veterinary), BNYS, Pharm D (4 years only), GNM, BSc Optometry, BSc Speech and Hearing, BSc Public Health, BSc Forensic Science, and more |
| Engineering and Technology | B.Tech, BE, B.Arch, BSc Computer Science and variants, BSc Software Engineering, BSc Electronics, BSc Nautical Technology, BSc Transportation Technology, B.Stat, and more |
| Management and Computer Applications | BBA, BBM, BCA, BMS, BBS, B.Plan, BHMCT, BHTM, BTTM, MBA (2 years – Graduation MEQ), MCA (3 years – Graduation MEQ) |
| Agriculture and Life Sciences | BSc Agriculture, B.Fisheries, BSc Horticulture, BSc Bio-Technology, BSc Dairy Technology, BSc Crop Physiology, Company Secretary, and more |
| Law and Education | LLB (3 years – Graduation MEQ), BA+LLB (5 years – 10+2 MEQ), B.Ed (1 year – Graduation MEQ), BPEd, B.EL.Ed, BASLP |
| Arts, Design and Media | BFA, B.Design, BPA, BID, BVA, BFT, BFD, BJMC, BMM, BAAC, BSc Fashion and Lifestyle Tech, BSc Media Technology |
| Hotel Management and Tourism | BHMCT, BHTM, BTTM, BHMTT, BSc HHA, HM (Hotel Management Degree) |
Integrated Courses – Important Rules
- When 1st degree is non-professional and 2nd is professional – scholarship for professional component only (e.g. BA+LLB – only LLB component, BA+BEd – only BEd component)
- When both degrees are professional – scholarship for 1st professional component only (e.g. B.Tech+M.Tech – only B.Tech component for 4 years)
- B.Ed is eligible, but BA+BEd (the full integrated course) is NOT eligible – only the BEd component is covered
- Pharm D scholarship applicable for the first 4 years only (equivalent to B.Pharma duration)
Important: Students should verify the complete Appendix I course list on the official PMSS guidelines PDF before applying. Applications for courses not listed in Appendix I will be rejected during verification.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Applicants must fulfil the following eligibility conditions to apply under the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Applicant should be a dependent ward or widow of an eligible CAPF or Assam Rifles personnel
- Dependent wards of States/UTs Police personnel martyred during Terror/Naxal attacks are also eligible under a separate quota
- Students should take admission in the first year of the first professional degree course
- Minimum 60% marks in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) are mandatory for fresh applicants
- Lateral Entry students taking direct admission into the second year B.Tech after Diploma are eligible if the Diploma aggregate is a minimum 60%
- Students must study through the regular mode in India only
- Distance learning and correspondence courses are not eligible
- Maximum two children from one family can avail the PMSS benefit
- College/Institute/University must be recognised by UGC, AICTE, NMC, or other competent regulatory authority
- Students should maintain a minimum 50% marks in every academic year for scholarship renewal
- Only approved professional and technical degree courses are eligible under PMSS
Priority Categories Under PMSS CAPF & Assam Rifles
| Category | Eligible Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Category A | Wards/Widows of CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel killed in action |
| Category B | Wards of ex-CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel disabled in action |
| Category C | Wards/Widows of deceased CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel who died due to causes attributable to Government service, including election duty |
| Category D | Wards of ex-CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel disabled during service with disability attributable to Government service |
| Category E | Wards of ex-CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel receiving Gallantry Awards |
| Category F | Wards of ex-CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel (PBOR only) |
| Category G | Wards of serving CAPFs and Assam Rifles personnel (PBOR only and subject to availability) |
| States/UTs Police Category | Dependent wards of States/UTs Police personnel martyred during Terror/Naxal attacks |
Important Eligibility Rules Students Should Know
- Categories A to E are eligible irrespective of rank
- Categories F and G apply only to PBOR (Personnel Below Officer Rank)
- Marital status of the applicant does not affect eligibility
- Compassionate appointment of spouse or NOK does not affect the eligibility of dependent wards
- Students already studying abroad are not eligible
- Diploma-only courses not leading to a degree are not eligible
- Most postgraduate courses are not eligible except for approved MBA and MCA programmes
MEQ Marks Calculation Rule for CBSE Students
For CBSE students, PMSS authorities calculate the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) percentage using the best five subjects out of a total of 500 marks according to official PMSS guidelines.
Important: This PMSS variant specifically applies to CAPFs, Assam Rifles, and eligible States/UTs Police martyr categories under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Separate PMSS variants operate for Ex-Servicemen families under Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and RPF/RPSF personnel under the Ministry of Railways.
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants applying under the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles need to upload the required documents carefully on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Incomplete or incorrect document submission may lead to rejection during the Institute, Force Nodal Officer, or WARB verification.
Documents Required for Fresh Applications
- Aadhaar Card of the student/applicant
- Passport-sized photograph
- Aadhaar-seeded bank account details
- Bank passbook copy showing account number and IFSC code
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar and bank account
- Self-attested MEQ marksheet (10+2/Diploma/Graduation according to course eligibility)
- Bonafide Certificate issued by the college/institute
- Admission proof issued by the educational institution
Category-wise Supporting Documents
| Category | Mandatory Supporting Documents |
|---|---|
| Category A & C | Death Certificate and PPO/Discharge Certificate/Book |
| Category B & D | Disability Certificate and PPO/Discharge Certificate/Book |
| Category E | Gallantry Award Certificate and PPO/Discharge Certificate/Book |
| Category F | PPO/Discharge Certificate/Book |
| Category G | Service Certificate as per Annexure-A issued by the Head of Office |
| States/UTs Police Martyr Category | Certificate issued by the State Government confirming martyrdom during a Terror/Naxal attack |
Documents Required for Renewal Applications
- Previous year marksheet
- Bonafide Certificate from college/institute
- Service Certificate for Category G applicants
Aadhaar and Bank Account Rules
- Major applicants (18 years and above) must provide Aadhaar details
- Minor applicants can initially use their parent/guardian’s Aadhaar details
- Bank account must be Aadhaar-seeded for PFMS/DBT payment
- Bank account correction/update is generally allowed only once after the final submission
Important: Students should upload clear and valid documents only because fake certificates, false information, or forged documents may lead to cancellation of scholarship and blacklisting from Central Government scholarship schemes.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Eligible students need to submit their application online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to avail benefits under the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles. The Ministry of Home Affairs does not accept offline applications or hard copy submissions under this scholarship scheme.
Before starting the application process, students should first confirm their eligibility category carefully because PMSS selection priority depends heavily on category preference, service status, and uploaded supporting documents. Applicants should also keep Aadhaar-linked bank account details, service-related certificates, and educational documents ready before registration.
Step-by-Step Online PMSS Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at https://scholarships.gov.in.
Step 2: Complete OTR (One Time Registration) using Aadhaar details, mobile number, and OTP verification.
Step 3: Create student login credentials and access the NSP student dashboard.
Step 4: Select “Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles” from the available scholarship schemes list.
Step 5: Carefully choose the correct PMSS beneficiary category because wrong category selection may lead to rejection during Force Nodal verification.
Step 6: Fill in educational details, force/service details, parent details, bank account information, and institution details exactly as per official documents.
Step 7: Upload all mandatory supporting documents, including Bonafide Certificate, MEQ marksheet, service-related certificates, death/disability/gallantry documents, or Annexure-A wherever applicable.
Step 8: Verify Aadhaar-seeded bank account details carefully because scholarship payment happens only through the PFMS/DBT mode.
Step 9: Submit the online application form and note down the NSP Application ID for future tracking.
Step 10: The Institute Nodal Officer verifies the student admission details, course eligibility, and uploaded documents on the NSP portal.
Step 11: Concerned CAPF/Assam Rifles/State Police Force Nodal Officer performs second-stage verification related to category eligibility, service records, and supporting certificates.
Step 12: Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB), Ministry of Home Affairs, reviews verified applications and prepares the national merit list in coordination with NIC.
Step 13: After final approval, the scholarship amount gets transferred directly into the Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the PFMS/DBT system.
Important Things Applicants Should Keep in Mind
- PMSS applications are accepted only through the NSP portal
- Students should apply only under the correct beneficiary category
- Applicants can withdraw and reapply before the Force Nodal Officer verification closes
- Students already receiving another merit-based scholarship may become ineligible
- Welfare-based scholarships like SC/ST/OBC welfare scholarships may continue along with PMSS, according to official de-duplication rules
- College verification and Force verification are both mandatory for final selection
- Students should regularly monitor the NSP dashboard for defect correction or verification updates
Important: Any change of course, college, institute, or submission of false information after PMSS selection may lead to cancellation of scholarship and recovery proceedings according to official guidelines.
PMSS Selection Criteria Explained
Selection under the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for CAPF & Assam Rifles is not based only on marks. The Ministry of Home Affairs follows a fixed priority-based merit system while preparing the final scholarship list.
| Selection Factor | Priority Rule |
|---|---|
| Beneficiary Category | Higher priority categories receive first preference |
| MEQ Percentage | Higher marks receive better merit position |
| Age of Applicant | Higher age receives preference in tie situations |
| Rank of Parent | Lower parent rank receives preference |
Important: Category A applicants receive the highest selection priority while Category G applicants receive the lowest priority under PMSS merit preparation.
Critical Rules That Can Cancel Your PMSS Scholarship
The official PMSS guidelines for CAPFs and Assam Rifles contain strict rules that can permanently cancel a student’s scholarship. Every applicant must read these carefully before applying :
- Course or college change after selection = permanent cancellation – If a student changes course, college, or institute after PMSS selection and takes fresh admission in the subsequent academic year, the scholarship is permanently cancelled with no appeal
- Renewal minimum 50% marks mandatory – Students must pass every academic year with minimum 50% marks for scholarship continuation – falling below 50% in any year stops the scholarship
- False information or fake documents – Entire scholarship amount refunded with interest + disciplinary action + blacklisted from ALL Central Government scholarship schemes for 5 years
- Ineligibility detected at any stage – Scholarship cancelled without any notice, even after payment has started
- No editing after final submission – Application cannot be changed after final submission – withdrawal and fresh reapplication only option before L2 (Force Nodal Officer) verification closes
- Bank account update only once – Bank account correction is allowed only once after final submission – wrong account details at submission may delay payment significantly
- Two children per family only – If a third child applies while two are already receiving PMSS, the application will be rejected during verification
- Already received PMSS before – Students who have already availed PMSS for one course cannot apply again for any other course
Important Links Available
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP) – Apply Online
- PMSS CAPF & Assam Rifles Official Guidelines
- PMSS CAPF & Assam Rifles Official FAQs.
- Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB) Official Portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
Students facing issues related to PMSS application, NSP registration, document verification, category clarification, scholarship status, or technical problems can contact the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB), Ministry of Home Affairs through the following official contact details.
Official PMSS CAPF & Assam Rifles Contact Details
| Department / Authority | Contact Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB), MHA | 011-23063111 secywarb-mha@nic.in | General PMSS scholarship-related queries and policy clarification |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) Helpdesk | 0120-6619540 | NSP portal login, registration, OTP, and technical support |
| WARB Office Address | Room No. 204-205, 2nd Floor, F Wing, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011 | Official correspondence and administrative support |
Important: Students should contact only official WARB or NSP support channels and avoid unofficial PMSS portals, fake scholarship agents, or unauthorised registration websites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for CAPF & Assam Rifles?
Ans. PMSS for CAPF & Assam Rifles is a scholarship scheme operated by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for dependent wards and widows of eligible CAPF, Assam Rifles, and States/UTs Police martyr families pursuing professional and technical degree courses in India.
Q. Which forces are covered under PMSS?
Ans. BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, Assam Rifles, and eligible States/UTs Police martyr categories are covered under PMSS.
Q. When was PMSS launched?
Ans. PMSS for CAPFs & Assam Rifles started from the academic year 2006-07. The States/UTs Police martyr category was added from the academic year 2019-20.
Q. How many scholarships are available every year?
Ans. A total of 2,500 scholarships are available every academic year, including 2,000 scholarships for CAPFs & Assam Rifles and 500 scholarships for States/UTs Police martyr category.
Q. Is there any separate force-wise quota for BSF, CRPF, CISF, or ITBP?
Ans. No. The PMSS merit list is prepared at the national level, and there is no fixed force-wise or state-wise quota under the scheme.
Q. What scholarship amount do selected students receive?
Ans. Eligible male students receive ₹2,500 per month while eligible female students receive ₹3,000 per month under PMSS.
Q. What is the minimum marks requirement for PMSS?
Ans. Fresh applicants must secure a minimum 60% marks in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ).
Q. What marks are considered for CBSE students?
Ans. For CBSE students, PMSS authorities calculate MEQ percentage using the best five subjects out of a total of 500 marks.
Q. Are lateral entry B.Tech students eligible?
Ans. Yes. Students taking direct second-year B.Tech admission after Diploma are eligible if the Diploma aggregate is a minimum 60%.
Q. Can married applicants apply under PMSS?
Ans. Yes. Marital status of the applicant does not affect PMSS eligibility according to official guidelines.
Q. Does the compassionate appointment of a spouse affect eligibility?
Ans. No. Compassionate appointment of spouse or next of kin does not affect the eligibility of dependent wards under PMSS.
Q. Can students receive PMSS along with SC/ST/OBC welfare scholarships?
Ans. Yes. Welfare-based scholarships and PMSS may continue simultaneously according to official de-duplication rules because PMSS is treated as a merit-based scholarship.
Q. Can students receiving another merit scholarship apply for PMSS?
Ans. No. Students already receiving another merit-based scholarship or stipend generally remain ineligible under PMSS.
Q. Are distance learning or correspondence courses eligible?
Ans. No. Distance learning, correspondence, and unapproved courses are not eligible under PMSS.
Q. What happens if a student changes course or college after selection?
Ans. Scholarship may get cancelled automatically if the student changes course, college, or institute after PMSS selection.
Q. Can students studying abroad apply under PMSS?
Ans. No. PMSS applies only to students studying in India.
Q. How many children from one family can receive the PMSS benefit?
Ans. A maximum of two children from one family can receive scholarship benefits under PMSS.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for PMSS?
Ans. Yes. Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID is mandatory. Minor applicants may initially use parent/guardian Aadhaar details.
Q. Can applicants edit their applications after final submission?
Ans. Normally, no editing is allowed after the final submission. However, applicants may withdraw and reapply before the Force Nodal Officer verification closes.
Q. What happens if false information or fake documents are submitted?
Ans. Scholarship may get cancelled, recovery with interest may start, and the applicant may get blacklisted from Central Government scholarship schemes for up to five years.
Q. Through which portal should students apply for PMSS?
Ans. Students need to apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.