Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for Railway Protection Force 2026
This scholarship aims to support the higher technical and professional education of children and widows of Railway Read More... Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel. Read less
Details
The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) was announced by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India in 2005. It was rolled out in the academic year 2008-09 to boost higher technical and professional education for the family members of RPF/RPSF personnel.
What Is This Scheme?
The PMSS offers financial support for dependent wards of ex-serving and serving RPF/RPSF personnel, as well as widows (below the rank of Gazetted officer). The goal is to ensure they can pursue advanced studies in technical and professional fields without financial strain.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
The scheme is designed for the children and widows of RPF/RPSF personnel who are below the rank of Gazetted officer. This includes both active and retired personnel, and those who may have passed away in service or due to specific work-related causes.
Why This Scheme Is Important
This initiative plays a crucial role in recognizing the service and sacrifice of RPF/RPSF personnel by investing in the future of their families. It opens doors to quality education and better career opportunities, contributing to the overall well-being and professional growth of the beneficiaries.
Objective
Benefits
1. The amount of the scholarship would be as follows:
(i) ₹2500/- per month for male students
(ii) ₹3000/- per month for female students
2. Letter from Hon’ble Prime Minister - All applicants selected under the new category will be given a personal letter from Hon’ble Prime Minister in appropriate language.
3. Duration of the Scholarship: Two to five years as per the duration of the course.
Note:The payment of the scholarship will be granted after approval of the DG/RPF as per order of merit in each year.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Applicant Type: Dependent children and widows (below Gazetted officer rank) of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel.
- Admission: Must have secured regular admission to a course.
- Academic Performance: A minimum of 60% or equivalent grade in the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) such as 12th Std., Diploma, or Graduation is required.
- Family Limit: The scholarship is limited to a maximum of two wards per family.
- Institution Recognition: The institute, university, or college must be recognized under the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) regulations.
- Location of Study: Students studying abroad are not eligible.
- Course Type: Distance learning courses are not permitted.
- Number of Courses: The scholarship can be availed for only one course.
Eligible Courses
Professional Degree Courses like BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, BEd, BBS, BCA, MCA, B.Pharma, etc., that are duly recognized by government regulatory bodies like AICTE, MCI, UGC, NCTE. Master's degree courses are generally not eligible, except for MBA and MCA.
Minimum Marks in MEQ
At least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) for entry into various professional courses:
- Medical Courses (MBBS and equivalent): 12th Standard
- Engineering (B.E., B.Tech): 10+2 or Diploma (for lateral entry)
- Other Degree Courses (BBA, BCA, B.Sc. (Ag), etc.): 12th Standard
- Postgraduate/Professional Degrees (MBA, B.Ed., MCA): Graduation
- Integrated Law Courses (5-year): 12th Standard
Order of Preference
In case of more applications than available scholarships, preference will be given in the following order:
- Wards/widows of ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died in harness due to terrorism or criminal encounters, or during election work.
- Wards/Widows of ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died while in service.
- Wards of retired RPF/RPSF personnel.
- Wards of serving RPF/RPSF personnel.
How To Apply
Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for Railway Protection Force (RPF) through the National Scholarship Portal. The application process is online.
- Visit the official National Scholarship Portal: https://scholarships.gov.in/
- Register yourself and fill out the application form with accurate details.
- Upload all the required documents as specified.
- Submit the application form before the closing date.
Note: Please refer to the portal for the exact application deadlines and any specific instructions for fresh or renewal applications.
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following documents. Ensure you have scanned copies ready for upload:
For Fresh Applicants:
- Service Certificate: Issued by the respective offices for serving personnel (Category IV). Refer to Annexure II for the format.
- Proof of Identity/Service: A copy of the PPO (Pension Payment Order), Discharge Certificate, or Discharge Book for Categories I, II, and III.
- Academic Marksheet: Scanned copy of the marksheet or Grade Card of the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) - 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation.
- Aadhaar Card.
- Bank Account Details.
For Renewal Applicants:
- Latest Service Certificate: Issued by the respective offices for serving personnel (Category IV). Refer to Annexure II for the format.
- Latest Academic Marksheet: Scanned copy of the marksheet or Grade Card of the previous class, or proof of progression to the next class, issued by a competent authority.
Official Sources:
- Guidelines: Scholarship Guidelines
FAQ’s
When was the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for RPF introduced?
The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for RPF was introduced in the academic year 2008-09, following its announcement on August 15, 2005.
What is the scholarship amount for male and female students?
Male students receive ₹2500/- per month, while female students receive ₹3000/- per month under this scheme.
Who announced the PMSS for RPF?
The scheme was announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.
Can a student apply if they are studying abroad?
No, students who are pursuing their education outside India are not eligible for this scholarship.
What is the minimum percentage required in the last qualifying exam?
You need to have secured at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade in your Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ), which could be your 12th Std., Diploma, or Graduation.
How many students can receive the scholarship annually?
A total of 150 students are selected each academic session. Out of these, 75 scholarships are specifically reserved for female candidates.
Is it possible to get the scholarship for more than one child in a family?
No, the scholarship is admissible for only two children per family. This needs to be confirmed by both the beneficiaries and the concerned zonal railways/RPSF.
Are Master's degree courses covered under this scholarship?
Master's degree courses are generally not eligible, except for MBA and MCA programs.
Which types of courses are eligible for this scholarship?
Professional degree courses like BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, BEd, BBS, BCA, MCA, and B. Pharma are eligible, provided they are recognized by government regulatory bodies. Master's degrees are eligible only if they are MBA or MCA.
Does the scheme cover distance learning programs?
No, this scheme does not permit or cover distance learning courses.
Where can I find the official guidelines for this scheme?
You can find the official guidelines and the format for the service certificate (Annexure II) at the provided link: https://scholarships.gov.in/public/schemeGuidelines/MORB_GL.pdf
What is the primary goal of the PMSS for RPF?
The main aim is to encourage and support dependent wards of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows in pursuing higher technical and professional education.
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