National Scheme Of Welfare Of Fishermen 2026

This scheme, active since the 2006-07 academic year, aims to support the higher technical and professional education Read More... of widows and wards of deceased or retired Armed Forces and Ex-Coast Guard personnel. Read less

Details

The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is a crucial initiative by the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. Launched in the 2006-07 academic year, it encourages widows and wards of our brave deceased or retired Armed Forces and Ex-Coast Guard personnel to pursue advanced technical and professional education.

What Is This Scheme?

The PMSS is funded by the National Defence Fund and managed by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB). It provides financial assistance for students pursuing various technical courses like medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, MBA, and MCA, provided these institutions are approved by AICTE or UGC.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed for the dependent wards and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel. It specifically targets individuals who have demonstrated academic merit and wish to continue their higher education in approved technical and professional degree courses.

Why This Scheme Is Important

PMSS plays a vital role in ensuring that the families of our defense personnel receive support for higher education. It acknowledges the sacrifices made by ex-servicemen and helps their dependents build bright futures through quality education, thereby contributing to a skilled workforce in technical and professional fields.

Objective

This scheme, active since the 2006-07 academic year, aims to support the higher technical and professional education of widows and wards of deceased or retired Armed Forces and Ex-Coast Guard personnel.

Benefits

Here are the features and benefits that this government scheme for fishermen offers -Housing FacilityThe National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen offers fishermen facilities for constructing houses. There is no upper limit for building homes in a particular village as it entirely depends on the number of fishermen residing. States through this scheme ensure equal distribution of houses among all fishermen. Also, this government-backed scheme dictates the house construction with a base area within 35 sq. mt. Also, the cost must not exceed ₹75,000.Construction of Common FacilityThis government-backed scheme ensures building a community hall in some instances if there are more than 75 houses in a village. This scheme will build a community hall (with two toilets and a tube well) with a base area measuring 200 sq. mt. and within ₹2 lakh. Fishermen can use this community hall as a mending shed and a drying yard.Assurance of Clean Drinking WaterThis scheme offers a tube well for every 20 houses. Also, depending on the requirement, the number of tube wells is increased. In addition, this scheme provides an alternative option where tubewell installation is not possible.Insurance Facility(For Group Accident Insurance for Active Fishermen)- This scheme provides fisherfolk or licensed or identified or registered with the States or Union Territory ₹50,000 in case of death or permanent total disability. Also, this scheme provides ₹25,000 for partial permanent disability.Here, the insurance cover will continue for 12 months, and FISHCOPFED would take out a policy. Also, under this scheme, the affected fishermen will have to pay an annual premium worth ₹15 (per head). Here, the Central Government will pay 50%, and the State Government will pay the remaining 50% subsidy as grants-in-aid. In the case of Union Territories, the Central Government will bear a 100% premium.On the other hand, those States/UT’s, which subscribed to this Group Accident Insurance for Active Fishermen through FISHCOPFED, will get a Central share of assistance (100% premium for Union Territories) directly through FISHCOPFED and not through States/UT’s.Saving cum reliefThe National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen further offers a savings cum relief scheme. This scheme component collects ₹75 from marine fishermen for 8 months in a year. Total ₹600 needs to be collected to match an equal amount worth ₹600 provided by the State and Central Government to segregate on a 50:50 basis. If any fishermen fail to make payment, the authorities will refund the paid amount with interest at the end of the 4th month. Also, the ‘lean months’ provisions vary from a coastal area or marine area, which FISHCOPFED decides entirely.Now that individuals know about this government scheme for fishermen, i.e. the National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen, they avail funds and construct houses of their own.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:

Admission must be in the first year of a professional degree course during the current financial year (Lateral entry candidates are not eligible).
A minimum score of 60% or above is required in the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ), which could be 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation.
Applicants must be dependent wards or widows of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
Master's degree courses are generally not covered, except for MBA and MCA.
A student can avail the scholarship for only one course.

Priority for Grant of Scholarship:

Applications are prioritized based on the following categories:

Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel killed in action.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel disabled in action and discharged with a disability attributable to service.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel who died while in service due to causes attributable to service.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel disabled in service with a disability attributable to service.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel who have received gallantry awards.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel (PBOR Only).

Eligible Courses:

The scheme covers first-professional degree courses recognized by government regulatory bodies. This includes programs like BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, B.Ed, BBA, BCA, B.Pharma, BA.LLB, and other equivalent technical courses. For a complete list, please refer to the PMSS Approved Courses list.

Scholarship for Integrated Courses:

For dual degree integrated courses, candidates must have completed 10+2 as their Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ). The scholarship covers the entire duration of the course, excluding any internship period.

Minimum Eligible Marks in MEQ:

The specific MEQ varies per course (e.g., 10+2 for MBBS, Graduation for B.Ed/MBA). However, all applicants must achieve a minimum of 60% marks in their MEQ. This calculation includes all subjects, including optional ones. If both marks and CGPA are provided on the marksheet, marks will be used. If only CGPA/grade points are mentioned, a university-issued percentage conversion formula must be submitted along with the marksheet.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) website: www.online.ksb.gov.in.
Carefully fill in all the required details in the online application form.
Upload all necessary scanned documents as specified in the 'Documents Required' section.
Ensure that all submitted information is accurate and complete.
The application window typically opens annually, with a deadline usually around November 30th. Keep an eye on the KSB website and advertisements for exact dates.

Official Application Portal:

Apply online at: http://online.ksb.gov.in/

Documents Required

Applicants need to scan and upload the following original documents:

Annexure-1: Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Certificate, duly filled and signed by ZSB/Coast Guard HQ. (Format available here)
Annexure-2: Bonafide Certificate, correctly filled and signed by the Vice Chancellor/ Principal/ Dean/ Director of the institute. (Format available here)
Annexure-3: Certificate from the student's bank confirming Aadhaar Card linkage with the bank account. (Format available here)
Matriculation Certificate (for Date of Birth verification).
Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) certificate (e.g., 10+2 Marksheet, Graduation mark sheets, Diploma mark sheets).
First page of Bank Pass Book (preferably SBI/PNB) showing student's name, account number, and IFSC code (must be printed, not handwritten).
Student's Aadhaar Card.
For Category 6: Original PPO or ESM Identity Card.
For Categories 1 to 5 (if applicable): Copy of relevant documents like Part II Order (Army), Gen form (Navy), POR (Air Force), or Award Certificate with Gazette Notification.

Renewal Documents:

For scholarship renewal, the following documents are required:

Annexure-1 (Revised): Bonafide Certificate signed by the Institution Head. (Download)
Annexure-2 (Revised): Certificate/Undertaking from Student/ESM. (Download)
Annexure-3 (Revised): Aadhaar Linking Certificate from Bank Manager (SBI/PNB only). (Download)
Original mark sheets (both semesters/academic year) issued by the university.
Annexure-4 (if applicable): Certificate signed by the University for students whose mark sheets are issued upon completion of the entire course. (Download)
First page of Bank Pass Book or cancelled cheque leaf (printed name and account number).
Student's Aadhaar Card (showing name and address).

Important Note: Failure to upload any of the required documents will result in the rejection of your application.

FAQ’s

Who is eligible to apply for the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme?

The scheme is open to dependent wards of Ex-Servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel, as well as their widows. Applicants must be pursuing higher technical and professional degree courses. Only personnel below officer rank are considered for this scholarship.

What is the minimum academic score required to apply?

To be eligible, students must have secured 60% or more in their Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ). This applies to 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation levels, depending on the course requirements.

Can I apply for the scholarship if I'm in my second year of a professional degree course?

No, applications are only accepted for students who have newly enrolled in the first year of their professional degree course. Lateral entry candidates and those applying for subsequent years are not eligible.

Are Master's degree courses covered under PMSS?

Generally, Master's degree courses are not covered. However, the scheme specifically includes MBA and MCA programs.

What is the last date to submit the application for PMSS, and how can I find out?

An advertisement is published in major newspapers nationwide around August each year. You can also find information through Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs) and Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs). The online application typically closes by November 30th. It's best to check the KSB website for the most current deadlines.

How will I know if I have been selected for the PMSS Merit List?

Once the merit list is finalized, it is uploaded on the KSB website (www.online.ksb.gov.in) and also sent to all Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs). You can also monitor your application status online.

Are diploma courses eligible for this scholarship?

No, the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme is exclusively for professional degree courses that are recognized by government regulatory bodies such as AICTE, National Medical Commission (NMC), UGC, etc.

Is it mandatory to submit a copy of the Discharge Book with the application?

No, the Discharge Book itself is not required. However, you must submit Annexure-1 of the application form, which needs to be duly signed by the Secretary/Director of the respective ZSB/RSB or Coast Guard HQ.

What happens if a selected student doesn't claim their scholarship amount?

If a student fails to claim their scholarship by submitting the required Payment-cum-Renewal Form after the declaration of results for each academic year, their application will be permanently closed, and they will not be eligible to receive the scholarship further.

Are integrated courses like B.Sc B.Ed or BA+LLB eligible for PMSS?

Yes, these types of integrated courses are considered eligible for the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme.

Can I apply for PMSS if I am pursuing my studies abroad?

No, the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme is only applicable to students studying within India.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

You need to apply online by visiting the KSB website at www.ksb.gov.in. The website also provides a flowchart to guide you through the application process.