National Scheme Of Welfare Of Fishermen 2026

This scheme supports the higher technical and professional education of widows and wards of deceased or ex-service Read More... personnel from the Armed Forces and Coast Guard. Read less

Details

The Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is a key initiative by the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence. Launched in the academic year 2006-07, its main goal is to promote technical and higher education among the dependents of our brave ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel. The scheme is funded by the National Defence Fund, managed by the Prime Minister's Office, and administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB).

What is the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)?

PMSS offers financial assistance to students pursuing various technical courses. This includes medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, MBA, MCA, and other equivalent professional degrees. The aim is to ensure that family members of those who served the nation get a fair chance at quality education and a bright future.

Who is this Scheme For?

The scheme is specifically designed for the dependent wards and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel. It prioritizes those who have demonstrated academic merit and wish to pursue higher education in approved professional courses.

Why is this Scheme Important?

This scheme recognizes the sacrifices made by our armed forces and coast guard personnel. By supporting their children's education, PMSS helps secure their future and ensures they can pursue advanced studies without financial barriers. It's a way of showing gratitude and ensuring continuity of opportunity for the families who have dedicated themselves to national service.

Objective

This scheme supports the higher technical and professional education of widows and wards of deceased or ex-service personnel from the Armed Forces and Coast Guard.

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

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme, you need to meet the following criteria:

You must be admitted to the first year of a professional degree course (excluding lateral entry).
You need to have secured 60% or more in your Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ), which could be 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation.
The applicant must be a dependent ward or widow of an Ex-Serviceman or Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
Master's Degree courses are generally not covered, except for MBA and MCA programs.
A student can receive the scholarship for only one course throughout their academic career.

Priority Categories for Scholarships:

Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel killed in action.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel disabled in action and medically boarded out due to service-related disability.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel who died while in service due to service-related causes.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel disabled while in service due to service-related disability.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel who have received gallantry awards.
Wards/Widows of ESM/Ex-Coast Guard personnel (Only for Personnel Below Officer Rank - PBOR).

Eligible Courses:

The scheme covers first professional degree courses recognized by government regulatory bodies like AICTE, UGC, and the National Medical Commission. This includes:

BE, B.Tech
BDS, MBBS
B.Ed
BBA, BCA
B Pharma
BA.LLB
And other equivalent integrated degree courses.

You can find a detailed list of approved courses here: PMSS Approved Courses

Scholarship for Integrated Courses:

For dual degree integrated courses, the scholarship is available for the entire duration of the course, excluding any internship period, as per the approved list.

Minimum Marks Requirement:

The MEQ required varies by course (e.g., 10+2 for MBBS, Graduation for B.Ed/MBA).
You must have scored a minimum of 60% in your MEQ. This calculation includes all subjects, including optional ones.
If both marks and CGPA are mentioned on your mark sheet, marks will be used.
If only CGPA is mentioned, you must submit a university-issued formula for converting CGPA to percentage.

How to Apply

The application process for the Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme is entirely online.

Visit the official Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) website: www.online.ksb.gov.in.
Complete the online application form carefully.
Upload all the required documents as specified.
Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline. Keep track of advertisements published in leading newspapers, usually in August, with a submission deadline around November 30th each year.

Documents You Need

Here's a list of documents you need to scan and upload for your application. Make sure they are clear and legible.

For Fresh Applications:

Ex-Servicemen / Ex-Coast Guard Certificate: Form Annexure-1, duly filled and signed by ZSB/Coast Guard HQ. (Download Annexure-1)
Bonafide Certificate: Form Annexure-2, duly filled and signed by the Head of the institution (Vice Chancellor/Principal/Dean etc.). (Download Annexure-2)
Student Bank Certificate: Form Annexure-3, confirming Aadhaar linking with the bank account. (Download Annexure-3)
Matriculation Certificate: To verify your Date of Birth.
Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) Certificate: Mark sheets for 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation (all semesters/years).
Bank Pass Book: First page, clearly showing your name, account number, and IFS code (preferably SBI/PNB, printed details only).
Aadhaar Card: Of the student.
For Categories 1-5: Supporting documents like Part II Order (Army), Gen Form (Navy), POR (Air Force), or Award Certificate with Gazette Notification.
For Category 6: Original PPO or ESM Identity Card.

Important Note: Incomplete applications or missing documents will lead to rejection.

For Renewal Applications:

Annexure-1: Bonafide Certificate signed by the institution head. (Download Annexure-1)
Annexure-2: Certificate/Undertaking from student/ESM. (Download Annexure-2)
Annexure-3: Aadhaar Linking Certificate from Bank Manager (SBI/PNB only). (Download Annexure-3)
Original Mark Sheets: For both semesters/academic year from the university.
Annexure-4: Certificate from University (if applicable). (Download Annexure-4)
First Page of Bank Pass Book or Cancelled Cheque Leaf: Showing student's name and account number.
Aadhaar Card: Of the student.

FAQ’s

Can I apply for PMSS if I am in my second year of a professional degree?

No, applications are only accepted for the first year of professional degree courses. Lateral entry students are also not eligible. You can apply if your admission falls between April 1st and November 30th of the current academic year.

What is the deadline to submit my PMSS application?

An advertisement is usually published in national newspapers in August each year. You should submit your online application by November 30th. The KSB website is the primary source for updates.

Are Master's degree courses eligible for this scholarship?

Generally, Master's degree courses are not covered under PMSS. However, MBA and MCA programs are exceptions and are eligible.

What are the minimum marks needed in my qualifying exam to apply?

You need to have secured at least 60% in your Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ), whether it's your 10+2, Diploma, or Graduation marks.

Who is eligible to apply for the PMSS?

The scheme is for dependent wards and widows of ex-servicemen and ex-Coast Guard personnel who are pursuing higher technical or professional degree courses. This applies to personnel below officer rank.

If a student doesn't claim their scholarship amount, what happens?

If a student fails to claim their scholarship by submitting the required renewal or payment form after each academic year's results are declared, their application will be permanently closed.

Do I need to submit a copy of the Discharge Book with my application?

No, the Discharge Book itself is not required. You only need to submit Annexure-1 of the application form, which must be duly signed by the Secretary/Director of the ZSB/RSB/Coast Guard HQs.

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

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

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

Yes, integrated courses such as B.Sc B.Ed and BA+LLB are considered eligible for the PMSS.

Can I apply for the PMSS if I'm studying abroad?

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

Are Diploma courses eligible for this scholarship?

No, the PMSS is exclusively for professional degree courses that are recognized by government regulatory bodies like AICTE, UGC, and the National Medical Commission.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

You need to apply online through the official KSB website, which is www.online.ksb.gov.in. The website also provides a helpful flowchart under the 'How to Apply for Scholarship' link.