Education has become the most powerful tool for economic upliftment, career growth, and empowerment in the modern era. However, the rising cost of education, especially in the field of technical and professional studies, has become a huge financial burden for families. To address this challenge, the Government of India through its various ministries and departments has launched several scholarship programs. Among them, the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is one of the most significant financial aid initiatives.
For the academic year 2025–26, the Railway Ministry has rolled out the PMSS specifically for the children and widows of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel. This guide explains everything you need to know about the scheme — its objectives, eligibility, benefits, required documents, and the step-by-step process of applying online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
1. Introduction to the Scheme
The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) was originally launched to provide financial assistance to the dependent children and widows of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, and RPF/RPSF personnel. The scheme ensures that the families of security personnel who serve the nation do not face difficulties in educating their children, especially in technical and professional courses.
For the 2025–26 academic year, the focus is on:
- Supporting the children and widows of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) members.
- Ensuring financial aid is provided to pursue higher technical and professional education.
- Offering equal opportunities to both male and female students, with slightly higher benefits for girls to encourage women’s education.
This scheme not only reduces the financial burden of tuition fees but also empowers students to pursue careers in engineering, medicine, law, pharmacy, computer science, teaching, and other professional sectors.
2. Objectives of PMSS for RPF/RPSF (2025–26)
The objectives of this scheme are clear and purposeful:
- Educational Empowerment – To promote higher technical and professional education among the children of RPF/RPSF personnel.
- Financial Support – To reduce the financial burden of high tuition fees by providing monthly scholarships.
- Encouragement for Girls – By offering higher scholarships to female candidates, the scheme promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Welfare of Security Forces – The scheme acknowledges the service and sacrifices of railway security personnel by supporting their families.
- Merit Recognition – Students with good academic performance (minimum 60% in qualifying exams) are encouraged to continue higher studies.
3. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the PMSS under the Railway Ministry, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:
3.1 Who Can Apply?
- Dependent children (sons/daughters) of RPF/RPSF personnel below the rank of Gazetted Officer.
- Widows of RPF/RPSF personnel.
3.2 Academic Year Requirement
- Students must have secured admission in the academic year 2025–26.
- They must apply for PMSS in the same academic year.
3.3 Educational Qualification
- Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ): Students must have passed Class 12 (10+2), a diploma, or an undergraduate degree with at least 60% marks.
3.4 Courses Covered
The scholarship is available only for professional degree programs recognized by regulatory bodies such as:
- AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)
- UGC (University Grants Commission)
- MCI (Medical Council of India)
- NCTE (National Council for Teacher Education)
Eligible courses include:
- Engineering & Technology – BE, B.Tech
- Medical Sciences – MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS
- Pharmacy – B.Pharma
- Computer & IT – BCA, MCA
- Law – LLB
- Education – B.Ed, M.Ed
- Other Professional Degrees recognized by government authorities
Note: General degree courses like BA, B.Sc, or B.Com are not covered.
4. Scholarship Benefits
The scheme provides direct monthly financial aid to students, with differential benefits for male and female candidates.
- For Male Candidates: ₹2,500 per month
- For Female Candidates: ₹3,000 per month
4.1 Duration of the Scholarship
- The scholarship is available for the entire duration of the course, provided the student passes each academic year.
- Payment is made for 10 months per academic year.
4.2 Mode of Payment
- The scholarship amount is transferred directly to the student’s bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
5. Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare specific documents for the online application.
5.1 For Fresh Applicants
- Service Certificate (Annexure II) issued by the respective office for Category IV applicants.
- PPO (Pension Payment Order) / Discharge Certificate / Book – Mandatory for Category I, II, and III.
- Scanned copy of MEQ Marksheet (10+2, Diploma, or Degree).
5.2 For Renewal Applicants
- Updated Service Certificate – Issued by the concerned office (Annexure II).
- Scanned copy of Previous Year’s Marksheet / Grade Card or Promotion Proof issued by a competent authority.
6. Application Process
The application for PMSS 2025 is only accepted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Below is the detailed step-by-step process:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the NSP official website.
- Click on the ‘New Registration’ button.
- Fill in the required details (name, DOB, mobile number, email, etc.).
- Read all instructions carefully, tick the declaration box, and click ‘Continue’.
Step 2: Verification via OTP
- Enter the mobile number and complete the OTP verification.
- A temporary registration number is generated.
Step 3: One Time Registration (OTR)
- Log in with your registration details.
- Fill in personal, academic, and bank account details.
- Complete the face authentication process via the NSP mobile app.
- Save and submit the OTR details.
Step 4: Scholarship Application
- Log in again using OTR credentials.
- Navigate to ‘Apply for Scholarship’.
- Select PMSS for RPF/RPSF personnel (2025–26).
- Fill in all required details carefully.
- Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format.
- Submit the application.
Step 5: Final Submission
- After submission, take a printout of the application for reference.
- Track application status regularly through the NSP portal.
7. Important Dates
- Application Start Date: Already Open for 2025–26 Academic Year
- Last Date to Apply: 31st October 2025
- Verification by Institutions: As per NSP guidelines
- Scholarship Disbursement: Expected in early 2026 after verification
8. Key Instructions for Applicants
- Ensure that the bank account is in the student’s name and linked with Aadhaar.
- Double-check all details before submission, as no correction window is available later.
- Face authentication is mandatory for completing OTR.
- Use a functional mobile number and email ID for OTP and updates.
- Renewal applicants must pass the previous year’s exam to continue receiving the scholarship.
9. Benefits of the Scheme for Families
The PMSS for RPF/RPSF personnel provides multiple advantages:
- Reduced Financial Stress – Helps families bear the rising cost of higher education.
- Encouragement to Pursue Professional Courses – Students can aim for better career opportunities.
- Support for Widows – Ensures that widows of deceased personnel can educate their children without financial barriers.
- Gender Equality in Education – By offering higher scholarships to female students, the scheme reduces the gender gap.
- Nation’s Gratitude – Reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the contribution of RPF/RPSF in ensuring railway safety.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who is eligible for the PMSS 2025 under RPF/RPSF?
Ans: Children and widows of RPF/RPSF personnel below the Gazetted Officer rank.
Q2. Can I apply if I am pursuing BA or B.Com?
Ans: No. Only professional degree courses like engineering, medicine, law, pharmacy, etc., are covered.
Q3. How much scholarship will I get as a female student?
Ans: Female students receive ₹3,000 per month.
Q4. Is renewal automatic every year?
Ans: No. Students must apply for renewal every year with the latest marksheet and service certificate.
Q5. Can I apply offline?
Ans: No. Applications are accepted only online through NSP.
11. Step-By-Step Example (Case Study)
Let’s take an example:
- Applicant: Priya, daughter of an RPSF Sub-Inspector
- Course: B.Tech in Computer Science (4 years)
- Eligibility: Secured 75% in Class 12, admitted in 2025–26 academic year
- Scholarship Amount: ₹3,000 per month × 10 months × 4 years = ₹1,20,000 over the course duration
This scholarship will reduce her family’s financial pressure and allow her to complete engineering without depending heavily on education loans.
The NSP Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme 2025 for RPF/RPSF is a landmark initiative that empowers the children and widows of railway security personnel. By supporting professional and technical education, the scheme not only benefits individual families but also contributes to the nation’s development by creating a skilled workforce.
For students who meet the eligibility criteria, this is a golden opportunity to secure financial assistance and pursue their dreams in fields like engineering, medicine, pharmacy, law, and IT. With simple online application steps and transparent disbursement through NSP, the scheme stands as one of the most reliable and impactful scholarships in India.
Last Date to Apply: 31st October 2025
Apply Online via NSP: National Scholarship Portal