Education is the right of every child, and it is the strongest foundation for building the future of the country. But sometimes due to financial difficulties, some families are unable to provide higher education to their children. Especially in the families of those who are deployed day and night for the security of the country, such as the soldiers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles (AR). To help the children of these heroes in their studies, the Government of India has launched the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles. This scheme provides financial assistance to children who want to pursue their studies after matriculation. In this article, we will talk about this scheme in simple and clear language, so that you can easily understand it and take advantage of it.

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Children of Police Personnel Martyrs in Terror/Naxal Attacks: Educational support to children of heroes

What is this Scheme?

Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) is run under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance for higher education to the children of soldiers of Central Armed Police Forces (such as BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, CISF) and Assam Rifles, their widows, or martyrs. This scheme is for those children who want to study 11th, 12th, graduation, post-graduation, or professional courses like engineering, medical, law, management etc. after passing 10th class (matriculation).

The aim of this scheme is to ensure that the children of soldiers who risk their lives for the country do not leave their studies due to financial constraints. This not only gives a better future to the children but also provides respect and support to the families who are dedicated to serving the country.

Who Can Avail the Benefit of this Scheme?

There are some necessary conditions to take advantage of this scheme. Let us understand them in simple language:

• Eligible Persons:
  • Serving or retired personnel of Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, CISF) or Assam Rifles.
  • Children of martyred soldiers.
  • Widows of CAPF or Assam Rifles personnel.
• Level of education: This scheme is for post-matric studies, i.e. studies after class 10. It includes 11th, 12th, graduation, post graduation, diploma, and professional courses (like MBBS, B.Tech, BBA, BCA, LLB etc.).
• Minimum marks: It is necessary to have at least 60% marks in the previous class. If a child is from SC/ST category, then there can be some relaxation in this.
• Regular studies: The student must be studying regularly in a recognized school, college, or institute. Distance learning or correspondence courses are not covered under this scheme.
• First time professional course: If the student is taking admission in a professional degree course (like Engineering, Medical, Law) for the first time then preference is given.
• Family Status: This scheme is exclusively for children whose parents are serving, retired, or martyred in CAPFs or Assam Rifles.

How Much is the Scholarship Amount?

The amount of scholarship under this scheme varies based on gender and course. Its details are given below:

• For girls: Rs 3,000 per month (Rs 36,000 per annum).
• For boys: Rs 2,500 per month (Rs 30,000 per annum).

This amount is given for the duration of the course, such as 3 years for graduation, 4 years for engineering, or 5 years for medical courses. This money is sent directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Apart from this, in some special cases, additional help can also be given for tuition fees or other educational expenses.

How to Apply?

To avail the benefits of this scheme, it is important to understand the application process. The government has made it easy and online. The step-by-step process is given below:

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal: You need to visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) (www.scholarships.gov.in). Select the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme option there.
• Register: If you are applying for the first time, then register on the portal. For this, Aadhaar number, mobile number, and email ID will be required.
• Fill the form: After registration, you will have to fill an online form. It will contain your personal details, educational details, and parent service related information.
• Upload required documents: You will need to upload some documents, such as:
  • CAPF/Assam Rifles Identity Card or Service Certificate.
  • 10th and 12th mark sheets.
  • Aadhar card.
  • Bank account statement (copy of the first page).
  • Certificate of admission to the course.
  • If the parents are martyrs, then their certificate.
  • Passport size photo.
• Submit: Submit the form and documents after checking them carefully. You will get an application number, keep it safe.
• Verification: After the application is submitted, the documents will be verified by your school/college and the concerned CAPF/Assam Rifles office. If everything is found correct, the scholarship will be transferred to your account.

Benefits of this Scheme

This scheme is helpful in many ways. Some of the major benefits are as follows:

• Financial Aid: This scheme is a great support for those families who do not have enough resources to bear the expenses of higher education.
• Promotion of Education: This scheme motivates children towards professional courses and higher education so that they can make a better career.
• Respect and Support: This scheme gives respect to the soldiers and their families who are deployed in the service of the country.
• Transparent process: Online application and DBT ensures that the money reaches the right person at the right time.

Some Important Things

• Application Deadline: The last date for application is fixed every year, which is usually between August to November. So apply on time.
• Veracity of documents: Submission of incorrect or incomplete documents may result in rejection of the application. Fill all the information correctly and completely.
• Limited seats: A limited number of scholarships are awarded every year under this scheme. So it is beneficial to apply early.
• Help Desk: In case you have any problem in applying, contact your nearest CAPF/Assam Rifles office or school/college administration.

What to do if the Application is Rejected?

Sometimes the application may get rejected due to technical reasons, incomplete documents, or incorrect information. If this happens, do not panic. You can check the status of your application on the National Scholarship Portal. Contact your CAPF/Assam Rifles office or the portal’s helpline number to know the reason for rejection. After correcting the reason, you can apply again in the next session.

Some Motivational Stories

This scheme has given a new direction to the lives of many children. For example, Priya, the daughter of a CRPF jawan, completed her MBBS with the help of this scheme. Today she is a doctor and the pride of her family. Similarly, Rahul, the son of a martyred Assam Rifles jawan, earned an engineering degree with the help of this scholarship and is now working in a good company. These stories show that with the right opportunity and hard work, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles is a scheme that empowers the children of the country’s brave soldiers through education. It not only provides financial help but also honours the families who serve the country day and night. If you or someone you know is eligible for this scheme, then don’t waste time. Apply today on the National Scholarship Portal and give wings to your children’s dreams.

For more details, you can visit National Scholarship Portal (www.scholarships.gov.in) or contact your nearest CAPF/Assam Rifles office.