Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme For Railway Protection Force (RPF) 2025–26

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) is a significant welfare initiative by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. Announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 15th August 2005 during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, this scheme was officially introduced in the academic year 2008–09. It aims to promote higher technical and professional education among the wards and widows of Ex/Serving RPF and RPSF personnel who serve the nation with dedication. Through this scholarship, the government encourages the dependents of these personnel to pursue advanced education and achieve professional excellence.

Important Dates for PMSS RPF 2025–26

Objectives of the Scheme

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for RPF/RPSF has been introduced with the following key objectives:

1. Encourage Higher Education: To promote technical and professional education among the wards and widows of RPF/RPSF personnel.
2. Provide Financial Assistance: To support the education of meritorious students who belong to RPF/RPSF families.
3. Honor Service and Sacrifice: To acknowledge the dedicated service of personnel who protect railway property and passengers.
4. Empower Female Students: To promote gender equality through dedicated scholarships for female dependents.
5. Develop Skilled Professionals: To nurture educated and skilled individuals contributing to India’s progress.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Total Scholarships: A total of 150 scholarships are available every academic session under this scheme.
2. Gender Quota: Half of the scholarships (75) are reserved for female candidates to promote women’s education.
3. Duration: Scholarships are awarded for 2 to 5 years, depending on the duration of the course.
4. Prime Minister’s Letter: Selected candidates receive a personal letter of appreciation from the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
5. Transparent Payment: Scholarship amounts are transferred directly to the student’s bank account under the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
6. Merit-Based Selection: Candidates are selected based on their academic performance and eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Amount

The scholarship amount is paid after the approval of the Director General (DG), RPF, based on merit. The scholarship continues until the completion of the course, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for RPF/RPSF 2025–26, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Eligible Beneficiaries

• Wards and widows of Ex/Serving RPF/RPSF personnel (below Gazetted rank).
• Wards/widows of personnel who died in service or in action.
• Wards of retired RPF/RPSF personnel.

Academic Requirements

• Students must have secured at least 60% marks in the Minimum Entry Qualification (MEQ) (12th, Diploma, or Graduation).
• Only regularly enrolled students in approved AICTE, UGC, NCTE, MCI institutions are eligible.
• Distance learning or foreign university students are not eligible.
• PMSS can be availed for one professional course only.

Courses Eligible

Professional degree programs such as:

• Engineering (BE, B.Tech)
• Medical (MBBS, BDS)
• Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
• Computer Applications (BCA, MCA)
• Business Administration (BBA, MBA)
• Education (B.Ed)
• Law (BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB)
• Agriculture (B.Sc Agriculture)
• Other professional programs approved by respective regulatory bodies.

Note: Master’s degree programs are not eligible except MBA and MCA.

Reservation Policy

• 50% of the total 150 scholarships are reserved for female candidates.
• The unutilized quota for one gender cannot be transferred to another.
• Scholarships are allocated among Zonal Railways and RPSF as per a fixed distribution plan.

Distribution of Scholarships

Selection and Preference Order

If applications exceed available seats, selection will be made based on the following order of preference:

1. Category I: Wards/widows of ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died in harness due to terrorist/criminal encounters or while protecting railway property and passengers.
2. Category II: Wards/widows of ex-RPF/RPSF personnel who died while in service.
3. Category III: Wards of retired RPF/RPSF personnel.
4. Category IV: Wards of serving RPF/RPSF personnel.

In case of a tie, the older candidate will be given preference.

Application Process (Step by Step)

The application process for PMSS RPF 2025–26 is completely online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Step 1: Registration

• Visit the National Scholarship Portal and click on “New Registration.”
• Read all instructions carefully and proceed.
• Provide details like mobile number, email ID, Aadhaar number, and personal information.

Step 2: Login

• After registration, you will receive a Student Registration ID.
• Use this ID and password to log in to your account.

Step 3: Application Form

• Choose “Central Schemes” → “Ministry of Railways.”
• Select “Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for RPF/RPSF.”
• Fill in your personal, educational, and bank details accurately.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of the following documents in PDF/JPEG format:

1. Service Certificate (for serving personnel) or PPO/Discharge Certificate (for retired personnel)
2. Marksheet of 12th/Diploma/Graduation (as applicable)
3. Aadhaar Card
4. Bank account details (in the name of the student)
5. Passport-size photograph

Step 5: Final Submission

• Review all the details carefully.
• Click on “Final Submit.”
• On successful submission, a system-generated registration number will be issued for future tracking.

Post-Application Verification

After submission, applications go through multiple verification stages:

1. Institutional Verification: The applicant’s institute verifies all submitted details online.
2. Zonal Railway Verification: Respective RPF/RPSF zones cross-verify data and eligibility.
3. Final Compilation: The Railway Board Security Directorate compiles the final merit list.
4. Approval and Disbursement: The final list is approved by DG/RPF, and the scholarship amount is disbursed via PFMS under DBT.

Documents Required

For Fresh Applicants

• Service Certificate (for serving personnel)
• PPO/Discharge Certificate (for retired or deceased personnel)
• Marksheet of the qualifying examination (12th/Diploma/Graduation)
• Aadhaar Card
• Bank Passbook copy

For Renewal Applicants

• Latest Service Certificate
• Marksheet/Proof of promotion to the next academic year