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PM Scholarship Scheme for 12th Pass Students: Top 4 Options, Eligibility & How to Apply

Written ByAnkita Singha
Calander
Updated on18 Mar, 2026
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To shape students’ lives, education is a key way to gain knowledge, skills, and better empowerment. Students after completion of class 12 become more curious to explore different types of courses for shaping their careers. 

One of the popular examples, the PM scholarship scheme for 12th pass students supports students who passed class 12th and are looking forward to higher studies. Let’s explore everything in depth. 

PM Scholarship Schemes for 12th Pass Students

PM Scholarship Schemes for 12th pass students include various scholarships which are available for higher education after completion of Class 12th. 

The was introduced from the academic year 2006-2007 by the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

There are various PM Scholarship Schemes for 12th pass students. Let’s discover each one and their eligibility, benefits, and key features for deep understanding.

1. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Armed Forces/CAPF

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for CAPF/Armed Forces is designed for: 

  • One for wards/widows of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard (under Ministry of Defence/KSB). 
  • Another for wards/widows of CAPFs and Assam Rifles (under Ministry of Home Affairs).

Key Features of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Armed Forces/CAPF:

  • The scheme is applicable for learners who are pursuing professional degree courses (engineering, medicine, MBA, etc.).
  • Here, scholarships are awarded according to merit in Class 12th.
  • Students can get monthly financial support.
  • The number of scholarships are 5500 for Armed Forces or 2000 for CAPFs. 

Scholarship Amount in the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Armed Forces/CAPF:

  • The scholarship amount of the scheme is 2500 rupees per month for boys while 3000 rupees per month for girls. 

Eligibility Criteria of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) for Armed Forces/CAPF:

  • A minimum of 60% marks in Class 12th is required.
  • Students need to take admission in a recognised professional course after Class 12th.
  • Applicants must be a dependent wards of eligible defense personnel.

2. PM-YASASVI (Top Class Education)

The PM-YASASVI stands for PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India

The scheme offers financial assistance and quality education among students belonging to OBC, EBC, and DNT

The PM-YASASVI covers multiple educational levels. It is like an umbrella scheme.

It includes multiple sub-schemes like: 

  • Pre-Matric (Class 9-10)
  • Post-Matric (Class 11 onwards)
  • Top Class Education

The scholarship for Class 9 and 11 students (selected on merit basis) is its most prominent component.

Key Features of the PM-YASASVI:

  • One of the key features is that PM-YASASVI focuses on economically weaker students from backward classes.
  • The scheme covers academic allowances of students ranging from 5000 to 20000 rupees per annum depending on course category.
  • It encourages students to access top educational institutions for career growth.

Scholarship Benefits of the PM-YASASVI:

  • The scheme offers the benefit of full tuition fee coverage based on course. 
  • Students also get some additional allowances to fulfill the need of books and living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria of the PM-YASASVI:

  • Students who have passed Class 12 from a recognised board are eligible to apply.
  • Students who belong to the OBC/EBC/DNT category can apply for the scheme.
  • Family income should be within 2.5 lakh rupees per annum.

3. PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS)

Students who want to pursue education after Class 12th can apply for the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS).  It is run by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education

It was introduced in 2008. The scheme aims to offer financial assistance to meritorious students from low-income families

Key Features of the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS):

  • The scheme is awarded to top-performing learners in their higher secondary examinations.
  • It is applicable for students in undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
  • The scheme is implemented via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Scholarship Amount of the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS):

  • Students can avail of 12000 rupees per year for graduation (first 3 years) and 20000 rupees per year for postgraduate courses.

Eligibility Criteria of the PM-USP Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship (CSSS):

  • Students must score above the 80th percentile (top 20% of successful candidates) in Class 12th for the scheme.
  • They must enrol in a regular degree course.
  • The family income limit should be 4.5 lakh rupees per annum based on scheme guidelines mentioned in the official website. 

4. Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Railway Protection Force (PMSS-RPF)

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for the Railway Protection Force and Railway Protection Special Force is a scholarship that promotes students’ higher education. 

It was announced by the PM on August 15, 2005. However, it officially began in the academic year 2008 and 09.

Key Features of the PMSS-RPF:

  • The PMSS-RPF scheme provides financial support to students for professional and technical courses.
  • The scholarship is awarded based on individual merit.
  • The RPF scheme offers 150 scholarships annually in which 75 for boys and 75 for girls.

Scholarship Amount of the PMSS-RPF:

  • The scholarship amount under the PMSS-RPF 2500 rupees per month for boys while the amount for girls is 3000 rupees per month. 

Eligibility Criteria of the PMSS-RPF:

  • Students required minimum 60% marks in their Class 12th.
  • They need to take admission in a recognised professional degree course.
  • To avail the benefits, students must be a dependent wards/widows of RPF/RPSF personnel.

5 Benefits of PM Scholarship Schemes for 12th Pass Students

The PM scholarship schemes for 12th pass students offer various benefits of higher education from financial assistance to future opportunities

Some of the key benefits on should consider: 

1. Financial Assistance

Students who are unable to pursue their higher education get financial support through the scheme. Reducing their burden of meeting expenses such as: 

  • Tuition fees
  • Books
  • Hostel charges
  • Other academic costs

The scheme reduces students’ burden by providing financial assistance on a monthly or annual basis

2. Promote Higher Education

The PMSS scheme promotes higher education for students who want to pursue undergraduate and professional degree programs.

Various schemes such as the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI) help different category students such as OBC, EBC, and DNT to learn from better institutions. 

3. Support Defence And Paramilitary Families

Children from defence and paramilitary families often face various challenges to meet educational needs. The PMSS initiative understands their sacrifices and supports them financially.

It gives them the opportunity to pursue professional careers and better job opportunities. 

In this way, families who serve the country get meaningful and quality education. 

4. Encourage Professional Courses

The scheme is ideal to promote professional courses. Some common examples are Engineering, Medicine, Management, Pharmacy, Law etc. 

These kinds of courses require financial stability. Through the PMSS, a student can receive a degree without financial pressure. 

5. Reduce Dropout Rates

Many students drop out after Class 12 due to financial constraints. However, scholarships help in reducing students’ dropout rate from colleges. 

PM Scholarship Scheme for 12th Pass Students: 4 Key Steps to Apply

Students can apply online in the PM scholarship scheme for 12th pass students. Key steps one should follow are: 

1. Register on NSP Portal

The application process starts by student registration on the NSP portal. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme. 

2. Activate Account

Then visit the NSP portal and click on the link “Apply Online” under the PMSS link. 

A new window will appear through which students can fill in all the required details including personal, academic, and bank details. Fill out the application form Annexures 1, 2, and 3.

3. Upload Documents

Then upload the necessary documents mentioned below in proper format. 

4. Final Submission

At last recheck accuracy of details filled, save the document and submit. 

PM Scholarship Scheme for 12th Pass Students: Required Documentation

Students who want to apply for the PM scholarship scheme for 12th pass students need to submit the following documents: 

1. Class 12 Mark Sheet

The original mark sheet is mandatory to confirm the student has passed Class 12. The score must be 60% or higher. 

2. Aadhaar Card

The aadhaar card is a personal identification card required to fill in the application form. 

3. Admission Proof

The application form asks for professional courses such as Engineering, Medical, and MBA as a proof to avail scholarship benefits

4. Bonafide Certificate

An original bonafide certificate signed by the Principal, Dean, or Registrar of the institute is crucial. 

5. Bank Account Details

The first page of a Bank Passbook linked with aadhaar card for DBT transfer. 

6. Income Certificate

To become eligible for the scheme, a family income certificate is crucial. 

7. Service Certificate (for defence/CAPF)

An Ex-Servicemen Certificate, PPO, or Discharge Certificate is needed. 

PM Scholarship Scheme for 12th Pass Students: Eligibility Criteria and Courses

The common eligibility criteria for PM scholarship scheme for 12th pass students are:

  • Individuals must enrol in the 1st year or pursue a course in the current financial year. 
  • Students need to meet the Minimum Educational Qualification (MEQ) to avail the benefits. For example in Class 12, Diploma or Graduation.
  • Individuals who are dependent wards/widows of Ex-servicemen and Ex-Coast Guard personnel.
  • Students who are pursuing or going to pursue Master’s Degree courses are not eligible for PMSS except MBA/MCA Courses.
  • The PMSS scholarship is available for one course only.

The scheme allows the first professional degree courses. It must be recognised by regulatory bodies such as AICTE, NMC (National Medical Commission), UGC. 

Some of the primary courses include engineering, medical, dental, nursing, management, etc. For postgraduate only MBA and MCA are allowed under the PMSS. 

Renewal Process of PM Scholarship Scheme

On the completion of each academic year students need to fill renewal applications of the PM scholarship scheme. 

Check the eligibility before applying for renewal. Here are the key steps to apply: 

1. Access the Portal

The student can apply for renewal of scholarship within one year from declaration of result.

Log in and access the KSB portal to fill renewal form. 

2. Fill Details

Fill in the required details like course information, marks/grade details etc. 

3. Upload Documents

Students must upload documents such as: 

  • Original Bonafide Certificate from the institute.
  • Original Mark sheets for both semesters/academic year.
  • Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque (SBI/PNB) linked with Aadhaar.

4. Submission and Verification 

Submit the online form before the deadline after rechecking all the details. 

The NSP-based scheme verification process involves: 

  • The Institution/College
  • The District
  • The State Nodal Officer levels

5. Track Application Status

Students can track applications by checking the status in the NSP portal. 

PM Scholarship Scheme for 12th Pass Students: Common Mistakes to Avoid

While filling in the PM scholarship scheme application, students need to avoid some common mistakes such as: 

1. Incorrect Family Income

Filling in incorrect family income details can lead to rejection of the application. The gross family income must: 

  • Not exceed 4.5 lakh rupees per annum for CSSS. 
  • Not exceed 2.5 lakh rupees for some YASASVI schemes. 

2. Wrong Document Upload

Uploading wrong documents can lead to rejection of the application. So, make sure to recheck all the documents and format before uploading. 

3. Missing Deadlines

The PMSS schemes are time-bound. Students who fail to submit the application before the deadline may reject the form. 

To know the deadline make sure to check the official website of the PMSS scheme. 

4. Low-quality Scanned Documents

Students who upload low quality scanned or blurry photos of documents may lead to rejection of the PMSS application. 

Conclusion

Students often deal with various challenges to continue quality education especially after completion of Class 12. However, the importance of higher education enhances the earning potential of students. 

Lack of financial stability is one of the major reasons for drop out. But, there are types of scholarships in India that offer financial support. 

The PM scholarship schemes for 12th pass students is one of the best ways through which students can continue their higher education in different domains. 

The scheme offered financial assistance to needful students in different fields which help in making their career successful. 

FAQs

The PMSS (Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme) supports students’ education by offering scholarships for their higher education. 

Yes. Students can apply for the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) renewal every year. It helps them to avail the benefits throughout the specific course. 

No. General category students who are not dependents of Ex-servicemen, Ex-Coast Guard personnel, or specified forces are not eligible for PMSS.

The PM Modi 12000 rupees scheme also popular as PM-USP CSSS which provides 12000 rupees per annum at the graduation level for college/university students.

To apply for a PMSS scholarship, students need to apply online by visiting the KSB website, complete registration, activate an account, log in, and fill in a new application, upload documents, and confirm submission. 

Students eligible for the PM Narendra Modi scholarship are:

  • Minimum 60% marks in 12th class. 
  • Target group including children/widows of Ex-Servicemen/Ex-Coast Guard and CAPF/State Police personnel.
  • Must be enrolled in the first year of a professional course. 
  • Family limit up to 2 children. 

Ankita Singha

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I, Ankita Singha is a passionate content writer at 21kschool with 1.5 years of experience in crafting engaging digital content in different domains. With a talent for storytelling and visual expression, I blend creativity and strategy seamlessly. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting new things, calligraphy, and dancing.

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