Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for Wards of Railway Protection Force (RPF/RPSF) Personnel
By Ministry of Railways (Railway Board)
About this scholarship
The guidelines (2022-23 edition) say the scheme was introduced in 2008-09 under the National Defence Fund to encourage higher technical and professional education for the dependent wards of ex or serving RPF/RPSF personnel and widows, below the rank of Gazetted officer. 150 scholarships are set aside each year and half are reserved for female candidates.
Eligible courses are professional degree courses such as BE, B.Tech, BDS, MBBS, BEd, BBS, BCA, MCA and B.Pharma recognised by the regulators. Master's courses are not eligible except MBA and MCA. Distance learning and study abroad are not allowed, and only one course can be covered.
A student needs regular admission that year and at least 60% in the minimum entry qualification (Class 12, diploma or graduation). Only two wards per family can get it. The institute must have an AISHE code. The scholarship runs for the length of the course, two to five years. If there are more applicants than scholarships, wards or widows of personnel who died in encounters while protecting railway property come first, then those who died in service, then wards of retired personnel, then wards of serving personnel.
Amounts in that edition are old, so none is listed. The National Scholarship Portal shows applications open from 1 June to 31 October 2026.
Who can apply
- Dependent ward or widow of an ex or serving RPF/RPSF person below Gazetted rank
- At least 60% in Class 12, diploma or graduation
- Regular admission to a recognised professional degree course (or MBA or MCA)
- Not more than two wards per family