AI SummaryCash Incentive to Wards of ESM (Academic Scholarship) is a welfare scheme run by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. It gives a monthly cash incentive of ₹1,000 to academically meritorious wards of Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and widows of ESM who are pursuing higher education.
The scheme is open for the 2026-27 academic year and eligible students can apply offline within three months of the publication of their exam results. The official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, carries the latest application form and guidelines for the current year.
Cash Incentive to Wards of ESM (Academic Scholarship) - Introduction
Cash Incentive to Wards of ESM (Academic Scholarship) is a welfare scheme managed by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund under the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. The scheme supports academically meritorious wards of ESM or widows of ESM who are pursuing higher education by providing a cash incentive of ₹1,000 per month.
Applicants should submit their application within three months from the date of publication of the result of their respective exam. The scheme is meant for individual students and the benefit is paid directly as cash support for study expenses.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Cash Incentive to Wards of ESM (Academic Scholarship) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Education and Learning, Skills and Employment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Sainik Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Implementing Agency | Rajya Sainik Board, Puducherry |
| Official Website | sainik.py.gov.in |
Benefits
Eligible students receive a cash incentive of ₹1,000 per month to support their academic pursuits. The amount is given on a monthly basis to help with study and living expenses during higher education.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scholarship, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
1. The applicant should be a ward of an ESM or a ward of the widow of an ESM.
2. The applicant must be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
3. The applicant should have achieved 95% marks in Class 11th or 12th.
4. For higher studies, the applicant should have secured 90% in the semester or annual exam for a non-professional course or 80% for a professional course.
5. The applicant should not be receiving any other academic scholarship.
Application Process
Offline
STEP 1 - Download and print the prescribed application format from the official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
STEP 2 - Fill in all required details, affix a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of all mandatory documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Rajya Sainik Board, Jawan Bhawan, Department of Sainik Welfare, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry - 605013.
STEP 4 - Collect the formal application receipt from the office after submission.
Queries and Grievances
For any questions, visit the office at the address mentioned above, call (+91) 0413-2253107, or email dirdsw.pon@nic.in between Monday and Friday, 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Documents
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Identity Card of the ESM or widow of the ESM.
- Discharge Certificate of the ESM.
- Attested mark sheets or certificates.
- Birth Certificate of the ward, if not previously registered with the DSW.
- Study Certificate of the ward, if not previously registered with the DSW.
- First page of the bank passbook.
- A formal declaration by the Ex-Serviceman or Widow.
References
Scheme Guidelines | Government Order | Application Form | Contact Us
FAQ's
Which department of the UT of Puducherry administers this scheme?
The scheme is administered by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry.
Where can I find the official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry?
Visit the official website at https://sainik.py.gov.in/.
How can I find contact details for the Public Information Officer?
The Public Information Officer is Shri. Sandirakumaran.S, Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, 261, Pakkamudiyanpet, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605008. Contact: +91-413-2250575, +91-413-2253107 or email dirdsw.pon@nic.in.
Who is the Appellate Authority for this department?
The Appellate Authority is Shri. S.D. Sundaresan, I.A.S., Secretary to Government (Sainik Welfare), Chief Secretariat, Puducherry - 605001. Phone: 0413-2349712; Email: jshome.pon@nic.in.
Are Short Service or Emergency commissioned officers eligible for ex-servicemen status?
Yes, provided they were released upon completing their specific period of engagement and received a gratuity at the time of release.
What is the procedure for Right to Information (RTI) requests?
Submit an application along with an IPO/DD for ₹10 in favor of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. See details at https://sainik.py.gov.in/right-to-information.
How is Ex-Servicemen defined for this scheme?
Find the definition of Ex-Servicemen at https://sainik.py.gov.in/definition-ex-servicemen.
Where can I find detailed welfare guidelines?
Detailed guidelines are available at https://sainik.py.gov.in/assistance-affd-fund.
Is there any income-based eligibility criteria?
No, this scheme does not have any income-related eligibility criteria.
Is there compensation for delayed disbursal?
The scheme guidelines do not include provisions for compensation regarding delayed disbursements.