AI SummaryGrant to Meritorious Wards of Ex-Servicemen in Academics (Lump Sum Grant) is a welfare scheme of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund under the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. It gives a one-time cash reward of up to ₹18,000 to children of ex-servicemen and their widows who stand first, second or third in their class 10 or class 12 exams.
Applications for this grant are accepted through the offline process in 2026 as well. Meritorious students who secure the top three ranks in a government-recognised school, or get a university gold medal in graduation or post-graduation, can send their application to the Rajya Sainik Board within three months from the date the results are published.
This is a state-level scheme limited to the Union Territory of Puducherry. The money comes from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which supports ex-servicemen, their widows and dependents. The grant rewards students who bring a good name to their family and school through steady work in academics.
Grant to Meritorious Wards of Ex-Servicemen in Academics (Lump Sum Grant) - Introduction
The grant is paid as a lump sum amount based on the rank secured by the student. There is no income limit, so any ward of an ex-serviceman or an ex-serviceman's widow who meets the rank criteria can apply. Key details of the scheme are given below.
| Scheme Name | Grant to Meritorious Wards of Ex-Servicemen in Academics (Lump Sum Grant) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | Puducherry |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Sub Category | Universities and higher education, Scholarships and student finance, Education and training grants, fellowship, stipend |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Sainik Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Implementing Agency | Rajya Sainik Board, Puducherry |
Benefits
The grant amount changes as per the level of education and the rank secured by the student. Here is the complete breakdown:
| Education Level | Rank | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Class (CBSE/State Board) | 1st Rank | ₹15,000 |
| 10th Class (CBSE/State Board) | 2nd Rank | ₹13,000 |
| 10th Class (CBSE/State Board) | 3rd Rank | ₹11,000 |
| 12th Class (CBSE/State Board) | 1st Rank | ₹18,000 |
| 12th Class (CBSE/State Board) | 2nd Rank | ₹16,000 |
| 12th Class (CBSE/State Board) | 3rd Rank | ₹14,000 |
| Undergraduate/Postgraduate | University Gold Medal | ₹14,000 |
Eligibility
Eligibility conditions are simple and the scheme has no income limit. These points explain who can apply:
- Ward of an ex-serviceman or widow: The applicant should be a ward of an ex-serviceman or a ward of an ex-serviceman's widow.
- Top rank in board exams: The applicant should have secured the 1st, 2nd or 3rd rank in class 10 or class 12 at a recognised institution.
- University gold medal: Graduate and post-graduate students who have been awarded a university gold medal are also covered.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before filling the application form. Self-attested copies are accepted for most of the papers:
- Identity card of the ex-serviceman or widow.
- Discharge certificate of the ex-serviceman.
- Mark sheet or certificate attested copy of the qualifying exam.
- Birth certificate of the ward, if not already registered with the DSW.
- Study certificate, if not already registered with the DSW.
- Bank passbook first page copy for payment details.
- Declaration form duly signed by the ex-serviceman or widow.
Application Process
Grant to Meritorious Wards of Ex-Servicemen in Academics (Lump Sum Grant) is an offline scheme. Follow these steps to send the application:
STEP 1 - Download and print the prescribed application form from the official website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry using this application form link.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the details carefully. Paste a passport-sized photograph and attach self-attested copies of all the required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed form along with the documents to the Rajya Sainik Board, Jawan Bhawan, Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605013.
STEP 4 - Collect the application receipt from the office. Keep it safe as proof of submission.
For any query, contact the department on phone at (+91)(0413) 2253107 or email dirdsw.pon@nic.in between 2:30 pm and 5:00 pm on working days.
References
Below are the official sources for the scheme:
Official Guidelines | Government Order | Application Form | Contact Us | RTI Page
FAQ's
Which department runs this scheme?
Department of Sainik Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry, runs this scheme. Rajya Sainik Board, Puducherry handles the applications and payments.
Where can I find the official website?
Official website is https://sainik.py.gov.in/. Scheme details and forms are available there.
How can I reach the Public Information Officer?
Shri Sandirakumaran S, Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, can be reached at +91-413-2250575 or +91-413-2253107, or through email dirdsw.pon@nic.in.
Are Short Service Commission officers eligible?
Yes, if they were released after completing their service period and received a gratuity.
How do I file an RTI application?
Send an application along with an IPO or DD for ₹10 in favor of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. Full details are on the official RTI page.
Is there an income limit for this grant?
No. The scheme does not have any income-related condition. Ward of an ex-serviceman or widow who meets the rank criteria can apply.