Reimbursement of Tuition Fees to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows
Reimbursement of Tuition Fees to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows (Sainik Welfare) scheme in Puducherry has updated benefit amounts for the 2026 cycle. The Department of Sainik Welfare has revised the monthly reimbursement rates under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, with the Raksha Mantri having approved a 100% increase in financial help for Ex-Servicemen and their dependents.
Wards of unemployed ex-servicemen and widows of ex-servicemen studying in government-recognized institutions can now get their tuition fees refunded at the higher revised rates. The approved monthly amount or the actual fee paid, whichever is less, gets reimbursed to the eligible ward. Families can claim this for up to two wards per eligible family.
Reimbursement of Tuition Fees to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows (Sainik Welfare)
This scheme helps families of Ex-Servicemen get money back for education costs. The Department of Sainik Welfare and the Rajya Sainik Board run it in Puducherry. Eligible wards get cash reimbursement for their tuition fees at government-recognized institutions.
Benefits
The scheme offers money help based on the level of education. The monthly reimbursement rate or the actual fee paid, whichever is less, gets paid out by the Department of Sainik Welfare. A yearly book allowance and uniform allowance are also included.
| Level of Qualification | Maximum Monthly Amount (in ₹) |
|---|---|
| School | 1,500 |
| Military/Sainik Schools | 2,500 |
| School for Special Children | 3,000 |
| Diploma in Polytechnic | 1,000 |
| NDA/IMA | 2,500 |
| Bachelor Degree | 1,500 |
| Master Degree | 2,000 |
| Professional Course (MBBS/BE/BTech) | 2,500 |
Besides the monthly reimbursement, the scheme also covers Book Allowance and Uniform Allowance on a yearly basis.
Eligibility
To get the benefit, you need to meet these conditions:
- You should be the ward of an unemployed ex-serviceman or the ward of a widow of an ex-serviceman, who is a non-income tax assessor.
- You should be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
- You should be studying in a government-recognized institution.
- The scheme is limited to a maximum of two wards per eligible family. For example, if Ramesh, an ex-serviceman, has three children, he can claim this reimbursement for only two of them.
Exclusions
The scheme does not apply in these cases:
- If the student is repeating the same academic class.
- If the student is already receiving a different academic scholarship.
- If the student is already availing any other benefit of tuition fee reimbursement.
Application Process
You need to apply offline within three months of completing the academic term.
STEP 1 - Download and print the prescribed application form from the official website at sainik.py.gov.in. The latest application form for 2025-2026 is available on the Application for Reimbursement of Tuition Fees page.
STEP 2 - Fill in all required fields accurately, attach a recent passport-sized photograph, and gather all necessary self-attested documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application form along with the supporting documents to the Rajya Sainik Board, Jawan Bhawan, Department of Sainik Welfare, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry, 605013.
STEP 4 - Make sure you collect a receipt from the authorities once the application is submitted.
Documents
Keep these documents ready for the application:
- Identity Card of the ex-serviceman or widow.
- Discharge Certificate of the ex-serviceman.
- Proof of course completion.
- A certificate from the institute if applying under the Management Quota.
- Original receipt of fees paid.
- A detailed fee breakdown certificate signed by the head of your institution (if paid in a lump sum).
- A signed declaration.
- Birth certificate of the ward (if not already registered).
- Study certificate (if not already registered).
- Copy of the first page of your bank passbook.
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Reimbursement of Tuition Fees to the Wards of Ex-Servicemen/Widows (Sainik Welfare) |
| Level | State (Puducherry) |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Education & Learning, Skills & Employment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Sainik Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Implementing Agency | Rajya Sainik Board, Puducherry |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Apply Within | 3 months after course completion |
| Official Website | sainik.py.gov.in |
References
View Official Guidelines (AFFD Fund)
Download 2025-2026 Application Form
FAQ’s
Which department administers this scheme?
The scheme is managed by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry.
Where can I find the official website?
You can visit the official portal at sainik.py.gov.in.
How can I contact the Public Information Officer?
You can reach Shri. Sandirakumaran.S, Director, at 0413-2250575 or by email at dirdsw.pon@nic.in.
Who can I contact for appeals?
You may reach out to the Appellate Authority, Shri. S.D. Sundaresan, I.A.S., Secretary to Govt. (Sainik Welfare), at 0413-2349712.
Are short service or emergency commissioned officers considered ex-servicemen?
Yes, if they were released upon completing their specific contract and received a gratuity.
How do I file an RTI query?
You should submit an application along with an IPO or demand draft for ₹10 in favor of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
Is there an income limit for this scheme?
ESM/Widows of ESM who are unemployed or non-income tax assesses are eligible. Those who are re-employed as regular/deemed to be regular in Govt./PSU/Pvt organizations and self-employed IT assesses are not covered.
Where should I submit my application?
Submit your application form in person at the Rajya Sainik Board, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry, 605013.