RMEWF-Financial Assistance for Education of Children and Widows of Ex-Servicemen

RMEWF-Financial Assistance for Education of Children and Widows of Ex-Servicemen gives monthly money help to eligible Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and their widows to educate their children up to graduation and to help widows finish a post-graduation degree. Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), the Ministry of Defence body, runs this scheme for the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.

This scheme started in 1981 and was last revised on 01 November 2025. From this revision, the grant stands at ₹2,000 per month per child for a maximum of two children, paid for the previous academic year in a single installment within the financial year. Widows can use the same grant for a 2-year post-graduation course.

RMEWF-Financial Assistance for Education of Children and Widows of Ex-Servicemen - Introduction

This scheme is meant for dependent children of ESM or their widows, up to the rank of Havildar in the Army and equivalent ranks in the Navy and Air Force. It covers classes 1 to 12 of school and undergraduate classes of a degree college. Widows can also use it for a 2-year post-graduation degree. The grant is not given for any professional or technical course or degree.

To qualify, the applicant should not be drawing any education allowance or similar benefit from the state or the employer. The scheme covers only the first two children, with special rules for twins and for the loss of a child. This support makes sure that money problems do not stop the education of the wards of defense personnel.

Highlights

Benefits

This scheme offers a financial support of ₹2,000 per month for each eligible child, covering up to two children. This amount is granted for the previous academic year and is issued in a single installment within the financial year. Widows are also eligible for ₹2,000 per month while pursuing a 2-year post-graduation course.

The grant is meant for the just concluded academic year and is paid once a year. A fresh application is required after the successful completion of every academic year.

Eligibility

The following criteria must be met to apply for this support:

1. The applicant must be an ESM, a widow, or an orphan dependent.
2. The rank should be Havildar or equivalent and below.
3. The scheme covers classes 1 to 12 and undergraduate classes of a degree college. Widows are also eligible for a 2-year post-graduation degree, and the course must be completed successfully.
4. The applicant should not be drawing any education allowance or similar benefit from the state or the employer.
5. The grant is valid for the first two children only.

Special rules apply for twins and for the loss of a child:

Note: A death certificate must be uploaded as supporting evidence in case of the unfortunate demise of a child.

Exclusions

This grant does not cover any professional or technical course or degree.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Go to the official Kendriya Sainik Board web portal at ksb.gov.in and register on the portal.

STEP 2 - Log in using your credentials and fill the online application for the just concluded academic year as per the schedule set by the KSB Secretariat.

STEP 3 - Upload scanned copies of the required documents, keeping the file size within the limit shown online.

STEP 4 - The Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO) will scrutinize the application, give an appointment, verify the documents and forward the application through the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB) to the KSB Secretariat.

STEP 5 - After approval, the payment is credited to the bank account in the current financial year. Cases older than one year are not accepted. If there is a payment failure, follow the instructions given in the KSB circular.

Documents

The following documents, duly attested by the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, must be uploaded along with the application:

• Service document or discharge book of the ESM showing personal, service and family particulars.
• ESM or widow identity card issued by the respective Zila Sainik Board.
• Mark-sheet or school progress card of the child or children.
• Part-II order naming the children or a proper entry to this effect in the discharge book.
• A self-declaration certificate stating that no money or grant has been taken from the state or the present employer as education allowance or scholarship.
• Bank account number and IFSC code of the ESM.
• Aadhaar card copy of the ESM.

References

For detailed guidelines, visit the official scheme guidelines page on the Kendriya Sainik Board website.

Download the sample application form and the application authorization flow.

Apply online at the KSB registration portal.

FAQ's

How can I renew the support for the next year?

You should follow the same application process and submit a fresh application after the successful completion of every academic year.

Can I get my tuition fee reimbursed under this scheme?

No, this is not a tuition fee reimbursement scheme.

Can I provide details for any bank account?

No, you must provide the bank account and IFSC code of the ESM as required in the application.

Can I apply if I am already receiving another scholarship?

No, you should only apply if you are not receiving any other money or grant from the state or your current employer for education.

Do I have to submit a hard copy of the application form?

Yes, you should carry a hard copy of the completed application form during the document verification process with the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer.

Can a daughter of an Ex-Serviceman studying in college apply?

Yes, but if either parent is alive, they should apply on her behalf.

When is the application window open?

You should apply for the just concluded academic year as per the schedule set by the KSB Secretariat. The cut-off dates for all categories are uploaded on the NEWS section of the KSB web portal.