RMEWF Education Assistance 2026: Financial Support for Children & Widows of Ex-Servicemen

At a glance

About the scheme

The RMEWF‑Education scheme, run by the Ministry of Defence, helps Ex‑Servicemen, their widows and orphan dependents meet the cost of schooling and college education. It covers up to two children for school and undergraduate studies, and widows for a two‑year post‑graduate programme, provided the family is not already receiving any state or employer education benefit. Assistance is granted after an online application and subsequent hard‑copy verification at the Zonal Sainik Board.

Benefits

• Financial assistance for education of up to two dependent children of Ex‑Servicemen or their widows (up to Havildar rank) for classes 1 to 12 and undergraduate courses.
• Financial assistance for widows of Ex‑Servicemen to pursue a 2‑year post‑graduation degree.
• Assistance is provided only if the applicant is not receiving any similar education allowance from the State or employer.

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be an Ex‑Serviceman (ESM), widow, or orphan dependent.
• Must be of rank Havildar or equivalent (Army) and below in Navy/Air Force.
• Scheme covers classes 1 to 12 of school and undergraduate college courses; widows may also pursue a 2‑year post‑graduate degree.
• Applicant must not be receiving any education allowance or similar benefit from the State or employer.
• Limited to the first two children; special rules apply for twins and in case of demise of a child.
• If the 1st and 2nd children are twins, only the twins count as the two allowed children; if the 2nd and 3rd are twins, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd children may be eligible (up to three).
• If the 1st or 2nd child dies, the next child(ren) as per the discharge book become eligible, subject to submission of a death certificate.

Who cannot apply

• Applicants receiving education allowance or similar benefit from the State or employer.
• Ex‑Servicemen above the rank of Havildar (or equivalent).
• More than two dependent children, except as permitted under the twin or demise provisions.
• Applicants who do not meet the rank or service criteria.

Documents required

• Death certificate (in case of demise of a child).
• Discharge book (to verify the order of children).
• Bank account details of State Bank of India (SBI) or Punjab National Bank (PNB).
• Hard copy of the filled application form (for verification).

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official RMEWF‑Education portal on the Ministry of Defence website.
2. 2Register/login and fill the online application form with personal, service and educational details.
3. 3Upload required documents such as death certificate (if applicable), discharge book and SBI/PNB bank details.
4. 4Submit the form online and take a printout of the submitted application.
5. 5Present the hard copy of the application form at the designated Zonal Sainik Board for verification.

Frequently asked questions