Skip to content
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 Policies, schemes, jobs and law — tracked daily
Latest JobsSchemesGuidesAboutContact
Scholarship New Ongoing, apply through District Child Protection Unit

PM CARES for Children Scholarship Scheme

Ministry Of Women and Child Development

Published 18 September 2026

In short

PM CARES for Children supports children who lost parents or guardians to COVID-19 with free schooling, higher education loan support, and a corpus fund maturing to about Rs 10 lakh at age 23. Apply through your District Child Protection Unit.

Key facts

Offered by
Ministry Of Women and Child Development
Amount
A corpus fund is created for each child which, along with interest, grows to approximately Rs 10 lakh by age 23; free schooling in Kendriya Vidyalayas/private schools or fee reimbursement, and higher education support through education loans with interest paid by PM CARES.
Income limit
No income limit
Last date
Ongoing, apply through District Child Protection Unit

Children who lost both parents, a surviving parent, or legal guardian/adoptive parents to COVID-19 get comprehensive education support under this scheme, including free schooling, higher education support, and a corpus fund that matures for their use at age 23, administered alongside insurance and health coverage.

The scheme aims to secure the future of children orphaned during the pandemic through sustained financial and educational support until they become financially independent adults.

Who is eligible

  • Children who lost both parents, surviving parent, or legal guardian/adoptive parents to COVID-19 between 11 March 2020 and the notified cut-off date
  • Must be below 18 years of age at the time of the parent's/guardian's death

Documents you need

Death certificate of parent(s)/guardian due to COVID-19, child's birth certificate, Aadhaar card, guardianship proof.

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for PM CARES for Children?

Children who lost both parents, a surviving parent, or legal guardian to COVID-19, and were below 18 at the time.

What is the corpus fund under this scheme?

A fund created for each eligible child that grows with interest to approximately Rs 10 lakh, accessible at age 23.

How do I apply for PM CARES for Children benefits?

Apply through your District Child Protection Unit with the required death certificate and guardianship documents.

Before you apply: confirm every date, fee and eligibility rule on the official website linked on this page. Public and Policy is an independent portal, not a government body, and details change without notice.