Rajya Sainik Board

What is Rajya Sainik Board?

Rajya Sainik Board (RSB), under the Department of Sainik Welfare in each state, is the state-level implementation body for welfare of ex-servicemen (ESM), war widows, and their dependents. RSB operates ~600 Zila Sainik Welfare Offices (ZSWO) across India — providing 30+ welfare schemes including: state government job reservations (1-10% in most states), housing allotment in govt schemes, free/subsidised medical care, scholarships for ESM children (₹10K-₹1L/year), monetary grants for marriage/funeral/medical emergencies, business loans (₹5L-₹50L at concessional rates), and assistance with PPO, pension, and ECHS-related matters. RSB also coordinates with state authorities for ESM placement (especially in security services, Group D government jobs). Each state has different benefit amounts — e.g., Haryana provides higher state grants vs other states for war widows. Total ESM beneficiaries: 25+ lakh families across India.

Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive 30+ state welfare schemes for ESM + state job reservation 1-10% + scholarships + grants. The scheme was launched in 1951 and is implemented by the Government of India.

Who is Eligible for Rajya Sainik Board?

• ✓Ex-Servicemen (ESM) of Indian Armed Forces drawing pension — Army/Navy/AF/Coast Guard
• ✓War widows / Family pensioners of deceased ESM
• ✓Disabled ESM with disability pension
• ✓Dependents of ESM: spouse, unmarried/divorced/widowed daughters, sons up to 25 years
• ✓Must register with Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) in your district of residence
• ✓Domicile of the state where you wish to claim state-specific RSB benefits

Documents Required for Rajya Sainik Board

How to Apply for Rajya Sainik Board Online?

1. 1On retirement/discharge from Armed Forces, register at the Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) in your home district
2. 2Submit Discharge Book, PPO, Aadhaar, Domicile certificate, photograph — receive ZSWO Registration Card (lifetime valid)
3. 3Apply for individual welfare schemes via ZSWO — state job reservation, housing, scholarship for children, business loan, medical grant
4. 4For state govt jobs: ESM reservation 1-10% (varies by state) — apply through state PSC with ESM certificate from ZSWO
5. 5For housing: apply for ESM quota in state housing schemes (10-15% reservation in most states)
6. 6For children's scholarship: ZSWO forwards application to State Welfare Director — direct DBT to bank account
7. 7For business loan: apply via ZSWO for state Sainik Welfare Loan Scheme or central KSB Penury Grant
8. 8Annual ZSWO interaction recommended to stay updated on new welfare schemes

Frequently Asked Questions — Rajya Sainik Board