KSB Marriage Grant 2026: ₹1,00,000 for ESM Daughters and Widow Remarriage
The KSB marriage grant is now ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary, double the earlier ₹50,000. It is paid for the marriage of up to two daughters of an eligible ex-serviceman, and also for the remarriage of a widow. The one rule you cannot miss is the deadline: you must apply online within 180 days of the wedding. This guide explains who is eligible, which documents to keep ready and how to apply on the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) portal.
What Is the KSB Marriage Grant?
The KSB marriage grant is a welfare scheme for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their widows, paid from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF). KSB’s official scheme page says it began in 1981 at ₹3,000 per daughter. It went to ₹16,000 in 2007 and ₹50,000 in 2016. In October 2025 the Ministry of Defence doubled it again to ₹1,00,000, as per the PIB release.
| Detail | Information |
| Amount | ₹1,00,000 per beneficiary (earlier ₹50,000) |
| Who benefits | Up to two daughters of an ESM, and widow remarriage |
| Rank limit | Havildar or equivalent and below |
| Deadline | Within 180 days of the marriage |
| Application mode | Online on the KSB portal, verified by the Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) |
The revised rate applies to marriages solemnised after the new order was issued. Some KSB web pages may still show the older ₹50,000 figure. The ₹1,00,000 rate is as per the Ministry of Defence order.
Who Is Eligible for the KSB Marriage Grant?
- The applicant must be an ESM or the widow of an ESM.
- The ESM should be of Havildar rank or below (or the equivalent in the Navy and Air Force), pensioner or non-pensioner.
- The daughter must be above 18 years of age.
- The case must be recommended by your Zila Sainik Board (ZSB).
- You must not have received a grant for the same marriage from the State government or the Services.
If you do not yet have your ESM identity card, first read our guide on ESM identity card and ZSB registration.
Documents Required
Scan and upload these with the online form:
- Discharge book or service document that has your daughter’s entry. If her name is missing, follow our guide on how to add a child’s name after retirement.
- Proof of the daughter’s age.
- Proof of marriage: a certificate from the Registrar or the Village Sarpanch.
- A certificate from you that you have not taken any grant from the State government or the Services for this marriage.
- Bank details (account number, IFS code, bank name). KSB’s scheme page asks for a PNB or SBI account, so confirm the current requirement with your ZSWO.
- A copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar card.
Last Date: 180 Days From the Marriage
You must submit the application within 180 days of the date of marriage. Late applications are treated as time-barred and rejected. They can be restored only on extreme compassionate grounds, and only if the ZSB recommends it. See the full deadline table in our KSB online application cut-off date 2026-27 post.
If a second daughter gets married later, you can file a fresh application. If both daughters marry close together, you can apply for both in one application. The 180 days count from the date of each marriage.
How to Apply for the KSB Marriage Grant Online
- Register on the KSB website, ksb.gov.in, and log in.
- Fill in the marriage grant application and upload the scanned documents.
- The ZSWO staff give you an appointment and verify the application.
- The ZSB officer recommends the case and sends it to the Rajya Sainik Board (RSB). The RSB Secretary recommends it and forwards it to KSB.
- KSB checks and approves the case, and the money is paid by NEFT.
To check your status, contact your Zila Sainik Board first instead of calling KSB. You can find yours in our Rajya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Board list.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying after the 180-day limit.
- Name spelt differently in the discharge book, Aadhaar, bank account and online form.
- Daughter’s name missing from the service documents.
- Applying twice for the same marriage.
- Proof of marriage that does not come from the Registrar or Village Sarpanch.
FAQs
How much is the KSB marriage grant?
₹1,00,000 per beneficiary, earlier ₹50,000.
How many daughters are covered?
Up to two daughters. The grant also covers widow remarriage.
What is the deadline?
Within 180 days of the marriage.
Which rank is eligible?
Havildar or equivalent and below, pensioner or non-pensioner.
Does the new rate apply to old marriages?
It applies to marriages solemnised after the revised order was issued. If your wedding was around October or November 2025, confirm with your ZSWO.
Final Words
Note the date of the wedding and count 180 days from it. Collect the documents early and register on the KSB portal before the wedding. Also read our guide to the KSB penury grant, and share this post with families planning a wedding.
