PM POSHAN Scheme

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Submitted by Minakshi on Tue, 14/07/2026 - 12:07
CENTRAL GOVT CM
Scheme Open
PM POSHAN Scheme
Highlights
  • Free hot cooked meals for students of Government and Government-aided Schools.
  • Covers Primary (Classes I-V) and Upper Primary (Classes VI-VIII) students.
  • Helps improve child nutrition, health, and learning outcomes.
     
Customer Care
  • PM POSHAN Division Department of School Education & Literacy, New Delhi, India
  • Poshan Helpline: 1515
  • Email ID: [email protected]
Summary of Scheme
Name of SchemePM POSHAN Scheme
Earlier NameMid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM)
BenefitsFree Hot Cooked Mid-Day Meal
BeneficiaryStudents of Government and Government-aided schools
ObjectiveImprove nutrition, attendance, and learning outcomes
SubscriptionSubscribe Here to Get Update Regarding Scheme.
Mode of ApplyAutomatic through Goverment Schools.

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

A nutritious meal can make a significant difference in a child's ability to learn, participate, and succeed in school. Recognizing the importance of nutrition in education, the Government of India implements the PM POSHAN Scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, to provide free hot cooked meals to students studying in Government and Government-aided schools.

The scheme aims to support the nutritional needs of children during their formative years while creating a healthier and more inclusive learning environment. Under PM POSHAN, eligible students from Primary Classes (I to V) and Upper Primary Classes (VI to VIII) receive meals prepared according to prescribed nutritional standards, helping them receive essential calories and protein required for healthy growth and development.

Apart from improving the nutritional status of children, the scheme also encourages regular school attendance, enhances classroom participation, and helps reduce dropout rates. By addressing classroom hunger, PM POSHAN enables students to focus better on their studies and make the most of their educational opportunities.

PM POSHAN forms an important part of the Government's efforts to strengthen child development and educational outcomes across the country. Students benefiting from the scheme may also explore educational support programmes such as the CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship Scheme, AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship Scheme, Central Sector Scholarship Scheme of Top Class Education for SC Students, and the National Scholarship for Post Graduate Studies. Together, these initiatives help support children's development from school education to higher learning and future career opportunities.

Scheme Benefits

  • Free hot cooked meals are provided to eligible students on school working days.
  • The scheme helps improve the nutritional status of children.

For Primary Students (Classes 1 to 5)

  • 450 Calories
  • 12 grams Protein
  • 100 grams Food Grains
  • 20 grams Pulses
  • 50 grams Vegetables
  • 5 grams Oil and Fat
  • Salt and condiments as required

For Upper Primary Students (Classes 6 to 8)

Each child is entitled to:

  • 700 Calories
  • 20 grams Protein
  • 150 grams Food Grains
  • 30 grams Pulses
  • 75 grams Vegetables
  • 7.5 grams Oil and Fat
  • Salt and condiments as required

These nutritional norms are prescribed to ensure balanced meals and better health outcomes for children.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a citizen of India
  • Be enrolled in a Government school.
  • Be enrolled in a Government-aided school.
  • Study in Primary Classes (1 to 5) or Upper Primary Classes (6 to 8).
  • Attend school regularly to avail the cooked meal benefit.

Required Documents

  • No separate application is required under the PM POSHAN Scheme.
  • However, students may need:
    • School admission/enrolment record.
    • Student identification details maintained by the school.
    • Any other documents required by the concerned school authority.

Steps to Avail Benefits

  • The student must be enrolled in a Government or Government-aided school.
  • Eligible students are automatically covered under the scheme.
  • The school prepares and serves meals as per the prescribed nutritional guidelines.
  • Meals are provided to students on school working days.
  • No separate registration or application form is required from students or parents.
  • School authorities maintain beneficiary records and oversee meal distribution.

Relevant Links

Contact Information

  • PM POSHAN Division Department of School Education & Literacy, New Delhi, India
  • Poshan Helpline: 1515
  • Email ID: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

PM POSHAN is a Government of India scheme that provides free hot cooked meals to eligible students studying in Government and Government-aided schools.
 

The scheme was previously known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDM).
 

Students studying in Government and Government-aided Schools from Classes I to VIII are eligible to receive benefits under the scheme.
 

No. Eligible students are automatically covered through their schools.
 

The scheme covers Primary Classes (I to V) and Upper Primary Classes (VI to VIII).
 

Eligible students receive free hot cooked meals on school working days.
 

The scheme aims to improve child nutrition, school attendance, and learning outcomes.
 

The scheme primarily covers students enrolled in Government and Government-aided schools.
 

The scheme helps reduce classroom hunger, improves nutrition, and supports better concentration and academic performance among students.
 

The scheme is implemented by the Government of India in coordination with State Governments and participating schools.

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