PM Poshan (Mid Day Meal) 2026: Who Gets It, Menu Norms, Status
📌Quick Facts & Summary
Key Benefit
Primary: 450 kcal and 12 g protein per meal.
Who Can Apply
Children in Balvatika and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools.
Status / Deadline
UNCERTAIN STATUS: interim extension to 30 Sep 2026; 2026-31 Cabinet approval not found as of 15 Oct 2026. Meals continue in schools. March 2026 nutrition norm revision reported by a non-official site only; not verified.
Official Portal
Helpline
Contact school / district education office
Last Verified
15 October 2026
🔗 Important Action Links (Official Portals):
🌐 Official Portal ↗📝 Apply Online ↗🔎 Check Status ↗
📞 Helpline: Contact school / district education office
What is the Scheme?
One free hot cooked meal on school days for children in government and aided schools.
Also known as: Mid-day meal
Who is it for?
Children in Balvatika and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools.
Benefits and Financial Assistance
| # | Key Benefit / Entitlement Details | Category / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary: 450 kcal and 12 g protein per meal. | Primary Benefit (DBT/Subsidy) |
| 2 | Upper primary: 700 kcal and 20 g protein per meal. | Direct Support |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Enrolled in a covered school. No application needed.
Documents Needed
Keep the following documents ready before submitting your application:
- ✓ None for students.
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- No application. Parents can see information on pmposhan.education.gov.in.
How to Apply Offline
- Raise complaints with the school head, School Management Committee or district office.
How to Check Application / Payment Status
- Not applicable.
Official Website and Helpline Numbers
| Official Portal | https://pmposhan.education.gov.in ↗ |
|---|---|
| Helpline / Contact | Contact school / district education office |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
Important Dates & Milestones
Interim extension to 30 Sep 2026; new cycle awaited. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Do I need to apply?
No.
❓ Which classes are covered?
Balvatika and Classes 1 to 8.
❓ Is the scheme closed?
No. Meals continue while the new five-year approval is pending.
❓ Where to complain about meal quality?
School head, SMC or the district education office.
Sources & Official References
All facts on this page were verified on 15 October 2026 from the following official government sources:
- PM POSHAN site: https://pmposhan.education.gov.in/aboutus.html [blocked our server check (HTTP 000), likely IP/geo filtering; link taken from official search results, open it from India to confirm] ↗
- HT: schemes extended to 30 Sep 2026: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/centre-extends-key-school-schemes-till-sept-30-101778532076687.html [resolves (HTTP 200)] ↗
- Mint, 28 Sep 2026 (extension under appraisal): https://www.livemint.com/economy/government-schemes-extension-pm-kusum-pm-poshan-aif-pmfme-11790588034094.html [resolves (HTTP 200)] ↗
Fact-Check Verification: This scheme entry was reviewed and fact-checked by Abhishek (govtschemes.net) using official PIB releases, ministry guidelines, and gazette records.
If you notice any outdated rule or change, please report a correction.
Related Central Government Schemes
Other central government schemes in the same sector and target audience:
Notice: govtschemes.net is not a government website. We are an independent information site. Always confirm eligibility and apply only on official government portals.