The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a Central Government scholarship launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India to encourage meritorious students from economically weaker sections to continue their studies at the secondary and higher secondary stages (Class 9–12).
Many students drop out after Class 8 due to financial constraints. To prevent this, the NMMSS provides ₹12,000 per year to deserving students studying in Government, Government-aided, and local body schools.
🎯 Objective of the Scheme
The main aim of the NMMSS is to:
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Encourage talented students from weaker families to complete their education.
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Reduce the dropout rate at secondary and higher secondary levels.
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Promote equality in education by supporting financially backward yet meritorious students.
👩🎓 Scholarship Benefits
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) |
| Duration | 4 years (from Class 9 to 12) |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into student’s bank account |
| Number of Scholarships | Around 1 lakh scholarships are distributed every year across India |
📋 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NMMSS 2026, students must meet the following conditions:
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Education Level:
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The student must be studying in Class 8 in a Government, Government-aided, or local body school.
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Minimum Marks:
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The student must have scored at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST students) in the Class 7 final examination.
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Parental Income Limit:
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The annual family income should not exceed ₹3,50,000 from all sources.
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School Type:
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Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, private schools, or residential schools run by State/Central Government are not eligible for NMMSS.
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Domicile:
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The student must be a resident of India and studying in a recognized school within their respective state/UT.
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🧾 Selection Process
The selection is done through a two-stage test conducted by the State Education Department:
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Mental Ability Test (MAT):
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Tests reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
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90 questions, 90 marks.
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Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):
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Covers subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
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90 questions, 90 marks.
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⚠️ Students must score at least 40% marks in each test (32% for SC/ST students) to qualify.
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance in MAT and SAT, along with income and reservation criteria.
🗓️ Important Dates (Tentative for 2025–26 Session)
| Activity | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | August–September 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 2025 |
| Admit Card Issue | November 2025 |
| NMMSS Exam Date | December 2025 or January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | February–March 2026 |
| Scholarship Distribution | From April 2026 onwards |
Note: Dates may vary by state. Students should check their State Education Department or National Scholarship Portal (NSP) regularly.
🧠 Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Students can apply for the NMMSS through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
🔗 https://scholarships.gov.in
Steps to Apply:
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Visit the NSP Portal → scholarships.gov.in
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Click on “New Registration.”
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Read the instructions carefully and click on “Continue.”
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Fill in all required details (name, Aadhaar number, mobile, email, etc.).
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Select “National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme.”
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Upload required documents (see below).
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Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
📑 Required Documents
Students must keep the following documents ready in scanned format:
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Recent passport-size photograph
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Class 7 mark sheet (attested copy)
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Income certificate of parents
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Caste certificate (if applicable)
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Disability certificate (if applicable)
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Bonafide certificate from school
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Aadhaar card or any valid ID proof
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Bank passbook (in the student’s name)
🔁 Renewal Process
To continue receiving the scholarship:
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The student must get promotion to the next class (no repetition allowed).
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Must score at least 55% marks in the previous class (50% for SC/ST).
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Renewal must be done every year through the NSP portal.
📞 Helpline & Contact
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Official Website: https://scholarships.gov.in
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Email Support: helpdesk@nsp.gov.in
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Helpline Number: 0120-6619540 (NSP Helpdesk)
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Ministry of Education Website: https://dsel.education.gov.in/schemes/nmmss
🧾 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can apply for NMMSS 2026?
Students studying in Class 8 in government or government-aided schools, with family income below ₹3.5 lakh per year.
Q2. How much amount is given under NMMSS?
₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month).
Q3. Can private school students apply?
No, only students from government or government-aided schools are eligible.
Q4. Where to check the NMMSS result?
Results are announced by each State Education Department and published on the official websites and NSP portal.
Q5. Can the scholarship be renewed every year?
Yes, up to Class 12, provided the student maintains required marks and passes each class.