The National Means‑cum‑Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) is a flagship Central Government initiative under the Ministry of Education (MoE), launched in 2008. It aims to prevent dropout rates post-Class VIII by awarding scholarships to meritorious students from economically weaker families attending government-aided or local body schools. Each year, 100,000 fresh scholarships are granted to students entering Class IX, renewable through Class XII based on consistent performance
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Scholarship Amount & Duration
Award amount: ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000/month), directly deposited through DBT via PFMS and SBI.
Valid from Class IX to Class XII, subject to academic renewal criteria each year.
3. Important Dates for 2025 – 2026 Cycle
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | 2 June 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 31 August 2025 (most states) |
| Verification deadlines (defective & institute) | 15 September 2025 |
| Final verification by DNO/SNO/MNO | 30 September 2025 |
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria for fresh applicants (Class VIII promoting to IX):
Studying in Government, Government-aided or local body schools (not eligible: Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, residential/private schools) .
Minimum 55% marks in Class VII (50% for SC/ST students).
Parental income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh per annum from all sources
Renewal eligibility (Classes IX–XII):
Must be promoted to the next class on first attempt.
Secure 60% marks in Class X (55% for SC/ST) for continuation. Similar criteria apply for higher
Exam Pattern & Selection Process
Selection via a state-level exam with two parts:
Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)—each of 90 minutes with 90 MCQs.Passing marks generally: 40% aggregate (32% for SC/ST)
6. How to Apply Online via NSP
Step-by-Step Guide:
Register for a One-Time Registration (OTR) on National Scholarship Portal (NSP): scholarships.gov.in. Aadhaar-based eKYC generates a unique 14‑digit OTR ID usable throughout academic career.
Complete the NMMS application: Provide personal, academic, and bank details; upload required documents (photos, income certificate, caste/disability certificate if applicable, Class VII mark sheet, Aadhaar & bank passbook)
Submit through school if required by state (consult school administration) .
No central application fee, though some states may charge ₹50 or waive it entirely. Check the state SCERT website for clarity .
Track status on NSP and through PFMS for DBT confirmation.
Documents Checklist
Class VII mark sheet
Income certificate (≤ ₹3.5 lakh/year)
Caste certificate (if applicable)
Disability certificate (if applicable)
Aadhaar card or enrolment ID
Aadhaar-linked bank passbook (in student’s name)
Two passport-size photographs
Additionally, for renewal: academic mark sheets (Class IX / XI), proof of required attendance (≥75%), promotion certificate, previous scholarship award details .
8. Why Apply? Key Benefits
Helps bridge financial barriers and encourages meritorious students to continue education beyond Class VIII.
Annual scholarship of ₹12,000 assists with expenses like books, stationery, transport, and tuition fees.
Non-repayable, without any bond or condition attached.
Promotes education continuity among economically weaker sections across India
NMMS Scholarship 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Students must:
Be studying in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
Have scored at least 55% marks in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST).
Have an annual family income of ₹3.5 lakh or less.
Be enrolled in a non-residential government or aided school.
Students studying in private schools, residential schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).
Students receiving any other central scholarship (e.g., INSPIRE, NSP Pre-Matric, etc.).
The scholarship provides ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month), from Class 9 to Class 12.
Yes. To be selected, you must pass a state-level NMMS examination, which includes:
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Each has 90 questions with a total duration of 90 minutes.