The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a golden opportunity for students from economically weaker sections to receive ₹12,000 per year from Class IX to XII. But are you eligible to apply in 2025-26? This post breaks it down for you in a clear, easy-to-follow way.
Who Can Apply for NMMSS 2025-26?
If you're a Class 8 student studying in a government, government-aided, or local body school, and your annual family income is ₹3.5 lakh or less, you might be eligible!
Key Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class | Must be studying in Class 8 |
| School Type | Government, Govt.-Aided, or Local Body Schools only |
| Marks in Class 7 | Minimum 55% (Relaxed to 50% for SC/ST students) |
| Parental Income | Less than ₹3.5 lakh/year (from all sources) |
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen |
Who Cannot Apply?
Some students are not eligible, even if they meet the academic and income criteria.
- Private school students
- Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) students
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) students
- Students of State/CBSE residential schools
Quick Eligibility Checklist (For Parents/Students)
Here’s a simple Yes/No checklist to help you quickly determine if your child is eligible:
| Question | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Is the student in Class 8? | |
| Did the student score at least 55% in Class 7? (50% for SC/ST) | |
| Is the student studying in a govt., govt.-aided or local body school? | |
| Is the family income below ₹3.5 lakhs per year? | |
| Does the student have Aadhaar and a bank account? |
If your answer is YES to all, the student is eligible to apply!
Quick Tip: Apply early once the NSP portal opens — sometimes it closes before the deadline due to server load or verification delays!
Where to Apply?
Applications are made online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- Apply on scholarships.gov.in
- Visit your state’s SCERT/education board website for state-specific notifications and exam dates.
Pro Tip: Keep a folder with your mark sheets and income docs—organization pays off when applications open!
Important Reminder
📢 The application for NMMSS 2025-26 is expected to start in August 2025.
Keep checking the NSP and your State SCERT website for exact dates.
You can also read our previous detailed guide
👉 NMMSS 2025 – Eligibility, Application Process, and Important Dates
FAQs About NMMSS 2025 Eligibility
Can Class 9 students apply for NMMSS 2025-26?
No, you must be in Class 8 when you apply. The scholarship starts in Class 9 after passing the exam.
What if I got 54% in Class 7—can I still apply?
If you’re not SC/ST, you need 55%. 54% won’t make you eligible. SC/ST students qualify at 50%, so check your category!
My parents earn ₹4,00,000—am I out?
Yes, the limit is ₹3,50,000. Income above that disqualifies you, even if you meet other rules.
Can I apply if I am in a private school but meet all other criteria?
No. Only students from government, aided, or local body schools are eligible.
Do I need to take an exam to qualify?
Yes! A state-level exam with MAT and SAT is conducted for selection.
Fun Fact: Did You Know?
West Bengal gets 7,250 NMMSS scholarships, while Uttar Pradesh tops the list with 15,143! Your state has a quota too—curious? Check the full list in our first post!