The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2008 to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. The primary objective of this scholarship is to reduce dropout rates at the secondary level by supporting students in Classes IX to XII. In this blog post, we’ll cover the scholarship’s overview, benefits, eligibility, selection process, and how to apply—complete with handy tables for quick reference. Let’s get started!
Overview of the NMMSS Scholarship
With a budget of ₹1,827 crores approved until 2025-26, NMMSS provides 1 lakh fresh scholarships annually to students entering Class 9 in government, government-aided, or local body schools across India.
- Purpose: Support meritorious students from low-income families.
- Coverage: Renewable for four years (Classes 9-12).
- State Quotas: Each state/UT has a fixed allocation (e.g., 15,143 for Uttar Pradesh, 7,250 for West Bengal—see the statewise list below).
This is a fantastic chance for CBSE students in eligible schools to focus on their studies without financial worries!
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Scholarships | 1,00,000 fresh scholarships awarded annually |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) |
| Duration | From Class IX to XII (maximum 4 years) |
| Mode of Disbursement | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via SBI & PFMS |
| Implemented By | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Official Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
Eligibility Criteria
Not sure if you qualify? Here’s a simple checklist based on the official guidelines:
Who Can Apply?
- Class Level: You must be in Class 8 (selection happens in Class 8 for Class 9 entry).
- Academic Requirement:
- Minimum 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in your Class 7 final exam (50% for SC/ST students).
- For the scholarship to start in Class 9, you need 55% in Class 8 (50% for SC/ST).
- Income Limit: Your parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000 per year. You’ll need an income certificate (mandatory) from a competent authority (e.g., Joint BDO, Executive Officer, or Group A officer).
- School Type: You must be a regular student in:
- Government schools.
- Government-aided schools.
- Local body schools (e.g., municipal schools or Madrasahs without residential facilities).
- Exclusions: Students from Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), fully residential government schools, or private schools are not eligible.
Renewal Eligibility
To keep the scholarship from Class 9 to 12:
- Score at least 60% in Class 10 (55% for SC/ST).
- Get promoted from Class 9 to 10 and Class 11 to 12 in your first attempt.
Quick Tip: Start preparing your documents—like income proof and mark sheets—early to avoid last-minute stress!
Selection Process
Selection is done through a State-level examination conducted by each State/UT. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: State-Level Examination
- When: Conducted in Class 8, usually in November/December (exact date varies by state—check your SCERT website).
- Tests:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT):
- 90 multiple-choice questions.
- Tests reasoning, critical thinking (e.g., analogies, numerical series, pattern perception).
- 90 minutes.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT):
- 90 multiple-choice questions.
- Covers science, social studies, and math from Class 7 and 8 syllabi.
- 90 minutes.
- Mental Ability Test (MAT):
- Passing Marks:
- Students must score at least 40% in both MAT & SAT combined (32% for SC/ST students).
- Must secure 55% in Class VIII to receive the scholarship (5% relaxation for SC/ST).
Step 2: Verification
- After passing the exam, your Class 8 marks (55%, or 50% for SC/ST) and income eligibility are checked.
- State quotas determine the final awardees (e.g., 2,411 scholarships for Assam, 5,433 for Bihar).
Step 3: Scholarship Award
- Selected students apply on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for funds to be sanctioned and disbursed.
Pro Tip: Practice past papers for MAT and revise NCERT books for SAT to boost your chances!
Application Process
Ready to apply? Follow these simple steps:
- Register for the Exam:
- Contact your school or visit your state’s SCERT website (e.g., West Bengal: wbsed.gov.in) to register (likely opens mid-2025).
- Exam fee: ₹100 per student (reimbursed by the scheme).
- Take the Exam:
- Appear for MAT and SAT (tentatively November/December 2025).
- Apply on NSP:
- If selected, visit the National Scholarship Portal: scholarships.gov.in.
- Register with Aadhaar/Enrolment ID, upload documents (income certificate, mark sheets, bank details).
- Window: Typically August-September (check NSP for 2025-26).
- Verification & Disbursement:
- States verify, Ministry sanctions, and funds reach your bank via DBT.
Note: Open a bank account in SBI or any public sector/scheduled bank with core banking facilities.
Important Dates for NMMSS 2025
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | August 2025 |
| Application Deadline | October 2025 |
| Exam Date | December 2025 - January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | March-April 2026 |
Past Year Trends:
- 2024: Applications opened in August 2024, with the exam held in December 2024 and results announced in March 2025.
- 2023: Applications began in August 2023, exams were conducted in December 2023, and results were declared in March 2024.
- 2022: Similar timeline with applications in August 2022, exam in January 2023, and results by March 2023.
(Dates vary by state, check with your State Education Board for exact deadlines.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the NMMSS Scholarship?
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a government program that gives ₹12,000 per year to talented Class 9 students from low-income families. It helps them study through Classes 9-12 without financial stress, with 1,00,000 scholarships awarded annually.
2. Can students of private schools apply for NMMSS?
No, only students from Government, Government-aided, and Local body schools are eligible.
3. What happens if I miss the renewal process?
Failure to renew within the given time leads to discontinuation of the scholarship.
4. How will I know if I am selected?
Results will be published on the State Education Board’s website & NSP Portal.
5. Do I need to apply twice for NMMSS?
Yes, sort of! First, you register for the NMMSS exam through your school or state SCERT (around July-September 2025). If you pass the exam, you apply again on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to claim the scholarship (around August-September 2025). It’s two steps, not two scholarships!
6. Can I apply if my parents earn more than ₹3,50,000?
No, the income limit is strict at ₹3,50,000 per year from all sources. You’ll need an official income certificate to prove eligibility.
7. What documents do I need?
For the exam, you need Class 7 marks and income proof (check with your school). For NSP, you’ll need:
Income certificate (≤ ₹3,50,000/year).
Class 7 and 8 mark sheets.
Bank account details.
Aadhaar or Enrolment ID.
Why NMMSS Matters for You
The NMMSS 2025 scholarship is more than just ₹12,000 a year—it’s a lifeline to pursue your education without financial strain. Whether you’re in Maharashtra (11,682 scholarships) or Tamil Nadu (6,695 scholarships), this scheme rewards your talent and determination.
Got questions? Leave them in the comments or explore our upcoming posts on NMMSS exam prep and renewal tips. Make 2025 your year to shine!