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? This post breaks it down for you in a clear, easy-to-follow way.
Who Can Apply for NMMSS 2025?
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 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?
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!