National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
by Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India
₹12,000 Annual Scholarship
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a scholarship by Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India for students in Class 8, open to students across India.
Mode
In-Person
Eligibility
Class 8
Fee
Registration fee applies
Duration
4 years (Class 9 to 12)
Format
Individual
Time needed
Regular school attendance and consistent academic performance are crucial for scholarship renewal. Students must actively prepare for the state-level examination.
About This Opportunity
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a vital Central Sector Scheme launched in 2008 by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its core objective is to provide substantial financial assistance to talented students from economically weaker sections, thereby preventing school dropouts after Class 8 and encouraging them to pursue and complete their secondary and higher secondary education.
Each year, 100,000 new scholarships are awarded to eligible Class 9 students. These scholarships are renewable annually, supporting students through Class 10, 11, and 12, provided they maintain academic performance and continue their studies in State Government, Government-aided, or Local Body schools across India.
The scheme aims to empower students by alleviating financial burdens, fostering academic excellence, and promoting competitive skills, ultimately contributing to a more educated and skilled future generation.
Eligibility
- Grade Level
- Class 8
- Age Range
- 13 - 14 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
To appear for the selection test, students must have a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their Class 7 examination (5% relaxation for SC/ST students). For the scholarship award, students must score at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their Class 8 examination (5% relaxation for SC/ST students). For continuation of the scholarship, awardees must secure a minimum of 60% marks in Class 10 (5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates) and ensure clear promotion from Class 9 to 10 and Class 11 to 12 in the first attempt.
Family income limit
Up to ₹3,50,000 per year
Prerequisites
- Minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class 7 examination (5% relaxation for SC/ST students).
- Parental income from all sources not more than ₹3,50,000 per annum.
- Must be promoted from Class 8 to Class 9 to start receiving the scholarship.
Additional requirements
- Must be studying as a regular student in a Government, Government-aided, or local body school.
- Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and residential schools run by Central/State Government institutions are not eligible.
- Students studying in private schools are not eligible.
- A student can avail only one scholarship under any Central Government Scholarship scheme.
This scholarship is open to meritorious Indian students from economically weaker sections. Applicants must be studying in Class 8 in a Government, Government-aided, or local body school. The parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum.
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Academic Details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The selection examination consists of two papers: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The MAT assesses reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through topics like analogy, classification, numerical series, and pattern perception. The SAT covers subjects like Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics, Economics), and Mathematics (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Handling) based on the Class 7 and 8 syllabi of recognized education boards.
Rewards & Recognition
Award
₹12,000
A scholarship amount of ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) is directly transferred to the student's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and State Bank of India (SBI). The amount is typically disbursed annually.
Opens doors to
The NMMSS scholarship encourages students to pursue higher education by alleviating financial burdens during crucial schooling years. This support enables them to focus on academic excellence, making them more competitive for admissions to colleges and universities across India.
Career pathways
Completing secondary and higher secondary education with financial support significantly improves career prospects, opening doors to various vocational training, diploma courses, and undergraduate degrees. It helps students from economically weaker sections to break cycles of poverty and achieve better employment opportunities.
Recognition
National Academic Recognition
Skills your child builds
How to apply
- 1State-Level Examination:** Each State/UT conducts its own selection test for students in Class 8, typically in November/December. Students must register for this exam through their respective schools or state SCERT websites.
- 2Online Application on National Scholarship Portal (NSP):** Students who qualify in the state-level selection test must register and apply online on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in to receive the scholarship amount. This step involves filling out the application form with personal, academic, and bank details.
- 3Scholarship Disbursement:** Upon successful verification, the scholarship amount is disbursed directly into the student's bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
What it covers
- Financial assistance for tuition fees and other educational expenses.
- Support for purchasing study materials, uniforms, and other necessities.
- Aims to cover costs that might otherwise lead to school dropouts.
Fees & financial support
Fee details
The application process for the scholarship itself is free of cost. However, individual States/UTs may charge a nominal examination fee for the State-Level Examination, which is usually reimbursed by the scheme. Students should check with their respective state education boards for exact examination fee details. For example, Delhi does not charge an examination fee for the NMMS exam.
Financial support
The scheme awards 100,000 fresh scholarships annually to eligible students across India. Each State/UT has a fixed quota of scholarships based on student enrollment in Class 7 and 8.
Refund policy
Scholarship once discontinued due to non-fulfillment of renewal criteria or other rules cannot be revived or refunded.
Frequently asked questions
Is National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) free?
Registration fee applies
Who can participate in National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) ?
Students in Class 8. children aged 13-14.
What will my child gain from National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) ?
Financial assistance of ₹12,000 per annum for four years (Class 9 to 12), directly credited to the student's bank account.. Supports the education of meritorious students from economically weaker sections, ensuring continuity in schooling.. Significantly helps in reducing school dropout rates among underprivileged students.. Promotes academic excellence, competitive skills, and a strong foundation for higher studies.. Provides a sense of recognition and motivation for students to achieve their full potential..
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Provider
Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India
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