National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy
Application deadline
Check the official page
Overview
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a central government scholarship that helps bright students from economically weaker families stay in school after Class VIII. It is run by the Ministry of Education and has been running since 2008.
1,00,000 new scholarships are awarded every year to students entering Class IX, and the money continues up to Class XII — a maximum of four years. You get ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month), paid straight into your bank account by DBT.
To be eligible, your parents' income must not be more than ₹3,50,000 per year, and you must be a regular student in a Government, Government-aided or local body school. Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, private schools and residential schools with boarding are not eligible.
Selection is through a state-level exam taken in Class VIII, held every November. It has two papers — a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) — each with 90 questions in 90 minutes. You need at least 40% in the two tests together (32% for SC/ST) and at least 55% in Class VIII.
You apply on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in); your school and state verify it. To keep the scholarship you need 60% in Class X (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST) and clear promotion in the first attempt.
At a glance
| Who can apply | class9-10, class11-12 |
|---|---|
| Streams | — |
| Category | All |
| Age | — |
| Income limit | up to ₹3,50,000 / year |
| Gender | All |
| States | All India |
| Benefit / amount | ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) |
| Duration | Up to 4 years (Class IX to Class XII) |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Last date | See official page |
| Opened | — |
Documents you'll need
- Class VII and Class VIII marksheets
- Parental income certificate
- Bank account (preferably SBI or another public-sector/scheduled bank with core banking)
- Aadhaar
- School bonafide details for INO verification
How you're selected
Each State/UT holds its own selection test for Class VIII students — a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), 90 multiple-choice questions and 90 minutes each. You must pass both with at least 40% aggregate (32% for SC/ST). The exam is held in November every year. Each State/UT has a fixed quota out of the 1,00,000 scholarships; reservation follows State/UT norms.
FAQs
Who can apply for NMMSS? Students moving into Class IX in a Government, Government-aided or local body school, whose parental income is up to ₹3,50,000 per year, and who clear the state selection test in Class VIII.
How much money do I get? ₹12,000 per year — ₹1,000 per month — for up to four years (Class IX to Class XII).
How is the selection done? By a state-level exam in Class VIII with two papers: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), 90 questions and 90 minutes each. You need 40% aggregate across both (32% for SC/ST).
When is the exam held? In November every year, conducted separately by each State/UT.
Who is NOT eligible? Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, private schools, and Centre/State residential schools that provide boarding and lodging. The scholarship is also not paid for diploma or certificate courses or for study abroad.
How do I keep the scholarship each year? Get at least 60% in Class X (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST), get clear promotion from Class IX to X and Class XI to XII in the first attempt, and renew on NSP within the given time.
How many scholarships are given? 1,00,000 every year, with a fixed quota for each State/UT.