National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS)

Education is the key to a brighter future, but financial challenges often force many bright students to drop out of school. To address this issue, the Government of India launched the National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) in 2008. This scheme, implemented by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections and encourage them to continue their education beyond Class 8.

Every year, 1,00,000 scholarships are awarded to deserving students from across the country, ensuring that financial constraints do not come in the way of their academic journey. The scholarship amount is ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) and is provided to students from Class 9 to Class 12.

Overview of NMMS

The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is designed to reduce dropout rates after Class 8 by offering financial assistance to students whose families have an annual income of ₹3,50,000 or less. The scholarship is distributed across states and Union Territories (UTs) based on a fixed quota and follows reservation norms as per state regulations.

This scheme is part of the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) and aims to empower students by ensuring they complete their secondary education.

Benefits of the Scheme

Financial Support: Each selected student receives ₹12,000 per year to help with educational expenses.
Encourages Education: Reduces the risk of students dropping out due to financial issues.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The scholarship amount is transferred directly to students’ bank accounts through electronic transfer.
Equal Opportunity: Reservation is provided for different categories of students as per state norms.

Eligibility Criteria

For Fresh Applications:

The student’s parental income must be ₹3,50,000 or less per year.
The student must be studying regularly in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
A separate State-Level Examination is conducted for selection, which includes:
1. Mental Ability Test (MAT): Tests reasoning and critical thinking skills (90 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes).
2. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Covers science, social studies, and mathematics from Class 7 and 8 syllabus (90 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes).
Students need at least 55% marks in Class 7 to appear for the selection test (50% for SC/ST students).
To qualify for the scholarship, students must secure at least 40% aggregate marks in MAT and SAT (32% for SC/ST students).
At the time of selection, students must have secured at least 55% marks in Class 8 (50% for SC/ST students).

For Renewal Applications:

The student must get promoted to the next class without any breaks.
To continue receiving the scholarship:
- For Class 10: A student must score at least 60% marks in Class 9 (55% for SC/ST students).
- For Class 12: A student must score at least 60% marks in Class 10 (55% for SC/ST students).

Selection Process

Each State/UT conducts its own selection test at the Class 8 level.
The student must pass both MAT and SAT with a minimum of 40% marks (32% for SC/ST students).
Selected students must maintain good academic performance and discipline to continue receiving the scholarship.

Application Process

The application process is completely online and can be done through the National Scholarships Portal.

Steps to Apply:

Visit the National Scholarship Portal and go to the registration page.
Read the guidelines carefully and accept the terms.
Complete the registration form with the necessary details.
After submission, an Application ID and password will be generated and sent to the registered mobile number.
Use these credentials to log in and complete the scholarship application.

Documents Required

Income certificate of parents.
Aadhaar card or any valid ID proof.
Mark sheet of the previous academic year (Class 7 for fresh applications, Class 9 and 11 for renewals).
Bank account details of the student (preferably in SBI or a public sector bank).
Caste certificate (if applicable) for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

Exclusions: Who is Not Eligible?

Students enrolled in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).
Students in Residential Schools run by the Central or State Government where free lodging and education are provided.
Students in private schools are not eligible.
Scholarships are not available for studying abroad or diploma/certificate courses.

Conditions for Scholarship Continuation

The student must maintain good academic performance and discipline.
The scholarship will be discontinued if there is a gap of one academic session.
If a student drops out within one month of admission, they will not receive any scholarship amount.
In case of serious illness, students must submit a medical certificate from a registered doctor.
Students must join the next class within 3 months of their previous academic results.