National Means cum Merit Scholarship
Last Updated
July 2026 Fact Checked By: Schemewala Editorial Team
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education (Dept. of School Education & Literacy) |
| Beneficiaries | Meritorious students in Government/Aided schools |
| Benefit Amount | ₹12,000 per year (for 4 years: Class 9 to 12) |
| Selection | Through a State-Level Examination (MAT & SAT) |
| Official Portal | scholarships.gov.in |
About the Scheme
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) is designed to solve a very specific problem: the high dropout rate of bright students after Class 8 due to poverty. Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, this scheme identifies highly meritorious students from economically weaker sections (EWS) via a competitive exam and provides them with guaranteed financial support throughout their high school years.Every year, a maximum limit of 100,000 (1 Lakh) fresh scholarships are awarded across India. Each state has a fixed quota based on its student enrollment. The selected students are nurtured financially from Class 9 all the way through Class 12, ensuring they complete their secondary education.
Benefits & Financial Assistance
NMMS provides long-term, stable financial support:
- ₹12,000 Per Year: Selected students receive a scholarship of ₹1,000 per month, totaling ₹12,000 annually.
- Four Years of Support: The scholarship is disbursed every year for four years (Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12), provided the student continues to clear their school exams.
- Total Value: A student who qualifies in Class 8 will receive a total of ₹48,000 by the time they finish Class 12, transferred via DBT to their bank account.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply (To sit for the Exam):
- Current Class: Must be currently studying as a regular student in Class 8.
- School Type: Must be studying in a Government, Government-aided, or Local Body school.
- Past Marks: Must have scored at least 55% marks in Class 7 (Relaxed to 50% for SC/ST students).
- Income Limit: Parental/Family annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000.
Who CANNOT apply (Exclusions):
- Students studying in Private schools.
- Students in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) or Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs).
- Students studying in state residential schools where lodging and boarding are already provided free by the government.
The Selection Exam (MAT & SAT)
You do not get this scholarship just by applying. You must pass a state-level examination conducted when you are in Class 8. The exam has two parts:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT): 90 multiple-choice questions testing reasoning, critical thinking, analogy, classification, and pattern recognition.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 90 multiple-choice questions covering Science, Social Science, and Mathematics based on the syllabus of Classes 7 and 8.
Passing Criteria: Students must score at least 40% aggregate in both papers (32% for SC/ST) to qualify for the merit list.
Documents Required
To apply for the exam and subsequent scholarship:
- Aadhaar Card
- Income Certificate (Showing income under ₹3.5 Lakh)
- Caste Certificate (If claiming SC/ST quota or relaxation)
- Class 7 Marksheet
- Disability Certificate (If applicable)
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for the Exam
- The NMMS Exam is conducted by your State Education Board (usually between November and February).
- You must apply for the exam through your school. The school headmaster will provide the application form, verify your Class 7 marks, and submit it to the state board.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship (After Passing)
- If you pass the exam and make the state merit list, you will receive a selection letter.
- When you enter Class 9, you must register on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in using the mandatory OTR process.
- Apply under the "National Means Cum Merit Scholarship" scheme, uploading your selection proof and income certificate.
- You must "renew" this application on the NSP every year in Class 10, 11, and 12.
Latest Updates (2026)
- Income Limit: The family income limit remains firmly set at ₹3,50,000, having been increased from ₹1.5 lakh a few years ago to include more struggling middle-class families.
- 100,000 Quota: The government strictly enforces the 1 Lakh scholarship cap nationally. Even if you pass the exam, you must score high enough to make it into your state's specific quota limit to get the money.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| NSP Portal (For applying after passing) | scholarships.gov.in |
| Ministry of Education | education.gov.in |
(Note: For exam dates and hall tickets, check your specific State Education Board website, e.g., SCERT).
FAQs
Does "100,000 limit" mean I get ₹1,00,000?
No. The amount is ₹12,000 per year. The "100,000" refers to the maximum number of students selected across the entire country every year.
I passed the NMMS exam but I am shifting to a private school in Class 9. Will I get the money?
No. To continue receiving the NMMS scholarship, you must continue your studies (Class 9 to 12) in a Government or Government-aided school. Shifting to a private school disqualifies you immediately.
Do I have to give the exam again in Class 9, 10, or 11?
No. You only give the competitive exam once in Class 8. However, to keep getting the money, you must pass your regular school exams every year with at least 55% marks (in Class 9 and 11) and 60% in Class 10 board exams.
When is the NMMS exam held?
Every state conducts it on a different date. Generally, notifications are released between August and October, and exams are held between November and February. Ask your school principal for the exact date in your state.
How do I prepare for the MAT section?
The MAT (Mental Ability) section doesn't test textbook knowledge. You should practice reasoning puzzles, number series, hidden figures, and logic questions available in standard NMMS guidebooks.
Sources
- Ministry of Education
- National Scholarship Portal
Conclusion
The NMMS is one of the most rewarding scholarship exams for government school students. By providing ₹12,000 annually for four critical years, it gives brilliant students the financial freedom to focus entirely on their studies. If you are in Class 8, start practicing reasoning questions for the MAT paper, keep your Class 7 fundamentals strong for the SAT, and ensure you do not miss your state's exam registration deadline.
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