The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) is a centrally sponsored scholarship scheme by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education. The scheme provides financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to help them continue their secondary education and prevent dropouts after Class 8.
The scholarship is awarded to 1,00,000 students annually based on a selection test conducted by State/UT Governments.
The scheme is valid until 2025-26 under the 15th Finance Commission cycle.
Benefits
-
Scholarship Amount:
- ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) for each selected student.
- The scholarship is renewable up to Class 12.
-
Mode of Disbursal:
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the student’s bank account.
- SBI is the implementing bank for fund transfers.
- Students are required to have an account in SBI, any public sector bank, or a scheduled bank with core banking facility.
Eligibility Criteria
For Fresh Applications (Class 9 Students)
- Parental income must not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum from all sources.
- Must be studying as a regular student in Class 9 in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
- Minimum 55% marks in Class 7 (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students).
- Must qualify in the NMMS Selection Test conducted in Class 8.
For Renewal Applications (Class 10 to 12 Students)
- Class 9 to 10 Promotion:
- Must clear Class 9 in the first attempt to receive the scholarship in Class 10.
- Class 10 to 12 Promotion:
- Must secure at least 60% marks in Class 10 for continuation (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students).
- Must clear Class 11 in the first attempt to receive the scholarship in Class 12.
Exclusions
- Students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV), and Residential Schools run by the Central/State Government are NOT eligible.
- Students studying in private schools are NOT eligible.
- The scholarship cannot be availed for diploma/certificate-level courses.
- Students already availing another Central Government scholarship cannot apply.
Selection Process
- Each State/UT conducts a Selection Test for students in Class 8.
- The test comprises:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT) – 90 minutes, 90 MCQs on reasoning, numerical series, classification, pattern perception, etc.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – 90 minutes, 90 MCQs covering Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics (Class 7 & 8 syllabus).
- To qualify:
- Students must secure at least 40% marks (32% for SC/ST) in MAT & SAT combined.
- Students must score 55% in Class 8 (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST).
Application Process
Online Application via National Scholarships Portal (NSP)
New Registration
- Visit the National Scholarships Portal (NSP).
- Click on “New Registration” and read the guidelines.
- Scroll to the bottom, accept the declaration, and click “Continue”.
- Fill in details like Name, DOB, Aadhaar, Mobile, Email, etc., and click “Register”.
- An Application ID and Password will be generated and sent via SMS.
Fresh Application Submission
- Visit NSP Applicant Login page.
- Enter Application ID & Password, type the Captcha, and click “Login”.
- Verify OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
- Set a new password and login again.
- Click on “Application Form”, fill in the details, and upload required documents.
- Click “Final Submit” after verifying all details.
Documents Required
For Fresh Applications
- Class 7 Marksheet (mandatory)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Parental Income Certificate (mandatory)
- Domicile Certificate
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
For Renewal Applications
- Class 9/10 Marksheet (for promotion verification)
- School Continuation Certificate
Conditions for Scholarship Continuation
- Students must maintain good conduct and full-time attendance in school.
- The scholarship will be discontinued if the student:
- Fails any class during the scholarship period.
- Takes a gap year or discontinues studies.
- Receives another Central Government Scholarship.
- No arrears will be paid if the claim is made after 12 months of the academic session.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply offline for the scholarship?
No, applications are only accepted through the National Scholarships Portal (NSP).
Q: Is there an application fee?
No, the application is completely free of cost.
Q: Can I change schools while continuing my scholarship?
Yes, but only if the new school is a government or government-aided institution.
Q: How do I track my scholarship application?
You can track your NSP application status using the “Know Your Payment” option on the PFMS Portal using your Aadhaar Number, Bank Account Number, or NSP Application ID.
Q: What is the size & format of the documents to be uploaded?
- Photographs & Signatures: JPG/PNG format
- Other Documents: PDF/JPG/PNG format
- File Size: Less than 100 KB
Q: What if I fail my annual exam due to illness?
A medical certificate from a registered doctor should be submitted to the school principal within three months. If approved, the scholarship may continue.
Q: Can I receive two scholarships simultaneously?
No, a student cannot avail of two Central Government scholarships at the same time.