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ActiveCentral Sector SchemeLaunched 2008-05-01Verified: 2026-09-16

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)

Merit-based central scholarship providing ₹12,000 per year to economically weaker students from Class IX to XII to arrest secondary school dropouts.

Government Levelcentral Government
Administering BodyMinistry of Education
Beneficiary Sector
Education & Learning
Applicable Jurisdiction
All India

₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown

Scholarship of ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month) awarded to selected meritorious students from Class IX through Class XII (maximum 4 years). Disbursed directly into the student Aadhaar-seeded bank account via Public Financial Management System (PFMS) through DBT on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). 1,00,000 fresh scholarships awarded every year nationwide.

📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach

Fiscal Budget Allocation

₹400 Crore (Union Budget allocation for NMMSS)

Official Budget Document ↗
Verified Beneficiary Reach

1,00,000 new scholarships awarded annually (over 4 Lakh active scholars across Classes IX-XII)

As of: 2024-03-31PIB / Official Citation ↗

Verified Eligibility Criteria

Age Requirement:13 to 18 years
Annual Family Income Ceiling:₹3,50,000 per annum
Target Occupations:student
Eligible Gender:all
Social Category / Reservation:all
Specific Operational Conditions & Exclusions:

Student must be studying as a regular student in Class VIII in a Government, Government-aided, or Local Body school with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) in Class VII. Total annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000. Students of NVS, KVS, Sainik schools, and private residential schools are NOT eligible.

Required Documents Checklist

  • ✓
    NMMSS Selection Examination Merit Certificate / Roll NumberMandatory

    Proof of passing state NMMSS exam.

  • ✓
    Income Certificate (< ₹3.50 Lakh per annum)Mandatory

    Issued by competent revenue authority.

  • ✓
    Class 7 & Class 8 Marksheet (Min 55% marks, 50% for SC/ST)Mandatory

    Proof of academic merit.

  • ✓
    Aadhaar Card of the StudentMandatory

    Mandatory for OTR on NSP.

  • ✓
    Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account Passbook with IFSCMandatory

    Individual account of student for receiving ₹12,000/year via DBT.

How to Apply

1. Students appear for the State-level NMMSS selection test in Class VIII, comprising Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). 2. Qualifying students register on the National Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.gov.in) with student Aadhaar and OTR. 3. Select scheme "National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme" under Department of School Education & Literacy. 4. Enter Class 8 marks (minimum 55% for General, 50% for SC/ST) and parental income certificate (< ₹3.50 lakh). 5. School verifies bonafide student attendance in Class IX; State Nodal Officer approves. 6. Central scholarship of ₹12,000 credited annually via DBT upon annual academic renewal.

Official Government Application Portal

You will be redirected to the secure official portal: scholarships.gov.in

Apply on official government website

Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)

Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.

Can students of Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS) or Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) apply for NMMSS?

No. Students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and private residential boarding schools are not eligible for NMMSS.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

What is the parental income limit for NMMSS?

The parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

How much scholarship amount is provided per year?

The scholarship amount is ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month), paid in a single lump-sum installment per academic year via DBT.

Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗

Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings

Parental income exceeding ₹3.50 lakh; student enrolled in Kendriya Vidyalaya (KVS), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), or private residential school; scoring below 55% (50% for SC/ST) in Class 7/8 exams; dropout or failure in renewal class.

Editorial Verification & Change Log

DateFieldDescription / UpdateSource Citation
2026-09-16initial_verificationBaseline verification of NMMSS guidelines, ₹3.50 Lakh revised income ceiling, and ₹12,000/year DBT norms.Official Source ↗

Application Window & Deadlines

Annual academic window: July through November on NSP

Deadline: 2026-11-30

Related Welfare Programs

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY / Skill India)

Skill certification and vocational training scheme under MSDE offering free industry-relevant job-role training, NSQF certification, and placement support.

Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN / Mid-Day Meal Scheme)

National school nutrition programme providing free nutritious hot cooked meals to primary and upper-primary children in government and aided schools.

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC Students (Classes IX & X)

Centrally sponsored academic scholarship providing ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 annual financial support to Scheduled Caste students in Class IX and X.

Official Helpline & Nodal Offices

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Cell, Department of School Education & Literacy

Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi - 110001

Helpline: 0120-6619540 (NSP) / 011-23383872

Jurisdiction: National (All-India)

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Verification Metadata

Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-09-16 against official government documentation.

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