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Central Sector Scheme NMMSS: The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to support talented students from economically weaker families. Aimed at encouraging students to continue their education at the secondary and higher secondary levels, this scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 12,000 per year to selected candidates. The scholarship motivates meritorious students to pursue quality education and helps reduce dropout rates due to financial constraints.

Overview of the NMMSS Scheme

Under the NMMSS, a total of 100,000 scholarships are awarded every year to meritorious students whose parents’ annual income does not exceed Rs. 3,50,000. Each State and Union Territory receives a fixed quota of scholarships based on the student population in Classes VII and VIII.

Scholarships are available only to regular students of Government, Government-aided, and Local Body schools.
Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV), and other Central/State-run residential schools are not eligible. Students studying in private schools are also excluded.

Scholarship Amount

• Rs. 12,000 per year (1,000 per month)
• State/UT Governments conduct a separate competitive examination to select eligible students.

Selection Procedure NMMSS Scholarship

Every State and UT conducts a selection test for Class VIII students, which consists of two major components:

Mental Ability Test (MAT)

• 90 multiple-choice questions
• Checks reasoning skills, analytical ability, and problem-solving
• Includes analogy, classification, number patterns, hidden figures, etc.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

• 90 multiple-choice questions
• Based on Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics
• Covers Class VII and VIII syllabus

Eligibility to Appear in Exam

• Minimum 55% marks in Class VII (5% relaxation for SC/ST)
• Must be a regular student of a Government, Govt-aided, or Local Body school

Test Duration

• 90 minutes for each paper
• Extra time allowed for students with disabilities

Declaration of Results

To qualify for the scholarship, a student must achieve:

• Minimum 40% combined score in MAT + SAT
  (Relaxation: 32% for SC/ST students)
• Minimum 55% marks in Class VIII
  (Relaxation: 5% for SC/ST)

All other eligibility criteria as per the guidelines must also be fulfilled.

Disbursement of Scholarship

• Students can only avail one Central Government scholarship at a time.
• Awardees must open a bank account in SBI/Public Sector/Scheduled Banks with core banking.
• Scholarship applications and renewals must be submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
• Funds are transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly to the student’s bank account.

For Continuation of Scholarship

Minimum 60% marks in Class X (5% relaxation for SC/ST)

Must be promoted from:

• Class IX → X
• Class XI → XII
  in the first attempt.

General Eligibility Conditions

Students must:

• Take admission in an approved academic course
• Maintain good conduct certified by the school
• Attend classes regularly
• Study full-time
• Avoid absence without valid leave approval
• Other Conditions

Eligibility for Continuation NMMSS Scheme for (Class IX–XII)

• Must be promoted from Class VIII to IX to start the scholarship
• Valid for four years (Class IX to XII)
• Not applicable for diploma or certificate courses
• Must score a minimum of 60% in Class X (relaxation for SC/ST)
• If the school does not hold annual exams for IX/XI, continuation is allowed with a Principal’s certification

NMMSS Scholarship Application Process

Visit Portal
Go to scholarships.gov.in.
New Registration
Register using name, mobile, email, Aadhaar, and bank details.
Login
Login with your Application ID and password.
Fill Form
Enter academic details, school info, family income, and category.
Upload Documents
Upload income certificate, marksheet, bonafide certificate, Aadhaar, bank passbook, caste certificate (if required).
Submit Form
Review all details and submit online.
Verification
The application is verified by school, district, and state officials.
Scholarship Transfer
After approval, Rs. 12,000 per year is credited to your bank account via DBT.

Download NMMSS Scheme Revised Guidelines

Click Here: Download NMMSS Scheme Revised Guidelines PDF

Tips to Help Students Apply and Benefit from NMMSS

Check Eligibility Early: Verify academic marks, school type, and parental income to ensure you qualify before applying.
Keep Documents Ready: Aadhaar, income certificate, caste certificate, mark sheets, and bank account details should be scanned and ready in the required format.
Register on NSP in Advance: Create your account on the National Scholarship Portal early to avoid last-minute issues.
Prepare for Selection Test: Focus on MAT (Mental Ability Test) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) syllabus to score well.
Maintain Good Academic Record: Keep consistent grades, as continuation of the scholarship depends on Class X and XII performance.
Follow Attendance Rules: Regular attendance and good conduct are mandatory for scholarship continuation.
Apply Only Once: Avoid multiple applications; submit carefully to prevent rejection.
Check Deadlines: Note the scholarship application and renewal deadlines to avoid missing opportunities.
Use DBT Efficiently: Ensure the bank account is active and linked to Aadhaar to receive funds directly.
Seek Guidance: Approach teachers or school authorities for help with filling forms or clarifying doubts.
Save Proof of Submission: Download and keep the application receipt for future reference.
Focus on Higher Education Goals: Use the scholarship to reduce financial burden and invest in academic growth, coaching, or extra learning resources.

FAQ: Central Sector Scheme NMMSS

Q1. Who can apply for NMMSS? Students studying in Class 9 with required merit and income eligibility.
Q2. Is Aadhaar mandatory? Yes, Aadhaar is required for registration and DBT.
Q3. How much amount is given? Rs. 12,000 per year through DBT.
Q4. Can I edit the form after submission? No, editing is not allowed after final submission.
Q5. Where to apply? Apply only on scholarships.gov.in.

Conclusion

The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) provides vital financial assistance to deserving students, ensuring that economic hardship does not hinder educational progress. With an easy online application process through the NSP portal, students can register, upload required documents, and receive Rs. 12,000 annually via DBT. This scholarship empowers meritorious students to continue their studies at the secondary and higher secondary levels, contributing to academic excellence and overall development.a

Also Read: PMSS Scholarship for Wards of Police Personnel (PMSS)