The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2026-27 provides financial assistance of ₹12,000 per year to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to help them continue their secondary education. The scheme offers financial support of ₹12,000 per annum, deposited directly into the student’s bank account from Class 9 up to Class 12, totaling ₹48,000 over four years. This central government-sponsored scheme is implemented by respective state and union territory education departments and SCERTs. It is designed to reduce dropout rates at the secondary stage by providing financial assistance to talented students who might otherwise discontinue their studies due to economic constraints.
To be eligible for the NMMS scholarship, students must be studying in Class 8 as regular students in government, government-aided, or local body schools. They must have secured at least 55 percent marks (50 percent for SC and ST students) in their Class 7 final examination. The total annual family income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000. Students from private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and state-run residential schools providing boarding and lodging facilities are not eligible for this scholarship. The selection test comprises two objective-type papers conducted offline on the same day: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
The Mental Ability Test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions worth 90 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes, testing verbal and non-verbal reasoning, critical thinking, and meta-cognitive abilities. The Scholastic Aptitude Test also consists of 90 multiple-choice questions worth 90 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes, covering Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics based on the Class 7 and Class 8 syllabus. For qualifying, general category students must secure a minimum of 40 percent aggregate marks taking MAT and SAT together, while reserved category students (SC, ST, and PH) need a minimum of 32 percent aggregate marks. Selected students must also score at least 55 percent marks (50 percent for SC and ST) in their Class 8 promotion examination to continue receiving the scholarship.
The application process for NMMS 2026-27 is conducted through respective schools via state portals or the National Scholarship Portal. Deadlines vary by state and union territory. For instance, the application window for NMMS Kerala closes on September 30, 2026, with the exam scheduled for November 7, 2026. State-specific exam dates generally span from November 2026 through April 2027. Students and parents are advised to check their respective state education department websites or the National Scholarship Portal for exact deadlines and application procedures. This scholarship represents a vital opportunity for meritorious students from economically weaker sections to pursue their education without financial burden.