The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) is a special program by the Government of India. It is handled by the Department of School Education & Literacy, which works under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). This scholarship program helps students from families with limited income to continue their education. The goal is to support bright students financially so that they do not drop out after the elementary level.
Each selected student under this scheme gets Rs. 12,000 every year to help with school expenses. Every year, around 100,000 scholarships are given to students across India. The scholarship is available to students who are studying in Class 9 and can be renewed every year up to Class 12. However, students from certain schools, like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), and private schools, are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.
NMMS Scholarship 2025
| Scheme Name | National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) |
| Department | Department of School Education & Literacy, MHRD |
| Award Amount | Rs. 12,000 per year |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2024 |
| Application Verification (Defective Forms) | Till 15 September 2024 |
| Institute Verification | Till 15 September 2024 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Verification | Till 30 September 2024 |
| Official Website | scholarships.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria for NMMS Scholarship
To receive the NMMS scholarship, students need to meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Income Limit: The family income of the student should not be more than Rs. 3.5 lakh per year from all sources.
- Marks Requirement: Students must have at least 55% marks in their Class 7 or 8 final exams. However, students from SC/ST categories need only 50% marks.
- School Type: Students must be regular students of government or government-aided schools.
- Ineligible Schools: Students from KVs, JNVs, private schools, or government-run residential schools are not eligible.
- Duration: The scholarship can be used for four years, from Class 9 to Class 12, but only for studies done in India.
Selection Procedure for NMMS
The selection for the NMMS scholarship happens through a test conducted by the State Government or Union Territories (UTs). Students who qualify at the state level become eligible for the national-level exam. This test, managed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), is used to identify students deserving of the scholarship.
Documents Required for NMMS Application
Students applying for the NMMS scholarship need to submit the following documents along with their application form:
- Class 7 Mark Sheet from a government school (compulsory).
- Income Certificate of the parents (compulsory).
- Caste Certificate (if applicable).
- Disability Certificate (if applicable).
- Domicile Certificate of the student.
All these documents must be signed by the school principal and student’s parents.
How to Apply for the NMMS Scholarship?
Students can apply for the NMMS scholarship in two ways – online or offline.
1. Online Application
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
- Register on the portal with the necessary details.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents.
- Submit the application form online and keep a copy for reference.
The school will notify students when the application process begins. The admit cards for the exam will be available online or through the school before the exam date.
2. Offline Application
- Collect the NMMS application form from the school or download it from the official website.
- Fill out the form correctly and attach all required documents.
- Submit two signed copies of the form to the school head.
- The school will forward the form to the nodal office for verification.
Important Dates to Remember
- Last Date to Apply: 31 August 2024
- Verification of Defective Applications: Till 15 September 2024
- Institute Verification: Till 15 September 2024
- DNO/SNO/MNO Verification: Till 30 September 2024
The NMMS scholarship is a great opportunity for students from low-income families to pursue higher education without financial worries. Students who meet the eligibility criteria and apply on time can benefit from the scheme. Schools and parents should also encourage eligible students to apply for this scholarship to ensure they get the support they need for a brighter future.