In shortNMMSS awards Rs 12,000 per year (Rs 1,000 monthly) to meritorious class VIII students entering class IX in government schools. Eligibility requires 55 percent in class VII, 40 percent aggregate in Mental Ability and Scholastic Aptitude Tests, and parental income under Rs 3,50,000 annually. The scholarship continues through class XII with conditional renewal.
Key facts
- Offered by
- Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India
- Amount
- Rs 12,000 per annum, paid at Rs 1,000 per month, for up to four years from class IX to class XII
- Income limit
- Rs 3,50,000 per annum from all sources
- Opens
- 1 June 2026
The National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme is a competitive award rather than an entitlement. Students in class eight sit a state conducted examination made up of a Mental Ability Test and a Scholastic Aptitude Test, each with ninety questions, and those who clear both the qualifying marks and the class seven marks requirement receive a scholarship that runs from class nine to class twelve.
The design deliberately targets government school students. Children studying in private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and residential schools are not eligible, so the money flows to the state school system. Continuation is conditional, not automatic. A student has to keep passing and must reach a minimum aggregate in class ten to carry the award into the higher secondary years. Payment is made through the National Scholarship Portal into the student account after state verification, with quotas allotted to each state and union territory.
Who is eligible
- Studying in class VIII and entering class IX in a government, government aided or local body school
- Minimum 55 percent marks in class VII, with 5 percent relaxation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students
- Must score at least 40 percent aggregate in both the Mental Ability Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test, relaxed to 32 percent for SC and ST candidates
- Parental income from all sources not above the prescribed ceiling at the time of selection
- Students of private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and residential schools are not eligible
- Minimum 60 percent in class X to continue the award into higher secondary, with 5 percent relaxation for SC and ST students
Documents you need
- Income certificate of parent or guardian
- Class VII mark sheet and current school bonafide certificate
- Caste certificate where relaxation is claimed
- Aadhaar and Aadhaar-seeded bank account details
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for NMMSS scholarship?
Students in class VIII entering class IX in government or government-aided schools with minimum 55 percent marks in class VII, 40 percent aggregate in both Mental Ability and Scholastic Aptitude Tests, and parental income under Rs 3,50,000 per annum.
How much money does NMMSS give?
Rs 12,000 per year, paid as Rs 1,000 every month for four years from class IX to class XII, totalling Rs 48,000 if the student maintains eligibility throughout.
What is the NMMSS application date?
The scheme starts from June 1, 2026. Students sit a state-conducted examination comprising Mental Ability Test and Scholastic Aptitude Test, each with ninety questions.
Can private school students apply for NMMSS?
No. Only students studying in government schools and government-aided schools are eligible. Children in private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and residential schools cannot apply.
What marks are needed to continue NMMSS in higher secondary?
Students must score minimum 60 percent aggregate in class X to continue the scholarship into higher secondary classes. SC and ST candidates get 5 percent relaxation.
What documents do I need for NMMSS?
Income certificate, class VII mark sheet, current school bonafide certificate, caste certificate if relaxation is claimed, and Aadhaar with Aadhaar-seeded bank account details for payment.
Before you apply: confirm every date, fee and eligibility rule on the official website linked on this page. Public and Policy is an independent portal, not a government body, and details change without notice.
