National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) — Class IX to XII, Rs 12,000 a year
Government of India (Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy)
Overview
A Ministry of Education scholarship that helps meritorious students from economically weaker families continue studying after Class VIII. One lakh fresh scholarships are awarded across India every year, with a fixed quota for each state.
It pays Rs 12,000 a year (Rs 1,000 a month) from Class IX to Class XII, for up to four years. Parental income must not exceed Rs 3.5 lakh a year from all sources. Only regular students of government, government-aided and local body schools qualify; students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, government residential schools and private schools are not eligible.
Students selected through the state's Class VIII selection test (Mental Ability Test and Scholastic Aptitude Test) apply on the National Scholarship Portal. For 2026-27, NSP applications are open from 1 June to 15 November 2026.
At a glance
- Administering authority
- Government of India (Ministry of Education, Department of School Education & Literacy)
- Scholarship type
- Merit-cum-means
- Education level
- Class 9–10, Class 11–12
- Course / institution conditions
- Regular students of government, government-aided or local body schools. Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, government residential schools providing boarding and lodging, and private schools are not eligible. No scholarship for diploma/certificate courses at the higher secondary stage.
- Income limit
- Annual family income up to ₹3,50,000 — Parental income from all sources not more than Rs 3,50,000 a year (at the time of selection).
- Minimum marks
- 55%
Benefits
- Rs 12,000 a year (Rs 1,000 a month)
- For up to four years, from Class IX to Class XII
- Paid directly to the student's bank account
Eligibility
- At least 40% marks in aggregate in the state's Class VIII selection test — Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) together (32% for SC/ST)
- At least 55% marks or equivalent grade in the Class VIII examination (5% relaxation for SC/ST)
- Parental income not more than Rs 3.5 lakh a year
- Regular student entering Class IX in a government, government-aided or local body school
- Reservation for categories as per the state's norms
Important dates
| Application opens | 1 Jun 2026 |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 15 Nov 2026 |
Renewal conditions
- Clear promotion from Class IX to X and from Class XI to XII in the first attempt
- At least 60% marks in the Class X examination to continue at the higher secondary stage (5% relaxation for SC/ST)
- A renewal application on NSP is required every year
Required documents
- NSP One Time Registration (OTR) number
- Parental income certificate
- Class VIII/X mark sheet
- Caste certificate (if claiming SC/ST relaxation)
- Bank account details (Aadhaar-seeded)
How to apply
- Take the state NMMS selection test in Class VIII (in West Bengal the state government conducts it)
- If selected, complete One Time Registration (OTR) with Aadhaar on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in)
- Log in with your OTR ID, fill in the NMMS fresh or renewal application and upload documents
- The school verifies the application, followed by the district/state nodal officer
- The last date for 2026-27 is 15 November 2026
Last updated: 1 Nov 2026
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