National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)

What is it?

NMMSS is a central scheme run by the school education department to stop bright children from poorer households dropping out at the end of elementary school. Students sit a state-conducted selection test at the end of Class VIII, and those who qualify receive a fixed annual scholarship for up to four years while they complete Classes IX to XII.

The scheme is aimed squarely at the state school system. Only children studying as regular students in government, government-aided and local body schools can apply. Pupils in private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and centrally or state-run residential schools with boarding are outside its scope.

One lakh fresh awards are made each year. Money is paid straight into the student's own bank account, and continuing the award depends on passing each year and reaching a marks threshold at Class X.

Potential benefit

Up to ₹12,000 per year

Rs 12,000 per year, that is Rs 1,000 per month, for a maximum of four years covering Classes IX to XII. Paid by direct benefit transfer into the student's own bank account, subject to official selection and approval.

Who can apply?

• You are currently studying

  Where this comes from

  scholarship will be provided on yearly basis to the students studying as regular students and entering in class IX in a Government, Government-aided, local body schools

  Official source ↗
• Household income is within the stated ceiling of Rs 3,50,000 a year

  Where this comes from

  parental income is not more than Rs 3,50,000/- per annum from all sources

  Official source ↗
• You are at the school stage this scholarship covers

  Where this comes from

  entering in class IX in a Government, Government-aided, local body schools

  Official source ↗
• Age is in the usual range for Classes IX to XII improves your chances rather than being required

  Where this comes from

  entering in class IX

  Official source ↗

Other conditions stated by the government

• Parental income from all sources must be Rs 3,50,000 a year or less.
• You must be a regular student entering Class IX in a government, government-aided or local body school.
• At least 55 per cent marks in the Class VII examination are needed to sit the selection test, relaxed by 5 percentage points for SC and ST students.
• Students in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, government residential schools providing boarding, and private schools are not eligible.
• To keep the scholarship after Class X you need at least 60 per cent marks, relaxed by 5 percentage points for SC and ST students, and clear promotion on the first attempt.
• Reservation follows your state's own norms rather than a central quota.

Eligibility information is provided for informational purposes only. Final eligibility and approval are determined by the relevant government authority.

Documents you will need

We have not been able to confirm the document list from an official source, so we have left it out rather than guess. Check the official source linked above.

How to apply

States and union territories conduct a selection test in two parts, a Mental Ability Test and a Scholastic Aptitude Test, for Class VIII students. Qualifying students then file their application on the National Scholarship Portal, where the state government verifies it. Awards are paid into the student's bank account. A renewal application must be filed on the portal each year.

Where to apply: online

Deadline

We have not been able to confirm a current deadline from an official source. Check before applying.