NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27: Get ₹12,000 Per Year, Apply by October 31

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) provides ₹12,000 per year to selected students from economically weaker families studying in government, government-aided and local body schools. Every year, 1 lakh fresh scholarships are awarded to students entering Class IX, and eligible awardees can continue receiving the scholarship up to Class XII through renewal.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the NMMSS application window on the National Scholarship Portal is open from June 1 to October 31, 2026. Defective application and institute verification will remain open until November 15, while higher-level verification is scheduled until November 30, 2026.

NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27 Details

The scheme was created to reduce dropouts after Class VIII and encourage meritorious students from economically weaker sections to continue secondary and higher-secondary education.

Who Is Eligible for NMMSS?

Fresh applicants do not become eligible merely by registering on NSP. They must first qualify through the State or Union Territory-level NMMS selection examination conducted in Class VIII.

The main eligibility conditions are:

• Parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3.5 lakh per year.
• The student must be studying regularly in a Government, Government-aided or local body school.
• The student must have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class VII to appear in the selection test.
• SC and ST students get a 5% relaxation in the minimum Class VII marks.
• At the time of final selection, the student must have at least 55% in Class VIII, again with 5% relaxation for SC/ST students.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Students studying in the following institutions are not eligible under the scheme:

• Kendriya Vidyalayas
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
• Private schools
• Residential schools run by Central or State Government institutions where boarding, lodging and education are provided

This restriction is part of the official NMMSS guidelines.

How Are Students Selected?

Each State and Union Territory conducts its own examination at the Class VIII stage. The test has two parts:

Each paper is generally 90 minutes long. Children with disabilities receive additional time as applicable.

To qualify, students must secure at least 40% in MAT and SAT taken together. The qualifying level is 32% for SC/ST students. Final selection is also subject to the quota allotted to the State or UT and applicable reservation rules.

How Much Scholarship Is Paid?

Each selected student receives:

₹12,000 per year = ₹1,000 per month

The scholarship is paid for a maximum of four years, from Class IX to Class XII, provided the student meets the renewal conditions.

Payments are transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer using PFMS after verification.

A student who successfully continues the scholarship for all four years can receive up to ₹48,000 in total.

Renewal Rules for Classes X to XII

Students already receiving NMMSS must satisfy academic conditions to continue the scholarship.

Official guidelines prescribe:

• at least 55% marks in Class IX for continuation;
• at least 60% marks in Class X for continuation to Class XI;
• at least 55% marks in Class XI for continuation to Class XII;
• SC/ST students receive a 5% relaxation in these marks requirements.

Students must also be promoted to the next class according to the scheme conditions.

NMMSS 2026-27 Important Dates

These dates are currently displayed against NMMSS on the National Scholarship Portal for academic year 2026-27.

OTR Is Mandatory Before Applying

Students need a One Time Registration (OTR) to submit an NSP scholarship application. The OTR is a unique number assigned for the student’s academic career and has been compulsory for scholarship applications through NSP.

Students who already have an OTR should use the existing number rather than generating another one.

How to Apply for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27

Students who have already been selected through their State or UT NMMS examination can complete the scholarship process through NSP.

1. Generate or retrieve the NSP OTR.
2. Log in to the National Scholarship Portal.
3. Select academic year 2026-27.
4. Open the National Means Cum Merit Scholarship application.
5. Enter school, academic, personal and bank-related details.
6. Upload or provide the required documents.
7. Verify all information before final submission.
8. Submit the application by October 31, 2026.
9. Track the application until institute and higher-level verification are completed.

Simply qualifying the state-level NMMS examination does not by itself complete the scholarship process. Selected students still need to submit the NSP application and pass the prescribed verification stages.

FAQs

What is the NMMSS scholarship amount?

Selected students receive ₹12,000 per year, equivalent to ₹1,000 per month.

What is the income limit?

Parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3.5 lakh annually.

What is the NMMSS 2026-27 last date?

The current NSP student application deadline is October 31, 2026.

Can private-school students apply?

No. Private-school students are not eligible under the official scheme guidelines.

How many fresh scholarships are awarded?

The scheme provides 1 lakh fresh scholarships every year to selected Class IX students.

Is there an examination for NMMSS?

Yes. Students are selected through a State/UT-level examination consisting of MAT and SAT, normally conducted at the Class VIII stage.