The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2026 is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India. Its aim is to reduce dropouts at the secondary stage by giving financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. Students studying in Class 8 in Government, Government-aided or Local Body schools appear for a selection examination, and selected students receive a scholarship of Rs 1,000 per month (Rs 12,000 per year) for four years from Class 9 to Class 12. The scholarship is disbursed through DBT, and the family income limit is Rs 3.5 lakh per year.
Who Can Apply for NMMS Scholarship 2026?
- The student must be studying in Class 8 in a Government, Government-aided or Local Body school.
- The applicant must have passed the Class 7 annual examination with at least 55% marks (relaxed by 5% for reserved categories).
- The parental / family income from all sources must not exceed Rs 3.5 lakh per year.
- The student must be an Indian citizen.
- Students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sainik Schools and similar fully-funded residential schools are not eligible.
Scholarship Amount and Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | Rs 1,000 per month (Rs 12,000 per year) |
| Duration | 4 years (Class 9 to Class 12) |
| Income Ceiling | Rs 3.5 lakh per year |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) |
Exam Pattern
| Paper | Details |
|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 90 questions, 90 marks, 90 minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 90 questions, 90 marks, 90 minutes |
| Subjects (SAT) | Science, Social Science, Mathematics |
Documents Required for Application
- Class 7 marksheet
- Income certificate from a competent authority
- Caste certificate (if applicable for relaxation)
- Bonafide certificate from the current school
- Aadhaar card, bank passbook and passport-size photograph
How to Apply for NMMS Scholarship 2026
- Students apply through their respective schools as per the state-level exam conducting authority.
- Fill the application form (online or offline) with academic and income details.
- Submit the form with required documents before the last date.
- Appear for the state-level NMMS selection examination.
- Selected students then register on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) to receive the scholarship.
Important Dates
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 1 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 (expected) |
| Application Fee | No fee (some states may vary) |
FAQs – NMMS Scholarship 2026
Q1. Who can apply for NMMS 2026?
Class 8 students of Government, Government-aided or Local Body schools with family income up to Rs 3.5 lakh and at least 55% in Class 7.
Q2. How much is the NMMS scholarship?
Rs 1,000 per month (Rs 12,000 per year) for four years from Class 9 to Class 12.
Q3. Is there an examination?
Yes, students must qualify a state-level selection test with a Mental Ability Test and a Scholastic Aptitude Test.