The National Means-cum-Merit NMMS Scholarship Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Launched in May 2008, the primary goal of this scholarship is to reduce dropout rates at the secondary education level and provide financial assistance to meritorious students, ensuring they continue their education from Class 9 to Class 12.
The NMMS provides an annual scholarship of ₹12,000 (₹1,000 per month) to eligible students studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools. The program is designed to uplift students from underprivileged families and encourage them to achieve academic excellence, the program is for those students which are not able to fulfil the education fee and want to study further.
Since its inception, over 22 lakh scholarships have been awarded under this scheme, reflecting its substantial impact on improving educational access for deserving students, so the students those are want to study in India never miss this opportunity.
Key Points of the NMMS Scholarship Scheme 2025
- Scholarship Amount: ₹1,000 per month (total ₹12,000 annually).
- Eligibility Grades: Applicable for students from Class 9 to Class 12.
- Objective: To curb dropout rates and promote continued education among economically disadvantaged students.
- Selection Process: Candidates are selected through a two-stage examination conducted by state governments:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT): Evaluates reasoning and critical thinking.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Covers subjects taught in Classes 7 and 8, such as mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Relaxations: Special provisions, such as 5% relaxation in marks, are provided for SC/ST students.
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Eligibility Criteria For NMMS Scholarship 2025
To apply for the NMMS scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:
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- Academic Performance:
- Must have scored at least 55% in Class 8 examinations (50% for SC/ST candidates).
- Should score at least 40% in MAT and SAT combined (32% for SC/ST candidates).
- School Type: Regular students of government, government-aided, or local body schools are eligible. Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and private schools are not eligible.
- Family Income: The annual family income must not exceed ₹3,50,000.
- Other Scholarships: Applicants should not be recipients of any other central government scholarship.
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Benefits of the NMMS Scholarship
Selected students receive a direct annual scholarship of ₹12,000 credited to their bank accounts. To continue receiving the scholarship, students must maintain the required academic standards and renew their applications on the NSP portal annually.
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Required Documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents while applying for the NMMS scholarship:
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Two recent photographs.
- Income Certificate: Certified document proving that the family income does not exceed ₹3,50,000 annually.
- Caste Certificate: (If applicable) for SC/ST candidates.
- Disability Certificate: (If applicable) issued by a competent authority.
- Mark Sheet: Photocopy of the latest academic results (Class 8).
- Proof of Residence: Documents verifying the applicant’s address.
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for identification and verification.
These documents must be validated by the school principal before submission to the relevant authorities.
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Selection process
Here is the selection process in a table format:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 90 multiple-choice questions assessing reasoning and critical thinking. |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 90 multiple-choice questions covering topics from Classes 7 and 8. |
Each test lasts 90 minutes. Students with disabilities receive additional time. Candidates must score at least 40% (32% for SC/ST) in both tests combined to qualify for the scholarship.
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How to Apply for NMMS Scholarship 2025?
- Registration: Visit the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- A unique 14-digit identification number will be assigned based on Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID.
- Application: Log in to the portal using the registration ID and password.
- Form Submission: Fill in the application form for NMMS 2025 and submit it.
- Print Acknowledgment: Keep a printed copy of the application and acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
