National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) 2026-27: Apply Online, Eligibility, Amount, Last Date & Selection Process
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2026–27 is central sector scholarship program launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Education, India, to support talented students from economically weaker sections.
This scheme open only to students studying in government and government aided schools and excludes KVS, NVS and other govt residential schools.
Key Points :
- Scholarship Amount & Disbursement : ₹12,000 per year per student via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Eligibility & Criteria: For Class IX students in government, government aided schools, and local body schools who passed the Class VIII selection test, with a income limit of ₹3.50 lakh per annum and a minimum 55% in Class VII (5% relaxation for SC/ST).
- Selection Test: MAT and SAT sections exam conducted by State/UT.
- Maximum scholarship period : Up to four years, check how to renew
The scheme provides fresh scholarships to eligible Class IX students selected through the examination conducted by their respective State/UT governments. Scholarships may continue through Classes X to XII, subject to the applicable renewal conditions.
The deadline of application for the 2026–27 academic year has been extended to 31 October 2026. Students should complete their applications and ensure verification within the revised schedule.
NMMSS Scholarship 2026–27: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) |
| Academic Year | 2026–27 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| Scholarship Type | Central Sector Scholarship |
| Beneficiaries | Eligible students from economically weaker families |
| Fresh Scholarship Level | Class IX |
| Renewal Classes | Classes X to XII |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Portal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Application Start Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 October 2026 |
| Institute Verification Deadline (L1) | 15 November 2026 |
| District Verification Deadline (L2) | 30 November 2026 |
Dates are based on the Ministry of Education’s latest extension notice dated 1 October 2026.
Official Links:
- National Scholarship Portal – All Scholarships
- Ministry of Education – Official Deadline Extension Notice
Students who have already submitted their applications should check the verification status on the portal.
NMMSS Scholarship 2026–27: Eligibility Criteria
The students must pass both the tests i.e. MAT and SAT with at least 40% marks in aggregate for these two tests. For SC/ST students, this cut off will be 32% marks.
- Class VII marks: Student must have scored at least 55% marks or equivalent grade to appear in the selection examination. There will be 5% relaxation in marks for SC/ST students.
- Parental income: The annual income of the student’s parents from all sources must not exceed ₹3.50 lakh.
- School eligibility: The scheme covers eligible students studying in State Government, Government-aided and local body schools.
- Selection examination: Students must qualify in the selection examination conducted by their respective State/UT government.
- Renewal: For continuing the scholarship in class X and XII, the awardees should get clear promotion from class IX to Class X and from class XI to Class XII in the first attempt; The awardees must obtain a minimum of 60% marks in Class X examination (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students) or equivalent examination for continuation of the scholarship at higher secondary stage.
How to Apply for NMMSS Scholarship 2026–27
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is on-boarded on NSP. You can apply for fresh or renewal Scholarship under the Scheme on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at www.scholarships.gov.in.
Follow the below steps:
- Visit the National Scholarship Portal.
- Student has to register on National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at www.scholarships.gov.in in order to get OTR ID.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- Log in to the portal using OTR ID. Student’s demographic details and photograph will be automatically fetched from OTR.
- Check the National Means Cum Merit Scholarship schemes for Academic Year 2026–27.
- Read the instructions and fill the application form.
- Enter the correct details as asked for.
- Upload or provide the documents (Income Certificate of Parent/Guardian issued by the Competent Authority in the State/UT, Caste Certificate, if applicable.)
- Verify the application details and submit form before the deadline.
- Save and download the application details and check its verification status.
Selection Process:
Each State/UT will conduct its own test at stage of class VIII for selection of students for the award of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship. The state Level Examination may consist of the following two tests:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The students should score minimum of 55 % marks or equivalent grade in class VII examination for appearing in selection test conducted during class VIII for award of scholarship (relaxable by 50% for SC/ST students).
The student should be studying as regular student in Government, Government aided and local body schools.
Duration of the Test:
The selection test for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is divided into two papers, and duration of 90 minutes is set for each one. The total duration of the entire examination is 3 hours (180 minutes).
The criteria for selection of students
The students must pass both the tests i.e. MAT and SAT with at least 40% marks in aggregate for these two tests. For SC/ST students, this cut off will be 32% marks.
Official Links for NMMSS Scholarship 2026–27
| Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|
| National Scholarship Portal | scholarships.gov.in |
| All Scholarships / Find NMMSS | View Schemes |
| Latest Ministry deadline notice | Read Official Notice |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the last date for NMMSS Scholarship 2026–27?
31 October 2026.
2. How much scholarship is provided under NMMSS?
₹12,000 per year per student via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
3. How can I apply online for scholarship?
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is on-boarded on NSP. You can apply for fresh or renewal Scholarship under the Scheme on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at www.scholarships.gov.in.
4. What documents are needed to be uploaded on Portal while applying for Scholarship?
Two documents are required for uploading i.e. Income Certificate and Caste Certificate.
5. What are the verification deadlines for 2026–27?
The Institute Nodal Officer (L1) verification deadline is 15 November 2026, and the District Nodal Officer (L2) verification deadline is 30 November 2026.
6. Is One-Time Registration mandatory for all services on NSP?
Yes, One-Time Registration is mandatory for all services on NSP. It serves as the username for logging in and is also required to complete the face authentication process.
7. What should I do, if my Institute name is not appearing in the dropdown list of Institutes in application form?
You may ask your institute to contact the concerned State Nodal officer of NMMSS for their registration through U-DISE code available on NSP portal.
8. How do I know the name and address of Nodal Officer/ State Department of my State?
The name and contact details of the Nodal Officer/State Department of States/UTs are available in home page of National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
(https:// scholarships.gov.in/public/ nodalOfficersList/ MCMscheme.pdf)
Disclaimer :
The information provided on is for educational and informational purposes and for job seekers only. We try to give information accurate and complete, however, candidates are advised to independently verify all details with the relevant official portal before applying.
Scholarship/recruitment eligibility, application dates, vacancies, selection rules and other details may be changed or updated by the authority/organization.
ExamPatrol is not an official Government website and is not associated with any of the government or private job sector body.