News: The deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) has been extended to 30 September 2025.
About National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
- Implemented by: Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education.
- Aims: To provide financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to reduce drop-outs after Class VIII and encourage completion of education up to Class XII.
- Objective of the Scheme: To award scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their drop-out at Class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at the secondary stage.
- Scope and Coverage: The scheme awards one lakh fresh scholarships every year to students of Class IX.
- The scholarship is renewed for Classes X to XII subject to satisfactory academic performance.
- Applicable only to students studying in State Government, Government-aided, and local body schools.
- Scholarship Amount: Each selected student receives ₹12,000 per annum (₹1,000 per month). The scholarship is credited directly to the student’s bank account through DBT mode via PFMS.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Parental income must not exceed ₹3.50 lakh per annum.
- Students must secure at least 55% marks in Class VII (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students) to appear in the selection test.
- Selection tests are conducted by State/UT governments.
- Key Benefits of the Scheme
- It provides direct financial support to poor but meritorious students.
- It helps reduce drop-outs and ensures continuity in education.
- It promotes equity in access to quality secondary and higher secondary education.
