NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27: Eligibility, ₹12,000 Amount, Last Date & Apply Online
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a Central Sector scholarship scheme of the Government of India for meritorious students from economically weaker sections. The scheme is intended to encourage eligible students to continue their education at the secondary and higher secondary level instead of dropping out after Class VIII.
Under NMMSS, selected students receive financial assistance of ₹12,000 per year. Fresh scholarships are awarded from Class IX and can continue up to Class XII subject to the applicable renewal conditions. The scheme is implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
| Scholarship Name | National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) |
| Academic Year | 2026-27 |
| Scholarship Type | Central Sector Scheme |
| State | All India |
| Education Level | Class IX to Class XII |
| Selection Stage | Class VIII |
| Eligible School Type | Government, Government-aided and local body schools, subject to scheme conditions |
| Family Income Limit | Not more than ₹3,50,000 per annum |
| Minimum Marks | 55% in Class VII examination; 5% relaxation for SC/ST students |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Online through National Scholarship Portal |
| Application Start Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 31 August 2026 |
📋 NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27 Eligibility
Students should carefully check the applicable eligibility requirements before applying for NMMSS.
- The student must satisfy the prescribed parental income condition.
- The parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum at the time of selection.
- The student should have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in the Class VII examination for appearing in the selection test.
- A relaxation of 5 percentage points in the minimum marks requirement is applicable to SC/ST students as prescribed under the scheme.
- The student should be studying as a regular student in an eligible Government, Government-aided or local body school.
- The student must qualify the selection process conducted by the respective State/UT.
The detailed eligibility conditions should always be checked against the applicable official rules and State/UT notification before applying.
🚫 Who Is Not Eligible for NMMSS?
The NMMSS guidelines exclude certain categories of students. Students studying in private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas are not eligible under the scheme. Certain residential schools providing boarding, lodging and education through Government institutions are also excluded as specified in the applicable guidelines.
💰 NMMSS Scholarship Amount
The scholarship amount under NMMSS is:
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 per year |
| Monthly Equivalent | ₹1,000 per month |
| Fresh Scholarship | From Class IX |
| Continuation | Classes X, XI and XII subject to applicable renewal conditions |
NMMSS is intended to support economically weaker students in continuing their education at the secondary and higher secondary level.
📅 NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27 Important Dates
| Application Start Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Student Application Last Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Defective Application Verification | 15 September 2026 |
| Institute Verification | 15 September 2026 |
| DNO/SNO/MNO Verification | 30 September 2026 |
🏆 NMMSS Selection Process
The selection of fresh NMMSS scholarship beneficiaries is conducted by the respective State Government or Union Territory Administration.
The State/UT selection examination may consist of two tests:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
The selection examination is conducted at the Class VIII stage for students who are being considered for the scholarship from Class IX.
📄 Documents Required for NMMSS Application
The exact document requirements may vary according to the applicable State/UT and National Scholarship Portal instructions. Applicants should keep the following information/documents ready where applicable:
- Aadhaar or applicable identity details
- Class VII academic/marks information
- Income certificate or income-related proof as required
- Bank account details
- School-related information
- Caste certificate, where applicable
- Disability certificate, where applicable
- Domicile/residence information, where applicable
- Other documents requested by the State/UT or NSP
📝 How to Apply for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27
- Visit the official National Scholarship Portal.
- Complete the required One-Time Registration (OTR) process if applicable.
- Log in to the NSP student portal using the required credentials.
- Search for and select the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS).
- Read the applicable eligibility requirements and instructions carefully.
- Enter the required personal, academic, school and bank information.
- Upload or provide the required documents and information as instructed by the portal.
- Review the complete application carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application before the prescribed deadline.
- Keep the application/reference details for future tracking and verification.
🌐 NMMSS Official Website & Important Links
National Scholarship Portal:
National Scholarship Portal
Ministry of Education – NMMSS Information:
Official Ministry of Education Information
Official NMMSS Guidelines:
View NMMSS Guidelines
🔄 NMMSS Scholarship Renewal
The scholarship can continue in Classes X, XI and XII subject to the applicable renewal conditions. Students who receive the scholarship must continue to satisfy the conditions prescribed under the scheme for continuation.
Students should therefore maintain the required academic performance and comply with the renewal and verification requirements communicated through the applicable authorities and scholarship portal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About NMMSS
Who can apply for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27?
Students who satisfy the prescribed income, academic, school and other eligibility requirements and qualify through the applicable State/UT selection process can be considered for NMMSS.
How much scholarship is given under NMMSS?
Selected students receive ₹12,000 per year, equivalent to ₹1,000 per month, subject to the applicable scheme conditions.
What is the family income limit for NMMSS?
The parental income from all sources should not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum at the time of selection, subject to the applicable scheme rules.
What is the minimum marks requirement for NMMSS?
Students generally need at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class VII to appear in the selection test. A 5 percentage point relaxation is provided for SC/ST students as prescribed under the scheme.
When does the NMMSS scholarship start?
Fresh NMMSS scholarships are awarded from Class IX after the applicable selection process. The scholarship may continue through Classes X to XII subject to renewal conditions.
What is the last date to apply for NMMSS 2026-27?
The National Scholarship Portal schedule for 2026-27 lists 31 August 2026 as the student application last date.
Where can I apply for NMMSS?
The NMMSS scholarship is onboarded on the National Scholarship Portal. Applicants should use the official NSP website and follow the instructions applicable to their State or Union Territory.
Last Updated: 11 August 2026