The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme is one of the most important scholarship initiatives launched by the Government of India to support the education of economically weaker students. Introduced in 2008 by the Ministry of Education (earlier Ministry of Human Resource Development), the scheme aims to curb dropout rates at the secondary level and encourage bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education.
Every year, lakhs of students
across India appear for the NMMS examination conducted by State/UT education
departments. Candidates who qualify are awarded scholarships of ₹12,000 per
year (₹1,000 per month) from Class IX up to Class XII, provided they meet the
renewal criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for NMMS
Examination
Academic Eligibility
- The student must be studying in Class VIII
in a recognized Government, Government-aided, or local body school.
- The student must have secured at least 55%
marks (50% for SC/ST/PH candidates) in Class VII final examination.
- Students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas,
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, residential schools run by State Government,
or private schools are not eligible to apply.
Income Eligibility
- The annual family income of the student
from all sources should not exceed ₹3.5 lakh.
- Proof of income issued by a competent
authority is mandatory.
Continuation of Scholarship
- The scholarship continues up to Class XII
if the student maintains a minimum of 60% marks in Class X and gets
promoted to the next class.
- In Class IX and XI, a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) is required for renewal.
Examination Pattern of NMMS
The NMMS exam is designed to
test both reasoning and scholastic aptitude. It consists of two papers:
1. Mental
Ability Test (MAT):
a. 90
questions
b. Duration:
90 minutes
c. Tests
reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
d. Includes
questions on analogy, classification, series, pattern perception, hidden
figures, etc.
2. Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT):
e. 90
questions
f. Duration:
90 minutes
g. Based
on the syllabus of Classes VII and VIII in subjects like Science, Social
Studies, and Mathematics.
Marking Scheme:
- Each question carries one mark.
- No negative marking.
Qualifying Marks:
- General category: 40% marks in each
paper.
- SC/ST/PH: 32% marks in each paper.
Documents Required for NMMS
Application
Applicants need to prepare the
following documents before filling out the form:
1. Passport-size
Photograph (recent, in prescribed format).
2. Signature
of Student (scanned copy).
3. Marksheet
of Class VII (showing minimum required marks).
4. Income
Certificate of parents (issued by competent authority, generally
Tahsildar/Revenue Officer).
5. Caste
Certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
6. Disability
Certificate (for physically challenged candidates).
7. Aadhaar
Card or valid ID proof of student.
8. School
Certificate/Bonafide Certificate (issued by Head of Institution confirming
student’s enrollment in Class VIII).
9. Bank
Account details of student (preferably in a nationalized bank and linked with
Aadhaar).
10.
Residence Proof (ration card, voter ID,
domicile certificate, etc.).
All documents must be uploaded
in scanned PDF or JPG format within the size limits specified in the
application portal.
Application Process for NMMS
Examination
The NMMS application process
is generally done online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or
respective State Education Board websites. The process usually begins between August
and October every year.
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Registration
1) Visit
the National Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.gov.in) or State-specific
NMMS application portal.
2) Click
on “New Registration”.
3) Read
guidelines carefully and proceed.
4) Enter
details such as name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, and email.
5) Generate
a unique Application ID and password.
Step 2: Application Form
Filling
1) Log in
with the generated credentials.
2) Fill
details like:
a)
Personal information (name, father/mother name,
DOB, Aadhaar, address).
b)
Academic details (school name, UDISE code,
marks obtained in Class VII).
c)
Family income details.
3) Select
the State/UT in which you are applying.
Step 3: Upload Documents
1) Upload
scanned copies of required documents (photo, signature, marksheet,
certificates).
2) Ensure
clarity and correct format before final submission.
Step 4: Verification
1) Submit
the application online and take a printout.
2) Submit
a hard copy along with documents to the school principal for school-level
verification.
3) The
school forwards verified applications to the district education officer.
Step 5: Admit Card
After
verification, candidates can download the NMMS Admit Card from the official
portal before the exam.
Selection Process
The
selection is based on performance in MAT and SAT papers.
Only
students who meet the qualifying percentage and fall within the merit list
prepared by State/UT quota are eligible.
Each
State/UT has a fixed quota of scholarships based on the population of Class
VIII students and educational indicators.
Scholarship Benefits and
Disbursement
Selected
students receive ₹1,000 per month (₹12,000 annually).
The
scholarship is credited directly into the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account
through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The
amount is disbursed after proper verification of continuation in school.
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