National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) 2026-27: ₹12,000 a Year, Last Date 31 October 2026
Economically weaker students who clear the state-level NMMS exam in Class 8 get ₹12,000 a year (₹1,000 a month) from Class 9 to 12. The last date to apply for 2026-27 is now 31 October 2026.
Scheme at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) |
| Started | May 2008 |
| Benefit | ₹12,000 a year (₹1,000 a month), Class 9 to 12 |
| Fresh Scholarships | 1,00,000 a year (Rajasthan's quota 5,471) |
| Income Limit | Parents' annual income up to ₹3.5 lakh |
| Nodal Department | Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education |
| How to Apply | On the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) after clearing the state exam |
Latest Status
- The Ministry of Education has extended the last date for 2026-27 to 31 October 2026. It was earlier extended to 31 August and then 30 September.
- Verification of applications is due by 15 November at the institute (L1) level and by 30 November 2026 at the district (L2) level.
- By 30 September, more than 88,000 fresh applications had been submitted.
- The scheme was approved for 2021-22 to 2025-26. Applications for 2026-27 are open and the income limit is ₹3.5 lakh.
- Do not wait for the last date. Submit early and keep checking the verification status on NSP.
Application Schedule 2026-27
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | 1 June 2026 |
| Last date for student application | 31 October 2026 |
| Last date for Institute (INO) verification | 15 November 2026 |
| Last date for DNO/SNO/MNO verification | 30 November 2026 |
Key Benefits
- ₹1,000 a month, ₹12,000 a year
- Class 9 to Class 12, subject to renewal conditions
- Amount paid by DBT straight to the bank account
- Help with fees, books, uniform, stationery and exam costs
Who Is Eligible
Eligible
- Regular student of a government, government-aided or local body school who has cleared the state NMMS selection exam.
- Parents' annual income from all sources not above ₹3.5 lakh.
- At least 55% marks in Class 7. 5% relaxation for SC/ST, that is 50%.
- Studying in Class 8 at the time of the exam.
Not Eligible
- Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
- Students of residential schools giving free boarding, food and education.
- Students of private schools.
- Those studying abroad.
Selection Exam
| Exam | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 90 | 90 minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 90 | 90 minutes |
Qualifying in both is required: 40% combined marks for general category, 32% for SC/ST. SAT covers science, maths and social science at Class 7-8 level.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card and Aadhaar-linked mobile number
- Passport-size photo
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (SC/ST etc., if applicable)
- Class 7 marksheet and Class 8 bonafide/school verification
- Bank passbook (account number, IFSC, account holder's name)
- Domicile or disability certificate where required
How to Apply
- Clear the state NMMS exam.
- Do One Time Registration (OTR) on NSP first, using Aadhaar or enrolment ID (portal or app).
- Log in, choose the NMMSS application and fill in all details.
- Upload documents in the prescribed format and submit before 31 October 2026.
- Verification happens at school (L1) and district (L2) level, and after the Ministry's approval the amount comes by DBT.
Renewal Conditions
- Pass Class 9 to 10 and Class 11 to 12 in the first attempt.
- At least 60% marks in Class 10, 55% for SC/ST.
- Continue as a regular student in an eligible government, aided or local body school.
- Join the next class within three months of the previous class result.
- Only one central government scholarship at a time.
Important Government Links
Helpline and Contact
NSP Helpdesk0120-6619540
1800-118-111
1800-118-111
Nodal Officer011-23383363
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for NMMSS?
- 31 October 2026 for 2026-27.
Is an exam needed before applying on NSP?
- Yes. You must first clear the state NMMS exam.
Is a private school student eligible?
- No.
Important Notes
- Rules, dates and amounts can change. Check an official source before deciding.
- Emitrawala.com is not a government website. This page is for information only.
- Do not pay money or share OTPs in the name of this scheme.
Need Help?
For help with forms, documents or any government service, contact Emitrawala.com. Our team will assist you.
