H.P. Swaran Jayanti Middle Merit Scholarship Scheme is a state-level scheme run by the Department of Elementary Education, Himachal Pradesh, to find and support talented students studying in Class V. The state selects 100 meritorious students through a competitive examination and gives them money support while they move through Class VI, VII and VIII, so their academic potential gets a good start from an early age. As of 2026, the examination is held in two stages, with the first stage already conducted on 5th April 2026 and the second stage scheduled for 1st November 2026.
This scheme was launched by the Department of Elementary Education, Government of Himachal Pradesh, to act as a launch pad for young students. It aims to spot bright minds early in their school life. To get the benefit, a student has to take part in a state-level examination that is organized every year by the SCERT, Solan. The authority selects 100 students across 12 districts, with district-wise quotas fixed on the basis of the latest school enrollment data, so the scholarships are shared fairly across the state.
H.P. Swaran Jayanti Middle Merit Scholarship Scheme - Introduction
For the academic session 2025-26, the examination has been changed into a two-stage process. The first stage is a screening test held in government primary schools, and the second stage is the final test held in designated government degree colleges. This two-stage method helps the department shortlist the best students before the final selection.
Two-Stage Examination Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage I (Screening Test) | Held on 5th April 2026 at about 324 examination centres across the state |
| Shortlisting | About 500 students (five times the number of scholarships) shortlisted for Stage II as per district quota |
| Stage II (Final Test) | Held on 1st November 2026 in designated government degree colleges |
| Final Selection | Top 100 merit positions as per district-wise quota get the scholarship |
The application form for the 2025-26 session was submitted by the Class Teacher or Head Teacher to the Cluster Head Teacher (CHT) and Block Elementary Education Officer (BEEO) between 15th January and 20th February 2026. The online link for uploading verified student data by the BEEOs was active from 16th January 2026, with the last date for upload fixed as 20th February 2026. No examination fee is charged from the candidates.
Key Information
Scheme Name: H.P. Swaran Jayanti Middle Merit Scholarship Scheme | Level: State | Target Beneficiaries: Individual students | Benefit Type: Money support | Implementing Agency: Department of Elementary Education, Government of Himachal Pradesh
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | H.P. Swaran Jayanti Middle Merit Scholarship Scheme |
| Launched By | Department of Elementary Education, Himachal Pradesh |
| Beneficiaries | Class V students of government primary schools |
| Benefit Amount | ₹4000, ₹5000 and ₹6000 per year for Class VI, VII and VIII |
| Application Mode | Through school and BEEO on the official portal |
| Official Website | himachalservices.nic.in/scert |
Benefits
Students who succeed in the competitive examination receive money support for three academic years. The scholarship is paid out as follows:
| Academic Class | Annual Support Amount |
|---|---|
| Class 6 | ₹4000 per year |
| Class 7 | ₹5000 per year |
| Class 8 | ₹6000 per year |
Note: The support is given for 12 months in each of these three classes. The student has to stay enrolled in a government school during this whole period to keep getting the amount.
Eligibility
To appear in the examination, a student should meet the following conditions:
- The student must be a regular student of Class V in a Government Primary School of Himachal Pradesh during the academic session 2025-26.
- To get the scholarship, the student must keep studying in a government school of Himachal Pradesh without repeating any class.
- The student must maintain at least 75% attendance in each academic year of Class VI, VII and VIII.
Example: If Rahul is a Class V student in a government primary school with regular attendance, he is fully eligible to appear in the first stage examination. However, if he fails to pass a class or moves to a private school later, his scholarship benefit will stop.
Exemption: If a student suffers from a serious illness or medical emergency and cannot meet the 75% attendance rule, the student may still qualify upon verification by a Medical Board.
Application Process
Students should follow these steps to take part in the H.P. Swaran Jayanti Middle Merit Scholarship Scheme examination:
STEP 1 - Reach out to the class teacher or head teacher to collect the application form. The form can also be downloaded from the official SCERT website at himachalservices.nic.in/scert.
STEP 2 - Fill the form accurately with the student details, school UDISE code and Aadhaar number, and give it to the class teacher before the deadline.
STEP 3 - The Class Teacher or Head Teacher submits the completed hard copies of the application forms to the concerned CHT or BEEO between 15th January and 20th February 2026.
STEP 4 - The BEEO verifies the student data and uploads it on the online portal. The last date for uploading verified student data is 20th February 2026.
STEP 5 - After verification, the school downloads the admit card, which the student collects from the class teacher before the examination date.
After the two-stage examination, the SCERT publishes the merit list. If selected, the scholarship amount is credited directly to the student's bank account through the e-vitaran system.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application process:
- Valid School ID card
- Caste certificate, if applicable
- Disability certificate, if applicable
- Latest educational records
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Aadhaar card number of the student
References
Advertisement and Application Form for Stage-I SJMMSS Examination 2025-26
FAQ's
What is the main aim of this scheme?
The scheme aims to find talented students in Class V and support their academic growth by giving money help throughout middle school.
Who runs this scholarship program?
The Department of Elementary Education, Government of Himachal Pradesh, runs this scheme, and the SCERT, Solan conducts the examination.
Who can take part?
Any regular student studying in Class V at a government primary school in Himachal Pradesh during the academic session 2025-26 can appear in the first stage examination.
Is there a specific category requirement?
No, this scheme is open to eligible students of all categories.
How long does the money support last?
The scholarship covers three years of middle school, specifically Class VI, Class VII and Class VIII.
How much scholarship money will a student get?
Selected students receive ₹4000 in Class VI, ₹5000 in Class VII and ₹6000 in Class VIII, paid for 12 months each year.
How are students selected?
Selection is based purely on merit through a two-stage state-level examination consisting of a screening test and a final test.
Is there any examination fee?
No, no examination fee is charged from the candidates.
What attendance must a student keep to continue getting the funds?
The student must keep at least 75% attendance. If there is a serious medical issue, a Medical Board certificate can be used to seek an exemption.