National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme registration for the 2026-27 academic year is open on the National Scholarship Portal. Students who qualified in the state-level NMMS selection test can submit their fresh class IX application, and the last date is now 15 November 2026. Ministry of Education extended the student deadline on 31 October 2026.

Under this central sector scheme, the government gives ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) to 1,00,000 meritorious students from poor families every year. The amount is paid directly to the student's bank account through DBT, and the support continues from class IX to class XII.

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026-27

The scheme was launched in 2008 by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. The main aim is to stop bright students from dropping out after class VIII and help them complete their secondary education. Every state and union territory gets a fixed quota of scholarships based on the number of students in classes VII and VIII, and selection follows the local reservation rules.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the portal opened on 1 June 2026. One Time Registration (OTR) is required for every student before applying, and the details are checked through Aadhaar eKYC. Under the revised schedule announced on 31 October 2026, student applications close on 15 November 2026, institute verification (L1) closes on 30 November 2026, and district verification (L2) closes on 15 December 2026.

Key Information

As per the new NSP rule for the 2026-27 year, a student can apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes. So apart from this scheme, students from OBC, EBC and DNT families can also check the PM-YASASVI Pre-Matric Scholarship on the same portal.

Benefits

This scheme gives steady cash support so students can continue their studies without money problems. The main benefits are:

• Selected students get ₹12,000 per year, which works out to ₹1,000 per month, from class IX to class XII.
• 1,00,000 fresh scholarships are awarded every year across all states and union territories.
• The amount reaches the student's bank account directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, so there is no middleman.

Eligibility

For Fresh Applications

Students who qualified in the NMMS selection test and meet the conditions given below can apply:

• Must be a regular student of class IX in a government, government-aided or local body school for the 2026-27 session.
• Total annual parental income from all sources must not be more than ₹3,50,000.
• Must have secured at least 55% marks or an equal grade in the class VII exam to appear in the selection test. SC/ST students get a 5% relaxation.
• Must pass the class VIII final exam with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) to get the scholarship confirmed.

Selection Test (MAT and SAT)

Each state or union territory conducts the selection test at the class VIII level as per the NCERT guidelines. The test has two papers of 90 minutes each, with 90 multiple choice questions in every paper.

Mental Ability Test (MAT) - This paper checks reasoning, critical thinking and pattern recognition skills.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - This paper covers science, social studies and mathematics from the class VII and VIII syllabus.

Students need at least 40% marks in the selection test to qualify (32% for SC/ST students). Extra time is given to students with disabilities as per the rules.

Conditions for Continuity

The scholarship continues only if the student keeps regular attendance, good conduct and studies on a full-time basis. If a student leaves the course within one month of joining, the scholarship is not paid. Students must join the next class within 3 months of the result declaration, otherwise the scholarship stops.

For Renewal Applications

To continue the scholarship in higher classes, students must secure at least 60% marks in the class X exam (55% for SC/ST students) and get clear promotion to the next class in the first attempt every year.

Exclusions

This scheme is not for students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas or private schools. Students in residential schools run by the central or state governments that already provide board, lodging and education are also not covered. Students who live and study abroad, or who are doing diploma or certificate level courses, cannot get this scholarship.

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in. One Time Registration (OTR) is required for every student this year, and it must be done before the scholarship application.

STEP 1 - Go to the One Time Registration (OTR) page on the National Scholarship Portal. Enter the mobile number, Aadhaar number and other details, and finish the OTR with Aadhaar eKYC. Face authentication through the OTR mobile app is also part of this step.

STEP 2 - After OTR is done, open the Students section of the portal and log in with the OTR reference number. The NSP mobile app can also be used for this.

STEP 3 - Click on Fresh Application and select National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme. Fill in the personal details, school details and bank account details of the Aadhaar-seeded account.

STEP 4 - Upload the income certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), marksheets and other required documents.

STEP 5 - Check every detail and click Final Submit. Once the application is submitted, no changes can be made, and submitting more than one application leads to disqualification.

The payment status can be checked any time on the PFMS portal by entering the Aadhaar number or bank account details. For any problem in filling the form, students can call the NSP helpdesk at 0120-6619540 or write to helpdesk@nsp.gov.in.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:

• Aadhaar Card and bank details of an Aadhaar-seeded account
• Income certificate of parents issued by the competent authority
• Educational marksheets and certificates
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Registered mobile number and email ID

References

View Official Guidelines | Department of School Education and Literacy | National Scholarship Portal

FAQ's

What is the objective of this scheme?

The objective is to give financial support to meritorious students from poor families so they do not drop out after class VIII and can continue their secondary education.

How many scholarships are available annually?

The government awards 1,00,000 fresh scholarships every year.

What is the benefit amount?

Selected students get ₹12,000 per year, which works out to ₹1,000 per month.

What is the income limit for eligibility?

The total annual family income should not be more than ₹3,50,000.

Can I apply if I study in a private school?

No, this scheme is only for students studying in government, government-aided and local body schools.

How are payments made?

Payments are credited directly to the student's Aadhaar-seeded bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Can I renew the scholarship in higher classes?

Yes, the scholarship can be renewed for classes X, XI and XII if the student passes the exams and secures at least 60% marks in class X (55% for SC/ST).

Is One Time Registration (OTR) required?

Yes, OTR is required for every student on the National Scholarship Portal from the 2026-27 academic year. Without OTR, the scholarship application cannot be submitted.

What is the last date to apply for 2026-27?

The last date to submit student applications for the 2026-27 academic year is 15 November 2026. Institute verification closes on 30 November 2026 and district level verification on 15 December 2026.