NMMSS — Class 9-12 Merit Scholarship

What is NMMSS — Class 9-12 Merit Scholarship?

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a centrally sponsored scholarship scheme implemented by the Department of School Education & Literacy to prevent dropout of meritorious students from Classes 9-12 due to financial constraints. The scheme awards ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000/month) to selected students from Class 9 (fresh selection) and renews for Classes 10, 11, and 12 subject to performance. Selection criteria: (1) Parent/guardian annual income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh; (2) Must have scored minimum 55% marks in Class 7 final exam (50% for SC/ST); (3) Must be studying in government/government-aided school (NOT private unaided schools). Selection test: State-level NMMS examination (2 papers — MAT: Mental Ability Test + SAT: Scholastic Aptitude Test), conducted annually by each state/UT. 1,00,000 scholarships awarded per year nationally (distributed state-wise by population). Scholarship continues through Class 12 with minimum 55% marks in Class 9/10/11 to renew.

Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹12,000/year (₹1,000/month) from Class 9 to 12 + Paid via DBT to student's bank account + 1 lakh scholarships per year nationally + Renewal based on performance. The scheme was launched in 2008 and is implemented by the Government of India.

Who is Eligible for NMMSS — Class 9-12 Merit Scholarship?

• ✓Student in Class 8 appearing for NMMS exam (selection for Class 9 scholarship)
• ✓Studying in government or government-aided school (NOT private unaided/convent schools)
• ✓Parent/guardian annual income ≤ ₹3,50,000 from all sources
• ✓Minimum 55% marks in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST students)
• ✓For renewal: Minimum 55% in Class 9 (for Class 10 renewal), Class 10 board minimum 60% (for Class 11), and 55% in Class 11 (for Class 12)

Documents Required for NMMSS — Class 9-12 Merit Scholarship

How to Apply for NMMSS — Class 9-12 Merit Scholarship Online?

1. 1Check NMMS exam date in your state (usually November-December) — exam conducted by state SCERTs
2. 2Obtain application form from your school (Class 8 students in government schools)
3. 3Fill application with required documents and submit to school by deadline
4. 4Appear in state-level NMMS exam: 2 papers — MAT (Mental Ability Test, 90 min) + SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test, 90 min)
5. 5Merit list declared by state → selected students register on scholarships.gov.in (NSP)
6. 6Scholarship credited directly to student's bank account quarterly via DBT
7. 7For renewal: Upload previous class mark sheet on NSP annually to continue scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions — NMMSS — Class 9-12 Merit Scholarship