National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026: ₹12,000 Yearly Stipend & Eligibility

At a glance

About the scheme

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a Central Sector initiative introduced by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education. It aims to support economically weaker students so they can continue their secondary and higher secondary education without financial strain. Each year, 1,00,000 fresh scholarships are awarded to eligible Class 9 students across India, providing uninterrupted monetary assistance up to Class 12 through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Benefits

• Scholarship of ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) from Class 9 up to Class 12 for a maximum period of four years.
• A total of 1,00,000 fresh scholarships sanctioned annually across States and Union Territories.
• Direct disbursement into the student's bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Who can apply (eligibility)

• Applicant must be a regular student in a Government, Government-aided, or local body school.
• Annual parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000.
• Minimum 55% marks or equivalent grade in Class 7 examination to appear in the selection test (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students).
• Must qualify the State-level selection test comprising the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with at least 40% aggregate marks (32% for SC/ST students).
• Must obtain at least 55% marks or equivalent in Class 8 at the time of scholarship selection (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students).
• For continuation, awardees must clear Class 9 and Class 11 in the first attempt, and secure at least 60% marks in Class 10 (55% for SC/ST students).

Who cannot apply

• Students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
• Students enrolled in residential schools run by Central or State Governments where boarding, lodging, and education are provided.
• Students studying in private schools.
• Students pursuing diploma or certificate level courses.
• Students going abroad for studies.

Documents required

• Aadhaar Card
• Educational certificates and marksheets
• Parental Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile Certificate
• Core-banking enabled bank account details

How to apply

1. 1Visit the official National Scholarships Portal (NSP) and navigate to the new student registration page.
2. 2Accept the registration undertakings, complete the online form, and receive your Application ID and password.
3. 3Log in to the National Scholarships Portal using your Application ID, password, and the OTP received on your mobile.
4. 4Open the Application Form on the dashboard and fill in your academic and personal information.
5. 5Upload required documents and verify your credentials using DigiLocker integration.
6. 6Review the entered details carefully and click Final Submit to complete the application.

Frequently asked questions