NMMS Scholarship 2026 — ₹12,000/Year Eligibility, Income Limit & Exam
Amount, duration and eligibility
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Scholarship amount | ₹12,000/year (₹1,000/month) |
| Classes covered | Class 9 to 12 (4 years) |
| Total benefit | Up to ₹48,000 |
| Family income ceiling | ₹3.5 lakh/year |
| Selection | State exam (MAT + SAT) in Class 8 |
Central-scheme parameters as of 2026. Paid through the National Scholarship Portal by Direct Benefit Transfer.
Who is eligible
- Studying in a government, government-aided or local-body school — students in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and private/residential schools are not eligible.
- Family income up to ₹3.5 lakh a year.
- Minimum ~55% in Class 7 (relaxable for SC/ST) to sit the Class 8 selection exam.
- Not receiving any other central-government scholarship for the same period.
- Not applicable for study abroad or for diploma/certificate courses.
The selection exam
Selection is via a state-level examination taken in Class 8, consisting of a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) covering Class 7–8 science, maths and social science. States set their own qualifying cut-offs and quotas. Clearing it makes you eligible to draw the scholarship from Class 9 through Class 12.
Continuation and how to apply
- Promote each year in the first attempt from Class 9→10 and 11→12 to keep the scholarship.
- Score at least 60% in Class 10 (55% for SC/ST) to continue into Class 11.
- Apply and renew each year on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) after clearing the Class 8 exam.
- The money reaches your Aadhaar-linked bank account by Direct Benefit Transfer.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NMMS scholarship amount?
₹12,000 a year, paid as ₹1,000 a month, for Class 9 to 12 — up to ₹48,000 over the four years. It is paid through the National Scholarship Portal by Direct Benefit Transfer to the student's bank account.
What is the income limit for NMMS?
The family-income ceiling for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship is ₹3.5 lakh a year. The student must also study in a government, government-aided or local-body school.
Who can apply for the NMMS scholarship?
Students in Class 8 in government, aided or local-body schools with family income up to ₹3.5 lakh and at least ~55% in Class 7 (relaxable for SC/ST). Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and private-school students are not eligible.
How is NMMS selection done?
Through a state-conducted exam in Class 8 with two papers — a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Clearing the state cut-off makes you eligible to receive the scholarship from Class 9 to 12, subject to promotion each year and 60% in Class 10.
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