The Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education and Literacy has recently launched the application process for the National Merit cum Means Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the academic year 2023-24. This scholarship is designed to assist outstanding students in grades 9 to 12 who come from economically underprivileged backgrounds. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications via the official National Scholarship Portal (NSP) website, without any unnecessary delays. The last date to apply for the scholarship is December 31, 2023.Â
In this article, we are going to talk about the scheme in detail. I am certain that by the end of the article, you will not have any doubt left regarding the scholarship scheme.
NMMS Scheme Notification 2023
The ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme,‘ aims to provide scholarships to academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Its primary objective is to prevent students from dropping out of school at the eighth-grade level and to motivate them to continue their education through the secondary stage.
Every year, one lakh new scholarships are granted to eligible ninth-grade students, which can be renewed for classes 10 to 12.. Beneficiaries can utilize these scholarships to educate in State Government, Government-aided, or Local body schools. As of April 1, 2017, the scholarship amount has been increased to Rs. 12,000 per year, up from the previous amount of Rs. 6,000 per year.
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 Key Highlights | |
| NMMS Scheme Launch Date | May 2008 |
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 Official Website | Click Here |
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 Objective | To assist outstanding students in grades 9 to 12 who come from economically underprivileged backgrounds |
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 Beneficaires | Students from EWS background |
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 No of Beneficaires | 10000 every year |
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 Minimum Percentage criteria | 60% in the 10th class for renewal in 11 and 12. 55% in 8th class. ( 50% for SC/ST) |
| NMMS Scheme Scholarship Amount | Rs 12000 annually |
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 Age Limit | Not specified |
| NMMS Scheme 2023-24 Helpline Number | 0120 – 6619540 |
NMMS Scheme 2023 Exam Dates
The NMMS Scheme registration process is going on right now. Interested candidates can apply for the scholarship till December 31, 2023. It is imperative to check the NMMS Eligibility Criteria in detail so that you don’t face any inconvenience in the future.  Â
| NMMS Scheme 2023 Exam Dates | |
| NMMS Scheme 2023 Notification Out Date | Already Active |
| NMMS Scheme 2023 Registration Start Date | Started |
| NMMS Scheme 2023 Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2023. |
| NMMS Scheme 2023 Exam Date | Not Yet Launched |
NMMS Scheme 2023 Objective
Launched in May 2008, the NMMS Scholarship program is designed to encourage academically talented yet underprivileged students to complete their secondary and higher secondary education. This initiative aims to reduce the dropout rate among students after completing the 8th grade. Annually, students in classes 9 to 12 participate in two levels of selection tests conducted at the state level to become eligible for the National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship benefits.
NMMS Scheme 2023 Revised Eligibility Criteria
The National Means-cum-Merit (MCM) scholarship scheme in India is specifically intended for deserving and financially disadvantaged students. To be eligible for the scholarship selection test, applicants are required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- The renewal criteria have been updated, moving from the previous requirement of securing a percentage of marks in both Class 9 and 10 (60% for general candidates and 55% for SC/ST candidates) to a new criterion. Now, students need to achieve a minimum of 60% marks in Class X only for the continuation of the scholarship. This requirement can be relaxed by 5% for SC/ST candidates.
- Additionally, for the scholarship to continue in the subsequent higher classes, students must successfully advance from Class 9 to Class 10 and from Class 11 to Class 12 on their first attempt.
- Applicants should be pursuing their education in schools that fall under the categories of Government, Local Body, or Government-aided institutions.
- To continue receiving the scholarship during higher secondary schooling (Class 11 and 12), candidates must achieve a minimum of 60% marks in their Class 10 board examination.
- The annual family income of applicants should not exceed INR 3.5 lakh. Previously it was Rs 1.5 Lakh.
- Students enrolled in schools such as NVS, KVS, Sainik schools, and private schools are not eligible for the NMMS scholarship Scheme.
The reimbursement cost for conducting the NMMS examination, which is provided to states and Union Territories, has been updated. The previous rate of Rs. 50 per student has been increased to Rs. 100 per student. Additionally, the previous limit on the reimbursement cost, which was set at Rs. 1500 per district, has been removed for the number of students participating in the examination.
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NMMS Scheme Documents Required
Essential Documentation for NMMS Scholarship Application
- Academic transcripts for both 7th and 8th grade.
- Aadhar Card.
- Proof of caste status.
- Income certificate.
- Domicile certificate.
- Certificate of disability (if applicable).
- Ration card (if applicable).
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
- Contact number.
- Bank account information.
NMMS Scheme Scholarship Amount
The NMMS (National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship) program awards a total of 100,000 scholarships annually, each valued at INR 12,000 per year, equivalent to INR 1,000 per month, for the chosen students. The disbursement of scholarship funds under this scheme is handled by the State Bank of India (SBI) in a single payment. These funds are directly transferred into the student’s bank accounts through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
The allocation of scholarships to each State and Union Territory (UT) is determined based on the number of students enrolled in classes 7 and 8 and the population of the respective regions. Here are the key details regarding the NMMS scholarship amount:
1. Students in Class 9 receive the scholarship amount of INR 12,000 per annum for the academic year in a single payment.
2. The scholarship is renewable annually, extending up to the completion of the student’s Higher Secondary education (Class 12), provided the student advances to a higher class successfully each year.
NMMS Scheme 2023 Selection Criteria
In the process of selecting students for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship, every State or Union Territory will organize its test during the eighth-grade stage. This State Level Examination will typically include two types of tests:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT): This assesses a student’s cognitive and problem-solving abilities.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): This evaluates a student’s academic knowledge and skills.
In essence, each State or UT conducts its examination, consisting of these two tests, to determine scholarship recipients for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship.
To be eligible for the scholarship selection test conducted during the eighth grade, students are required to have obtained a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their Class 7 examination. However, this eligibility criterion is relaxed by 5% for SC/ST students.
| NMMS Scheme 2023 Selection Criteria | |
| Name of the Exam | National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Total Number of papers | 2 |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) or Objective Type |
| Total No of Questions | 90 Questions Each |
Additionally, the student must be enrolled as a regular student in either a Government school, a Government-aided school, or a local body school.
Mental Ability Test
The Mental Ability Test will comprise 90 multiple-choice questions designed to assess both verbal and non-verbal meta-cognitive abilities, such as reasoning and critical thinking. The questions within this test may encompass topics like analogy, classification, numerical series, pattern perception, and hidden figure analysis.
Scholastic Aptitude Test
The Scholastic Aptitude Test will comprise 90 multiple-choice questions that encompass subjects like science, social studies, and mathematics, which are typically taught in the seventh and eighth grades.
| NMMS Scheme Exam Pattern 2023-24 | |||
| Type of Test | Subjects | Total Time | Number of Questions |
| Mental Ability Test | Mental AbilityHindi ProficiencyEnglish Proficiency | 3 Hours | 90 |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test | Science, Social studies Mathematics | 90 | |
NMMS Scheme Previous Year Cut-off
| Category | Expected NMMS Cut-Off Marks |
| General/UR | 110-115 Marks |
| OBC | 100-105 Marks |
| EWS | 105-110 Marks |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 90-95 Marks |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes) | 90-95 Marks |
NMMS Scheme Application Process
To apply for the NMMS scholarship 2023-24, students should ensure they meet all NMMS eligibility criteria for this financial aid program. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide to help students complete their NMMS scholarship application with ease:
1. Start by registering as a new user on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Provide accurate information during registration.
2. Before you begin the application process, make sure you have scanned copies of all the required documents ready.
3. When filling out the application, you will need to provide information such as your educational qualifications, UID card number, school enrollment number, bank details, and your state of domicile.
4. Upon successful registration on NSP, you will receive an application ID. This ID will serve as your ‘Login ID’ for NSP and for future reference.
5. If you are in Classes 9 and 10, apply under the Pre-Matric scholarship category. If you are in Classes 11 and 12, apply under the Post-Matric scholarship category.
6. Be careful when entering details like your name, date of birth, email address, identification information, and mobile number.
7. Upload all the required documents and save your application details as a draft if necessary.
8. After verifying that all the provided information is accurate and complete, submit your application.
By following these steps, students can successfully apply for the NMMS scholarship on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). In case you find any difficulty, you can comment down below or mail us on our email.id through a Contact form.
NMMS Scheme 2023 Result
To access the NMMS Result, please follow these steps:
1. Visit the State portal as indicated in the provided table.
2. Look for the NMMS Result link and click on it.
3. Enter either the candidate’s name or roll number.
4. Click the “Submit” button to retrieve and view the NMMS Result.
Furthermore, you can find the NMMS SAT and MAT Scorecards on the same page for your convenience.
NMMS Scheme Declaration of Result
After students have completed the MAT and SAT examinations, they must achieve a minimum of 40% marks in each test to be eligible for consideration. The final list of students eligible for the NMMS scholarship is determined by the state and takes into account the following important conditions:
1. Students must attain at least 40% marks in both tests.
2. There is a relaxation in the cut-off marks for specific reserved categories, where the minimum requirement is lowered to 32%.
3. In addition to meeting the above criteria, students are also required to secure a minimum of 55% marks in their 8th-grade final examination. However, for SC and ST students, there is a 5% relaxation in this requirement.
4. It is crucial for students to fulfill all eligibility conditions to be eligible to apply for the NMMS scholarship.
NMMS Scheme Important Points
Important Conditions for the Commencement and Continuation of the NMMS Scholarship:
1. To be eligible for the scholarship, recipients must successfully progress from the 8th grade to the 9th grade.
2. The scholarship is applicable for students at the secondary and higher secondary levels, equivalent to classes 9th through 12th, for a maximum duration of four years.
3. This scholarship is valid only for students pursuing their education in India.
4. To qualify for the scholarship in the 10th and 12th grades, recipients must pass from the 9th to the 10th grade and from the 11th to the 12th grade in their first attempt, achieving a minimum of 55% marks.
5. There is a 5% relaxation in eligibility criteria for students belonging to the SC and ST categories.
6. A review of this scheme will be conducted every three years.
7. The department will actively monitor the scheme periodically in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
8. To ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme, a technical support group will be established.
9. In cases where a school or educational institution does not conduct examinations at the end of the 9th or 12th grade, the scholarship for the 2nd year will be extended upon submission of a certificate from the school’s head.
10. To continue receiving this scholarship, awardees are required to maintain a minimum of 60% marks in the 10th grade.
