National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) 2024-25: Extension of Deadline, Eligibility Criteria, and More

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) 2024-25 – The Ministry of Education grants 1,00,000 National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) scholarships each year to deserving students in Class 8. The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, initiated in the year 2008, aims to provide financial support to academically talented students from economically disadvantageous backgrounds. This is intended to reduce dropout rates at the Class 8 level while encouraging them to continue their education through secondary school. 

Under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) scholarships, each year, 1,00,000 new scholarships are awarded to Class 9 students, with renewal opportunities through to Class 12. Since April 01,  2017, the scholarship benefit has been increased to ₹12,000 per annum, doubling the previous rate of ₹6,000 per annum.

The NMMS exams are administered offline by Education Departments or SCERTs at the state level. The NMMS exam is divided into two sections each lasting 90 minutes and worth 90 marks. They are as under:

• Mental Ability Test (MAT)
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

Interested applicants must ensure that they have the necessary documents, including a mobile number, personal details, academic records, and domicile certificates if applicable. Students from Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, Chandigarh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal can now access the NMMS application window for 2024-25. The submission deadlines for these forms will vary depending on the SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training) of each state or Union Territory. To apply, students must register by submitting the necessary documents and paying the NMMS exam fee for 2024-25. SCERTs will announce the application form dates and exam schedules on their respective official websites. Students are encouraged to read the full article below to find more details about the NMMS application process.

NMMS 2024-25 – Highlights

Name of Scholarship	National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2024-25
Objective	Reducing dropout rates of Class 8 students and encourage them to continue pursuing their education
Award	₹12,000 per annum
Eligibility	Class 9 students with a score of 55% marks in Class 8 final exam
Application Release Date	July 01,  2024
Release of Admit Card	October/November 2024 (Tentative)
Application Mode	Online
Application Portal	National Scholarship Portal (NSP)

NMMS 2024-25 – Ongoing Application Dates (State-Wise)

States	Application Start Date	Application Deadline
NMMS Delhi	27th August 2024	21st September 2024
NMMS Andhra Pradesh	5th August 2024	6th September 2024
NMMS Haryana	20th August 2024	10th October 2024
NMMS Uttar Pradesh	5th August 2024	5th September 2024
NMMS Karnataka	19th August 2024	5th September 2024
NMMS Nagaland	19th July 2024	31st August 2024
NMMS Chandigarh	14th August 2024	30th September 2024
NMMS Himachal Pradesh	1st August 2024	16th September 2024
NMMS Telangana	13th August 2024	11th September 2024
NMMS Meghalaya	20th August 2024	27th September 2024
NMMS West Bengal	15th July 2024	27th August 2024

NMMS Scholarship 2024-25 – State-Wise Application Dates (Tentative)

Online Application Dates

• NMMS Punjab – 25th January 2025
• NMMS Tamil Nadu – 27th December 2024
• NMMS Assam – 30th October 2024
• NMMS Odisha – 10th September 2024
• NMMSS Chandigarh – 30th September 2024
• NMMS Nagaland – 31st August 2024
• NMMS Bihar – 9th November 2024
• NMMS Gujarat – 1st March 2025
• NMMS Andhra Pradesh – 6th September 6, 2024
• NMMS Karnataka – 5th September 2024
• NMMS Maharashtra – 23th August 2024 (without late fee) | 3rd September 2024 (with late fee)
• NMMS Jharkhand – 16th November 2024
• NMMS Chhattisgarh – 6th September 2024

Offline Application Dates

• NMMS Puducherry – 20th February 2025
• NMMS JK – 8th March 2025
• NMMS Goa – October 2024
• NMMS Uttarakhand – 14th September 2024
• NMMS Rajasthan – 5th October 2024

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – Eligibility Criteria

This Means-cum-Merit (MCM) scholarship scheme is exclusively for meritorious and financially needy students across India. The applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the selection test.

Academic Requirements: The candidates must be a regular student currently enrolled in Class 9, having been promoted from Class 8 with a minimum score of 55% or an equivalent grade.

Type of School: They must be attending a government, local body, or government-aided school.

Continuation/Renewal of Scholarship:

• To continue receiving the scholarship in higher secondary school (Class 11), students must achieve at least 60% in their Class 10 board exam.
• For continuation into Class 12, scholarship recipients must be promoted from Class 11 on their first attempt with a minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade. A relaxation of 5% marks is available for students from the SC/ST categories, i.e., 50% marks or an equivalent grade.

Annual Family Income: The annual family income of the candidate must not exceed ₹3,50,000 from all sources combined.

Who are not eligible? 

The students enrolled in the following schools are not eligible for this scholarship.

• Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS)
• Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS)
• Sainik schools and private schools 
• Those enrolled in state government-operated boarding or residential institutions are also ineligible.

Availing Scholarship Benefits and Renewal – Conditions 

• If a school or institution does not conduct an examination at the end of Class 9 and/or Class 11, the scholarship for the second year will continue upon submission of a certificate from the Head of the Institution/School.
• The scheme will remain operational for five years beyond March 2021, and the selection test for awarding scholarships will be conducted separately by the State Governments/UT Administrations for Class 8 students in the month of November every year.
• A Technical Support Group (TSG), comprising consultants and support staff, will assist in the effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
• The scheme will be monitored regularly by the department in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• The system for physical verification will be implemented, ensuring a certain minimum percentage of applications are randomly verified using data analytics.
• The Ministry/Department will regularly monitor the implementation of the scheme. Vigilance will be exercised to analyse trends for timely identification and prevention of irregularities.
• The State Governments may be required to conduct random physical verification or inspection to ensure effective implementation of the scheme, as per the guidelines.
• The Ministry/Department and States/UTs will conduct super checks or third-party audits of scholarships.
• The State Governments should ensure that the Institute/School Nodal Officer (INO) is a permanent or regular staff member and that the principal is held accountable for the effective supervision of INO activities.
• The Ministry/Department should ensure adequate training is provided to SNOs, making them responsible for assisting students in submitting applications on NSP through mobile.
• If any student’s application is flagged as fake by the District Nodal Officer (DNO) or State Nodal Officer (SNO), the application against the said Institute/School may be put on hold until re-verification is completed.
• In cases of fraud, regular follow-up, investigation, and initiation of penal action must be ensured.
• Annual evaluation study should be conducted to identify gaps and changes in the scheme’s performance, addressing any unfulfilled objectives. The study’s recommendations should be implemented, and ground-level constraints should be resolved promptly to enhance the scheme’s performance, especially in low-performing states.

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – Benefits and Key Points

• The selected students will receive a scholarship benefit of ₹12,000 annually (₹1,000 per month). 
• A total of 1,00,000 scholarships will be granted under this scheme, with the funds being directly transferred to the student’s bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• A distinct examination will be organised by the State Governments/UT administrations to select students for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarships in their respective regions.
• Reimbursement of cost incurred on conducting the NMMSS (SAT and MAT) exam will be ₹100 per student on the basis of the number of students taking the examination.

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – OTR Registration and Application Procedure

From the year 2024, NSP has introduced the One-Time Registration (OTR) process for students. The application process requires students to visit the official website (scholarships.gov.in) and complete a one-time registration (OTR) form. A unique 14-digit identification number is issued on the basis of Aadhaar or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID). The official website highlights that the OTR streamlines the scholarship application process by eliminating the need for annual registration. OTR allows students to register just once, creating a unique profile that can be used for multiple scholarship applications, thereby reducing the need to repeatedly enter the same personal, academic, and financial information for each new scholarship. The details outlining the process is provided below.

NMMS OTR Registration

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

• Visit the official National scholarship portal.
• If you are a new user, proceed to the “New Registration” or “One-Time Registration (OTR)” section.

Step 2: One-Time Registration (OTR)

Personal Information:

• Enter your name as per school records.
• Provide your date of birth, gender, and category (SC/ST/OBC/General).
• Upload a recent passport-sized photograph and signature in the specified format.

Contact Details:

• Provide your permanent address, along with the PIN code.
• Enter a valid email address and mobile number for communication purposes.

Academic Details:

• Enter details about your current school, including the name, address, and board of education.
• Provide information about your previous academic performance, such as marks obtained in the last examination.

Bank Details:

• Enter your bank account details, including the account number and IFSC code, as the scholarship amount will be directly credited to your account.

Verification:

• Review the information provided, then submit the registration form.
• A registration ID will be generated. Note this ID for future reference.

Step 3: Log in to Your Account

1. After successful OTR, use your registration ID and password to log in to the portal.
2. Navigate to the “Apply for NMMS Scholarship 2024” section.
3. For state-wise NMMS opportunities, click on the relevant state scholarship portal (read ahead to find the portal links of all the states) and log in.

NMMS Application Procedure

Step 1: Fill in the Required Details in the NMMS Application Form

Personal and Academic Details:

• Your previously entered details from OTR will be automatically populated.
• Fill in any additional required information related to your eligibility and academic history.

Upload Documents:

Upload the necessary documents, such as:

• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Income certificate of the parents/guardians
• Previous year’s mark sheet
• Domicile certificate

Preview and Submit:

• Review all the details entered.
• Make corrections if needed.
• Submit the application form.

Step 2: Print the Application

• After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt.
• Print a copy of the completed application form and acknowledgement receipt for your records.

Step 3: Application Status

• Log in periodically to the portal to check the status of your application.
• You may receive notifications via SMS or email regarding any updates.

Important Points to Remember:

• Ensure all the information provided is accurate and matches your official documents.
• Keep scanned copies of required documents ready before starting the application process.
• Follow the portal’s instructions provided on the portal with regard to document size and format to avoid upload related discrepancies.

Click to learn about the detailed OTR and Application process in NSP

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – Selection Criteria

Although the NMMS is a Central Government scholarship scheme, the selection test is administered individually by each State/UT for their students. Each State/UT conducts its own examination at the Class 8 level to select students. To be eligible for the selection test conducted in Class 8 for the scholarship award, students must have secured at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their Class 7 examination (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students). The student should be enrolled as a regular student in a government, government-aided, or a local body school.

The State Level Examination comprises two tests: 

Mental Ability Test (MAT) 

• The Mental Ability Test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions. 
• The test assesses verbal and non-verbal meta-cognitive skills, such as reasoning and critical thinking. 
• The questions may include topics like analogy, classification, numerical series, pattern perception, and hidden figures.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

• The Scholastic Aptitude Test comprises 90 multiple-choice questions. 
• It covers subjects such as science, social studies, and mathematics, as taught in Class 7 and 8. 

Test Duration

• Each test has a duration of 90 minutes. 
• Children with disabilities will be provided extra time as applicable.

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – Declaration of Results

To consider an applicant having successfully passed, the following conditions must be met:

• The students are required to pass both the MAT and SAT exams with a minimum of 40% marks combined. For SC/ST students, the minimum required passing mark is 32%.
• At the time of scholarship selection, the students must have achieved at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their Class 8 examination. The SC/ST students are eligible for a 5% relaxation.
• The recipients must meet the eligibility criteria and conditions outlined in the scheme.

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – Checking the Test Result

• Visit the links of the state portals as listed below.
• Select the NMMS Result link.
• Input the candidate’s name or roll number.
• Click on Submit to view the NMMS Result.
• The NMMS SAT and MAT Scorecards can also be accessed on the same page.

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – Links of State Portals 

• NMMS Tamil Nadu – dge.tn.gov.in
• NMMS Assam – madhyamik.assam.gov.in
• NMMS Punjab – ssapunjab.org
• NMMS Gujarat – sebexam.org
• NMMS Maharashtra – mscepune.in
• NMMS Dadra & Nagar Haveli – dnh.nic.in
• NMMS Arunachal Pradesh – apdhte.nic.in
• NMMS Jharkhand – jac.jharkhand.gov.in
• NMMS Mizoram – scert.mizoram.gov.in
• NMMS Nagaland – scert.nagaland.gov.in
• NMMS Puducherry – schooledn.py.gov.in
• NMMS Rajasthan – education.rajasthan.gov.in
• NMMS Manipur – manipur.gov.in
• NMMS Andhra Pradesh – bse.ap.gov.in
• NMMS Karnataka – sslc.karnataka.gov.in
• NMMS Meghalaya – megeducation.gov.in
• NMMS Bihar – scert.bihar.gov.in
• NMMS Uttar Pradesh – entdata.co.in.
• NMMS Haryana – scertharyana.gov.in
• NMMS Jammu & Kashmir – jkbose.nic.in
• NMMS Himachal Pradesh – himachalservices.nic.in
• NMMS Delhi – edudel.nic.in
• NMMS Daman & Diu – daman.nic.in
• NMMS Chandigarh – siechd.nic.in
• NMMS Chhattisgarh – scert.cg.gov.in
• NMMS Kerala – scholarship.scert.kerala.gov.in
• NMMS Sikkim – sikkimhrdd.org
• NMMS Madhya Pradesh – educationportal.mp.gov.in
• NMMS Telangana – bse.telangana.gov.in
• NMMS Uttarakhand – scert.uk.gov.in
• NMMS West Bengal – scholarships.wbsed.gov.in
• NMMS Tripura – scertonline.tripura.gov.in
• NMMS Goa – scert.goa.gov.in
• NMMS Odisha – ntse.scertodisha.nic.in

NMMS Scholarship 2024 – Calculation Steps for Test Scores! 

The students who have appeared for the NMMS exam can determine their scores once the answer key is released. They can calculate their score using the following method.

Calculation of Marks Using NMMS Answer Key
Particulars	Mark Calculation Method	Number of Questions	Note
Marks in MAT	Total number of correct answers x 1	90 questions (each question carries 1 mark each)	No negative marking
Marks in SAT		90 questions (each question carries 1 mark each)
Total Marks	Marks obtained in MAT + Marks obtained in SAT

NMMS 2024 – Expected Cut-Off Marks 

The anticipated cut-off scores for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship exam 2024 are listed in the table below.

Category	Cut-Off Marks
General/UR	110-115
OBC (Other Backward Classes)	100-105
EWS (Economically Weaker Section)	105-110
SC (Scheduled Caste)	90-95
ST (Scheduled Tribe)	90-95
General/UR	110-115

NMMS 2024 – Scholarship Disbursement

• A student can receive only one scholarship under any Central Government Scholarship scheme.
• The recipients are required to open bank accounts, preferably in SBI, or in any public sector or scheduled bank with core banking facilities.
• The final list of students verified at all levels on the National Scholarship Portal will be considered for sanctioning of funds. 
• Scholarship benefits will be discontinued for students who fail to renew their applications on the NSP within the stipulated time. 
• Funds will be sanctioned from the Annual Budget and released to the SBI, the implementing bank for the scheme ensuring disbursal of scholarship amount directly to students’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) 2024-25: FAQs

What is the annual income limit for availing the benefits under NMMS 2024-25?

The annual family income of the applicants under the NMMS 2024-25 must not exceed ₹3.5 lakh.

What is the extended application deadline for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship scheme 2024-25?

The Education Ministry has extended the application deadline for NMMSS 2024-25 to 30th September 2024, allowing eligible students more time to apply via the National Scholarship Portal.

Where can I find the details of the NMMS exams and its syllabus?

The NMMS exam is divided into two sections: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), each lasting 90 minutes and worth 90 marks. The NMMS exam syllabus can be found on the official NMMS portal or your state’s scholarship website. It generally covers the standard curriculum of NCERT Class 8. 

How do I check the result of my NMMS test?

Visit the respective State portal, click on the NMMS Result link, enter your name or roll number, and submit to view your result. Scorecards for the SAT and MAT are also available on the same page. Read the article to find the different state links of NMMS.

Can I apply for NMMS if I am already receiving another scholarship?

Yes, students can apply for NMMS even if they are receiving other scholarship benefits, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

What should I do if there is a discrepancy in my NMMS test result?

If you find any discrepancies in your result, contact the NMMS helpdesk or the examination authority immediately to rectify the issue.

How do I know if my NMMS application has been successfully submitted?

After submitting your application, you should receive an acknowledgement receipt or confirmation email/SMS. Check your application status on the portal to verify successful submission.

Is there an age limit criteria in order to apply for NMMS 2024-25?

There is no specific age limit criteria mentioned for NMMS, but applicants must be pursuing their studies in Class 8 and meet other eligibility criteria. 

What is the extended application deadline for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship scheme 2024-25?

The Education Ministry has extended the application deadline for NMMSS 2024-25 to 30th September 2024, allowing eligible students more time to apply via the National Scholarship Portal.

Which fields can I edit before the final submission of my application?

You can edit all details except the “Registration Details.” Please note that once you ‘finally submit’ your application, it will be forwarded to the next level, and further edits will not be possible.

Can I apply for NMMS if I have participated in special coaching or tuition classes?

Yes, participation in coaching or tuition classes does not affect your eligibility for NMMS. The scholarship is based on academic performance and financial need.

What should I do if I am not receiving NMMS updates or notifications?

Ensure that your contact details on the portal are correct. If you still don’t receive updates, check your spam/junk email folder or contact the scholarship helpdesk for further assistance.

Can I apply for NMMS if I am a day scholar?

Yes, being a day scholar does not affect your eligibility for NMMS. The scholarship is solely based on merit and income criteria. 

Can the NMMS scholarship amount be increased in future years?

Since April 01,  2017, the scholarship amount has been increased to ₹12,000 per annum, doubling the previous rate of ₹6,000 per annum. The scholarship amount is generally fixed for a given academic year and any further increase shall be informed to the applicants accordingly.

Can I modify the information that has already been saved, and until when can I do so?

You can edit any draft or incomplete information until you finally submit the online application. To make changes, go to the “Student Login” section, enter your Application ID, and click on the ‘Login’ button.

How can I verify whether the scholarship amount has been credited to my bank account?

In order to verify whether the scholarship amount has been credited to your bank account, you can check the transaction status on the PFMS portal at www.pfms.nic.in and navigate to the “Know Your Payment” option available on the home page to view the details: Know Your Payment (https://pfms.nic.in/static/NewLayoutCommonContent.aspx?RequestPagename=static/KnowYourPayment_new.aspx)

What should I do if I discover after final submission that my application has been marked as ‘defected’ by the Institute/District/State verifying authority?

If your application is marked as ‘defected’ by the Institute/District/State, it will be returned to you for correction. You can amend the defect and resubmit the application for re-verification within the timeline specified on the NSP. In such cases, the INO and DNO should ensure that the application meets the eligibility criteria outlined in the scheme guidelines.

What should I do if I face technical issues while applying for a scholarship on the NSP portal?

If you encounter a technical issue while applying for a scholarship on the NSP portal, you should promptly register your complaint on the link: https://scholarships.gov.in/fresh/complaintspage  or alternatively, you can access the “Complaints” section and select “Register Complaints” on the home page of the NSP website. For immediate assistance, you may also call the helpline number at 0120-6619540 or send an email to helpdesk@nsp.gov.in mentioning the relevant details.