The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) helps talented students from low-income families continue school after Class 8.
Key points
- It is for students studying in Class 8 in government, government-aided or local body schools.
- A minimum score in the previous class is required, with relaxation for SC and ST students.
- Parental income from all sources must be within the limit in the official notice (generally around ₹3.5 lakh per year).
- Selected students receive ₹12,000 per year, which is ₹1,000 per month, from Class 9 to Class 12.
- Selection is through a state-level scholarship exam.
How to prepare
The exam tests mental ability and school subjects. Practise reasoning questions and revise Class 7 and 8 Maths, Science and Social Science.
Important
Rules, income limits and application dates are set by the government and your state, and they can change every year. Check the latest notice on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in) or ask your school before applying.
Students and parents should also keep income, caste and school certificates ready well before the last date, since delays in documents are a common reason for rejection.
This article is for general guidance. Rules, dates and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official CBSE, RBSE or government website.