INDIA: National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2026–27 – Application Deadline Extended to 15 November 2026

Overview

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, designed to reduce school dropout rates and encourage academically capable students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education beyond Class VIII. The scheme awards 100,000 fresh scholarships annually to eligible Class IX students entering secondary and higher secondary education.

Who can apply

Applicants must be students enrolled in state government schools, government-aided schools, or schools managed by local self-government authorities. Candidates must have secured a minimum of 55 percent marks or an equivalent grade in Class VII, with a relaxation of five percentage points granted to students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Additionally, the annual parental income of the applicant must not exceed INR 3.50 lakh. Eligible students must also qualify in the selection examination conducted by their respective State or Union Territory governments.

What you get

Recipients receive an annual financial assistance of INR 12,000, which is transferred directly into beneficiaries bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer system. The scholarship is awarded for entry in Class IX and can continue through Classes X, XI, and XII subject to renewal requirements.

Requirements

Applicants are required to complete their One-Time Registration on the National Scholarship Portal before submitting the scholarship application form along with the necessary supporting documentation. Submitted applications must undergo a two-stage verification process, requiring completion by the Institute Nodal Officer and the District Nodal Officer.

How to apply

Applications must be completed and submitted through India's National Scholarship Portal. Students must access the portal, complete the registration, log in using their credentials, locate the scheme, and fill out the form with accurate personal, academic, and financial information before the stated deadline.

Key dates

The application period on the National Scholarship Portal opened on 1 June 2026. The application deadline for the 2026–27 academic year is 15 November 2026. Following submission, the first-level verification by the Institute Nodal Officer must be completed by 30 November 2026, and the second-level verification by the District Nodal Officer must be completed by 15 December 2026.