NMMS Scholarship 2025-26: Apply Now on NSP Portal, Get ₹1,000 Per Month from Class 9 to 12
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2025-26 application process is now live on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Under this scheme, selected students will receive ₹1,000 every month (₹12,000 annually) to support their studies from Class 9 to Class 12.
Important State-Wise Deadlines
Each state has set its own last date for application submission. Some key deadlines are:
- Telangana: October 6, 2025
- Delhi: October 4, 2025
- Maharashtra: October 11, 2025
- Kerala: October 27, 2025
- Rajasthan: November 16, 2025
Students are advised to check the exact last date for their state on the NSP portal to avoid missing out.
Big Update: Higher Income Limit for Eligibility
A major change this year is the increase in annual family income limit:
- Earlier: ₹1.5 Lakh per annum
- Now: ₹3.5 Lakh per annum
This update will allow more students from economically weaker sections to benefit from the scholarship.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
- Must be studying in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
- Must have scored at least 55% marks in Class 7 (relaxation to 50% for SC/ST students).
- Students from private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Vidyalayas are not eligible.
Selection Process
Selection is done through a two-stage test:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT) – 90 questions in 90 minutes (reasoning & logical skills).
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – 90 questions in 90 minutes (Science, Maths, Social Science).
- Passing Marks: 40% (General) and 32% (SC/ST).
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit scholarships.gov.in and complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Keep digital copies of required documents ready:
- Passport photo
- Income certificate
- Class 7 mark sheet
- Aadhaar card
- Bank account details
- Caste/Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Log in, choose NMMS Scholarship, fill in details, upload documents, and submit.
Scholarship Benefits
- Amount: ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month).
- Duration: From Class 9 till Class 12.
- Mode of Payment: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Availability: Around 1,00,000 scholarships are granted each year across India.
Exam & Result Timeline
- Example: Telangana exam will be held on November 23, 2025.
- Most states conduct the test between November–December 2025.
- Results are generally announced by June 2026.
Expert Advice for Applicants
Education experts suggest students should:
- Strengthen fundamentals in Maths, Science, and Social Studies.
- Practice regularly for reasoning and aptitude sections.
- Solve previous year papers and take mock tests for better time management.
