National Means cum Merit Scholarship, popularly abbreviated as NMMS is a centrally sponsored scheme where 100,000 scholarships are awarded to pre-matric students from nutritionally poor income groups for providing financial support to enable them to continue their studies. The parental income of such a student would have to be ₹3,50,000 or less annually to qualify. The number of Scholarships allotted to each State and Union Territory (UT) is fixed on the basis of student population. The scheme is in accordance with the reservation policies of respective States/UT.
The scholarship is awarded to students joining Class 9 in government/government aided schools and extended to a maximum period of four years (class 12). This scholarship is not applicable for students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), residential government-run schools or private schools.
Scholarship amount: ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) For that, students need to sit for a special examination conducted by their State/UT education department. These tests include Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and Mental Ability Test (MAT). The cost of conducting this examination is spent by the government which is ₹100 per student.
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Eligibility for NMMS Scholarship
The NMMS scholarship requires the students to fulfil some eligibility criteria before applying for the scholarship. Check the criteria below.
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Who can apply? | Students studying in Class VIII in a government or government-aided school. |
Minimum Marks required to be eligible |
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Family Income Limit | Family annual income from all sources should be less than ₹3,50,000. |
Conditions to Maintain Scholarship |
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Who is Not Eligible to Apply? |
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Who can apply for this NMMS Scholarship?
There are certain criteria when it comes to who can and who cannot apply for this scholarship. To know who can apply for the scholarship candidates are advised to check the section below.
- Economically Weaker Sections — These are those students who may not be able to study due to financial problems.
- Meritorious Students – These students work hard and follow the guidelines.
- Government School Students - (government school students or government-aided school students) who require scholarship for further pursuing higher education
Principal NMMS Releases NMMS Scholarship Features
Check the NMMS scholarship features as released by the principal NMMS below.
- Scholarship Amount – ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) to the merit-cum-means basis DBA selected students of class 9 to 12
- Scholarship under Direct Benefit Transfer system – directly deposited into the student bank account.
- Merit based choice – Based on NMMS exam performance
- Scholarship — Allows students to attend for free
Conditions to be fulfilled for NMMS scholarship grant
Candidates must fulfil the following conditions NMMS scholarship grant.
- Academic Consistency
- Please make sufficient 55% marks in class 9 and class 10 (50% for SC / ST category).
- Minimum of 60% in Class 11 for Class 12 scholarship
- Please make sufficient 55% marks in class 9 and class 10 (50% for SC / ST category).
- School Admission - The student is required to register on a government/government-aided school.
- Regularity and Discipline - The student should regular to the school and must have school discipline.
Application Process for NMMS scholarship
NMMS scholarship form/ application form can be downloaded from National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or respective State/UT Scholarship Portal official website. The procedure is as under:
Step 1: Online Registration
the first step in the application process is to register yourself for the scholarship. To register for the scholarship, students need to follow the below steps.
- Log on to National Scholarship Portal (NSP) https://scholarships.gov.in
- Navigate to ‘New Registration’ and insert the details as such:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Aadhaar Number
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Name
Step 2: Fill up Personal and Academic Details
In this section, the students must fill up their personal and academic details such as:
- School name
- Marks obtained in Class based on category (Open / SC / ST / OBC)
Step 3: Upload Necessary Documents
The students have to submit the necessary documents.
Step 4: Take the NMMS Exam
After successful registration, the students are required to appear in the NMMS examination, which consists of:
Mental Ability Test (MAT) – 90 Marks
The mental ability test consists of questions based on topics like reasoning, analytical power, pattern recognition, etc.
Documents Required to Apply for NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship)
Students are required to submit certain essential documents with the application form for NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship). Both parents and the school principal must sign and attest these documents.
- Documents Required (Refer below for the list required):
- 7th Class Mark Sheet (Mandatory):
- Students studying in government schools have to submit their Class 7th mark sheet only.
- Caste Certificate (If Applicable)
- For SC, ST, or OBC students, a valid caste certificate must be included.
- Parents Income Certificate (Mandatory) - This form is a certificate that the income of the student’s family complies with the co-sponsoring scholarship income criteria.
- A Disability Certificate (if applicable) - Students with disabilities must provide a valid disability certificate from a competent authority.
- Domicile Certificate - They need a domicile certificate to show that the candidate lives in that state.
All such documents must be properly attached with the application form so there is no hassle and no disadvantage in the selection process.
Selection Criteria of for NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship)
NMMS exam is the main criteria for selection. The students should:
- Secure at least 40% marks in MAT and SAT (32% for SC/ST candidates).
- Be from the family income group
- Show valid supporters and file documents for approval.
The Role of NMMS Scholarship
The scholarship plays an important role in the lives of the students and can give them the required motivation to complete their education. Read below to know the ways in which the scholarship can be helpful in shaping a students' life.
Prevents Dropouts
Most of the poor children leave school at class 8 because they cannot afford it. Staying in the school is a big thing for the aspirants, NMMS scholarship become the motivation for them.
Encourages Merit-Based Study
That means it is totally merit-based, potential- based and so that makes the children very curious, very studious.
Encourages Higher Studies
It clearly reduces the burden from family side and provides funds for the students to study at secondary and higher levels.
Increases Confidence
An NMMS scholar award makes the student confident and serious towards its study.
NMMS scholarship – Benefits
The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) offers certain benefits to the students which can be pretty valuable and help the students a great deal. Given below are a few benefits that this scholarship offers.
- Scholarship of ₹12,000 per annum
- This protects the student against a right to study without any limitation of fund.
- It gives the reader an idea of what this letter would be about.
- Maintains literacy a little with better ratio and lesser dropouts from school.
- The scholarship provides economic security to the students. The family can now afford more time for studies without the worry of fees.
- It aims on the vision of a holistic development, and inspires the students to work hard for a better tomorrow and a higher scholarship.
- It allows studying and apply on merit.
Conclusion
NMMS Scholarship is one of the best government Scholarship for income weaker but merit oriented candidates. It discourages dropout at the level of school and guarantees that the students will pursue further studies through a scholarship value of ₹12,000 every year. It has reserve to an age of quickness and an choosing based routine.
To avail of this scholarship, a student has to apply on the NSP portal and qualify the NMMS examination. The NMMS plan at the mass level would be a breakthrough in improving literacy rates and in keeping track of the knowledge gap and in improving the performance level of poor Indian children.
