NMMSS 2024-25: The Ministry of Education has extended the application deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the academic year 2024-25 to September 30, 2024. This extension offers a valuable opportunity for economically disadvantaged students to receive financial assistance for their education. Here is a comprehensive overview of the NMMSS scholarship program, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and other relevant details.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NMMSS, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Current Grade: Students must be enrolled in Class 8 after successfully passing Class 7 with at least 55% (50% for reserved categories).
• School Type: Only students studying in government, local body, or government-aided schools are eligible. Those enrolled in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Sainik Schools, or private schools are not eligible.
• Income Limit: The annual family income should not exceed Rs 3.5 lakh.
• Continuation Criteria: For continued eligibility in higher secondary, students must score at least 60% in Class 10 board exams and secure 55% marks in Class 11 (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students).
Exam Pattern
The NMMSS examination, which is organized state-wise, consists of two parts:
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
• Purpose: Assesses reasoning abilities and critical thinking skills.
• Format: 90 multiple-choice questions based on analogy, classification, numerical series, pattern perception, and hidden figures.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• Purpose: Evaluates knowledge in science, social studies, and mathematics based on the Class 7 and 8 syllabi.
• Format: 90 multiple-choice questions.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
Note: Students with special abilities may receive additional time to complete the tests.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for the NMMSS; the entire process is free of charge.
Scholarship Amount
The scholarship provides financial support to selected students, with the amount varying by class and caste:
Class 9: Rs 12,000 per year (General Category); Rs 50,000 per year (SC/ST).
Class 10: Rs 12,000 per year (General Category); Rs 57,000 per year (SC/ST).
Direct link to the official website
Steps to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the NMMSS scholarship:
Registration: Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and complete the one-time registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID).
Login: Use your credentials to log in to the NSP.
Apply for Scholarship: Find the NMMSS scholarship scheme and fill out the online application form. Double-check all details for accuracy.
School Verification: The application must be verified by the student’s school, which will upload the necessary documents.
Submit Application: After verification, submit the application online before the extended deadline of September 30, 2024.
Age Limit
There is no specific age limit for the NMMSS scholarship, but it is aimed at students currently studying in Class 9.
About NMMSS
Launched in 2008, the NMMSS aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections, helping to reduce dropout rates after Class 8 and encouraging continued education through secondary school. It is administered by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, with scholarships awarded through state-conducted examinations.
Selection for the scholarship is merit-based, and students must pass a state-level selection test comprising the MAT and SAT. The tests are conducted by each state or union territory, with a syllabus set by the NCERT.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the NMMSS, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Current Grade: Students must be enrolled in Class 8 after successfully passing Class 7 with at least 55% (50% for reserved categories).
• School Type: Only students studying in government, local body, or government-aided schools are eligible. Those enrolled in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Sainik Schools, or private schools are not eligible.
• Income Limit: The annual family income should not exceed Rs 3.5 lakh.
• Continuation Criteria: For continued eligibility in higher secondary, students must score at least 60% in Class 10 board exams and secure 55% marks in Class 11 (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students).
Exam Pattern
The NMMSS examination, which is organized state-wise, consists of two parts:
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
• Purpose: Assesses reasoning abilities and critical thinking skills.
• Format: 90 multiple-choice questions based on analogy, classification, numerical series, pattern perception, and hidden figures.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• Purpose: Evaluates knowledge in science, social studies, and mathematics based on the Class 7 and 8 syllabi.
• Format: 90 multiple-choice questions.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
Note: Students with special abilities may receive additional time to complete the tests.
Application Fee
There is no application fee for the NMMSS; the entire process is free of charge.
Scholarship Amount
The scholarship provides financial support to selected students, with the amount varying by class and caste:
Class 9: Rs 12,000 per year (General Category); Rs 50,000 per year (SC/ST).
Class 10: Rs 12,000 per year (General Category); Rs 57,000 per year (SC/ST).
Direct link to the official website
Steps to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the NMMSS scholarship:
Registration: Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and complete the one-time registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID).
Login: Use your credentials to log in to the NSP.
Apply for Scholarship: Find the NMMSS scholarship scheme and fill out the online application form. Double-check all details for accuracy.
School Verification: The application must be verified by the student’s school, which will upload the necessary documents.
Submit Application: After verification, submit the application online before the extended deadline of September 30, 2024.
Age Limit
There is no specific age limit for the NMMSS scholarship, but it is aimed at students currently studying in Class 9.
About NMMSS
Launched in 2008, the NMMSS aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections, helping to reduce dropout rates after Class 8 and encouraging continued education through secondary school. It is administered by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, with scholarships awarded through state-conducted examinations.
Selection for the scholarship is merit-based, and students must pass a state-level selection test comprising the MAT and SAT. The tests are conducted by each state or union territory, with a syllabus set by the NCERT.