The registration process for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2025 has officially started. Class 8 students studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools across India can now apply for this scholarship scheme. NMMS is aimed at supporting meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds by providing them with financial aid to continue their studies from Class 9 to Class 12. The scholarship amount is ₹12,000 per year, paid in monthly installments.
I’m writing about this topic because many deserving students miss out on such schemes simply due to lack of awareness or confusion around the application process. The NMMS scholarship is a government initiative that not only helps reduce dropout rates after Class 8 but also gives students and their families hope and motivation. As someone who has seen students benefit from this, I believe timely information on eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply can make a big difference for those who truly need it.
What is NMMS Scholarship?
The NMMS scholarship was launched by the Ministry of Education to identify and support talented students from low-income families. Selected students receive ₹1,000 per month (₹12,000 per year) from Class 9 till Class 12, provided they maintain academic performance.
The aim is to encourage students to complete secondary and senior secondary education without financial stress.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for NMMS 2025, a student must:
- Be studying in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, or local body school
- Have scored at least 55% marks in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST students)
- Have an annual family income of less than ₹3,50,000 from all sources
- Not be studying in a private school, Kendriya Vidyalaya, or Sainik School
Each state conducts its own NMMS exam, and students must apply through their state’s designated portal.
How to Register for NMMS 2025
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official website of your state’s NMMS or education board (for example, scert.state.gov.in)
- Click on the NMMS 2025 link and choose the “New Registration” option
- Fill in your personal, academic, and income details
- Upload scanned documents like income certificate, school ID, and photograph
- Submit the form and take a printout for reference
The last date to register may vary from state to state, so students must check their state-specific deadlines.
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
After registration, eligible students will be called to appear for the NMMS exam. The exam consists of two papers:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT) – tests reasoning and analytical skills
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) – tests knowledge in subjects like Science, Maths, and Social Science
Each paper has 90 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 90 minutes. A minimum of 40% marks in each paper (32% for SC/ST) is required to qualify.
Scholarship Disbursement
Students selected for the scholarship must open a joint bank account with a guardian. The scholarship amount of ₹1,000 per month is directly credited to this account via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mode.
To continue receiving the scholarship every year, students must:
- Pass each class with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST)
- Be enrolled in recognised government or government-aided schools
Final Note
The NMMS 2025 scholarship is a great opportunity for students who are bright but face financial challenges. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility, don’t delay—complete the registration on time and start preparing for the exam. A little effort now can bring long-term support throughout school life. Stay updated through your school or the SCERT website, and ensure all documents are ready before the deadline.
