Registration for the NMMSS scholarship has begun; school students studying in Class 9 can apply until August 31..

The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education has initiated the registration process for the ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme’ (NMMSS) for the 2026-27 academic session. Students currently in Class 9 can apply until August 31. Meanwhile, students in Classes 10 through 12 can apply for the renewal of their scholarships until August 31. Applications must be submitted via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

Let us understand what the NMMSS scholarship is, how to apply for it, and who is eligible.

Why the NMMSS Scholarship?
The NMMSS scholarship aims to assist students from economically weaker families. It encourages them to continue their education beyond Class 8. This scholarship is awarded by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. Essentially, the ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme’ is a Central Government initiative designed to curb school dropouts. It provides financial assistance to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections.

Who can apply for the NMMSS Scholarship?
Students studying in Class 9 in government, government-aided, and local body schools are eligible to apply for the NMMSS scholarship. Additionally, students in Classes 10 to 12 can apply for scholarship renewal, provided they continue to meet the renewal criteria. Students may apply for one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes alongside this merit-based scholarship scheme.

How to apply
To apply, first visit scholarships.gov.in.
First-time users must complete the new registration process. Log in using your registered credentials (login details).
Click on the 'National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme'.
Fill in the required details and upload the documents.
Submit the application.
Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.

Verification to follow application
Once the application for the scholarship is submitted, the application form will undergo verification. The verification process will be completed in two phases. In the first phase, the Institute Nodal Officer (INO) will conduct verification by September 15, 2026. In the second phase, the District Nodal Officer (DNO) will complete the verification by September 30, 2026.

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