Scholarship Opportunity for 8th-Grade Students in Rajasthan; Applications Open October 30

The schedule for the 2027 state-level selection examination under the Central Government’s prestigious NMMSS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme) has been released. The online application process for this scheme will begin on October 30, 2026.

To help talented children from economically weaker families in Rajasthan continue their schooling without financial burden, the schedule for the 2027 state-level selection examination under the Central Government’s prestigious National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme has been announced. According to information provided by the Directorate of Secondary Education, Rajasthan (Bikaner), the online application process for this scholarship will commence on October 30, 2026, with a final deadline of November 30, 2026.

What is this scholarship scheme?

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is a major initiative by the Central Government designed to encourage meritorious students from economically weaker families, ensuring they do not drop out of school. Eligible students selected under this scheme receive financial assistance of ₹12,000 per year to support their regular studies from class 9 through class 12. This amount is transferred directly into the students' bank accounts via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). A total quota of 5,471 scholarships has been allocated for the state of Rajasthan.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must currently be enrolled in class 8 at a recognized school in Rajasthan. Additionally, students must meet the minimum marks requirement based on their previous class results and satisfy the prescribed criteria regarding their family's annual income.

Examination Pattern and Important Dates

The state-level selection examination for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme in Rajasthan will be held on December 20. In this selection examination, questions related to mental ability and academic aptitude will be asked to assess the students' intellectual capacity. The test will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and students will have 3 hours to complete them.

Points to consider before applying:

According to the guidelines issued by the Education Department, merely appearing for the examination does not guarantee a scholarship. Students must secure the minimum qualifying marks, meet the requirements for the district-level merit list, and fulfill all other eligibility criteria. Students and their parents are advised to submit their online applications well in advance—without waiting until the final deadline—and to carefully review the guidelines available on the official Rajasthan 'Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme' portal before filling out the application form.