Students studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools are eligible to apply
(Representational/ PTI Photo)
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme offers scholarships to academically talented candidates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
The Education Ministry has extended the application deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the academic year 2024-25. As per the official announcement, students can apply for the scholarship scheme till September 30. Those eligible can fill out the NMMSS 2024 application form through the National Scholarship Portal, which is scholarship.gov.in.
The scheme offers scholarships to academically talented candidates from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It aims to reduce dropout rates at the class VIII level and encourage students to pursue their secondary education.
NMMSS 2024: Eligibility Criteria
The first criteria for students to qualify for the scholarship test is that they must have secured at least 55 per cent marks or an equivalent grade in their Class 7 examination and should be enrolled in Class 8, with a 5 per cent relaxation for SC and ST students. It is to be noted that the selection test is conducted annually by the states and UTs. In addition to that, the family income should not exceed Rs 3,50,000 per annum from all sources.
Moreover, students studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools are eligible to apply. Those enrolled in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Sainik Schools, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), or private schools are not eligible. There is no application fee for NMMSS 2024.
NMMSS 2024: Steps To Apply
Step 1: Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarship.gov.in.
Step 2: Complete the one-time registration (OTR) using your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID).
Step 3: Then, log in using your credentials.
Step 4: Now, search for and click on the NMMSS scholarship scheme.
Step 5: Fill out the online application form with the required details.
Step 6: Double-check all details for accuracy and upload the necessary documents.
Step 7: After verification, apply and save a copy of the same for future use.
NMMSS 2024: Scholarship Amount
The scholarship offers financial support to shortlisted students, varied by class and caste. Students in Classes 9 who fall under the general category will receive Rs 12,000 per year. Students who belong under the SC/ST categories would receive Rs 50,000 per year. Class 10 students from the general category will receive 12,000 per year, whereas students belonging to reserved categories will receive 57,000 per year.
NMMSS 2024: Exam Pattern
The NMMSS exam consists of two parts: The Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Both parts encompass 90 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and candidates have 90 minutes each to complete the exam. Students with special abilities can get additional time. The MAT comprises reasoning, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Analogies, Classification, Numerical Series, Pattern Perception, Hidden Figures, etc. SAT, on the other hand, will consist of Science, Social Studies, and mathematics subjects (based on the NCERT syllabus from Classes 7 and 8).
