NMMSS Scholarship last date extended till November 15, 2026. Check eligibility & ₹12000 aid.
New Delhi: Students who are planning to apply for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) have been given an extension to apply for aid. The Ministry of Education has extended the last date to apply for the 2026-27 academic session to November 15, 2026.
This gives eligible students extra time to complete their application on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The ministry has also updated the last dates for verification at the institute level and district level. So students must keep track of the entire schedule. As per the notification by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) dated October 31, 2026, this has been decided to give students extra time to apply and for verification by the authorities.
Important Dates for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27
The Ministry of Education has given the following updated timeline for the scheme:
|
Application Process |
Last Date |
|
Submission of application |
November 15, 2026 |
|
Institute Nodal Officer (L1) verification |
November 30, 2026 |
|
District Nodal Officer (L2) verification |
December 15, 2026 |
Students must complete their application by November 15. Those who have already applied should ensure that their application goes through the verification process. The last date for verification at the institute level is November 30. Verification at the district level will be done on December 15, 2026.
What is the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme?
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is a central government scheme aimed at providing financial aid to meritorious students belonging to the economically weaker sections. One lakh new scholarships are given to eligible students studying in Class IX each year after they qualify the selection test conducted by their respective State/Union Territory Government. The scholarship can be renewed from Classes X to XII.
The scheme is aimed at reducing the financial burden on students who are good at academics.
How Much Aid is Given under NMMSS Scholarship?
Eligible students will receive ₹12,000 every year under this scheme. The aid will be directly transferred to the bank account of the beneficiaries using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Eligible students studying:
- State government schools
- Government aided schools
- Schools run by local self governments
will be eligible for this scheme. The financial aid is provided from Class IX and can be renewed from Classes X, XI and XII.
Eligibility Criteria for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27
Students must meet the academic, income and institution criteria. As per the PIB notification from the Ministry of Education, students must meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Performance in Class VII
Students must have scored a minimum of 55% or equivalent grade in Class VII to appear for the selection test.
2. Relaxation for SC/ST students
Students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) will get a 5% relaxation.
3. Parental Income
The annual income of the student’s parents must not exceed ₹3.50 Lakh.
4. Eligible Schools
Students must be studying in a state government school, government aided school or schools run by local self governments.
5. Selection Test
New scholarships will be given to eligible students studying in Class IX who qualify the selection test conducted by their respective State/Union Territory Government.
Students must refer to the guidelines of the scheme and exam guidelines from their state for complete information on eligibility and selection.
How to Apply for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27?
Applications for the NMMSS can be submitted on the National Scholarship Portal. Applications have been open since June 1, 2026 for the 2026-27 academic session. Students must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR). The general steps to apply are:
- Go to the National Scholarship Portal (https://scholarships.gov.in/).
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR).
- Login to the portal using your registered details.
- Search for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme.
- Fill in the application details.
- Enter the required details and documents.
- Check the application and submit before November 15, 2026.
- Keep track of your application and verification.
Ensure that you enter the correct information and follow the guidelines on the official portal.
FAQs
Q1. What is the deadline to submit applications for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27?
The Ministry of Education has extended the deadline to November 15, 2026.
Q2. What is the amount of scholarship given under NMMSS?
Scholarship of ₹12,000/- per year is given to eligible beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to their bank accounts.
Q3. What is the upper limit of parental income for the NMMSS Scholarship?
The total income of the applicant’s parents should be less than ₹3.50 lakh per annum.
Q4. What is the minimum Class VII marks for NMMSS?
The students should have obtained 55% marks in Class VII to be eligible to take the selection test. Students belonging to SC/ST category have relaxation of 5% in the above mentioned marks.
Q5. Who can apply for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme?
Eligible students from the economically weaker section studying in state government/government-aided/local self-government managed schools can apply to the scheme, provided they satisfy the academic and selection requirements.
Q6. What are the timelines for verification of NMMSS for 2026-27?
The L1 nodal officer (Institute Level) has to complete the verification process by 30th November, 2026, and the L2 nodal officer (District Level) has to complete the process by 15th December, 2026.
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