NMMSS 2024-25 application deadline extended till September 30; eligibility, exam pattern

NEW DELHI: The Education Ministry has extended the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) application deadline for academic year 2024-25 till September 30. Eligible and interested students can apply for the scholarship scheme by filling out the NMMSS 2024 application form through the National Scholarship Portal, scholarship.gov.in.

The scheme offer scholarships to academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to reduce dropout rates at the class VIII level and encourage them to pursue their secondary education. Annually, 100,000 new scholarships are granted to selected Class 9 students, with the possibility of renewal through Classes 10 to 12.

These scholarships are available to students in state government, government-aided, and local body schools. Since April 1, 2017, the scholarship amount has been raised to Rs 12,000 per year, up from the previous amount of Rs 6,000 per year.

NMMSS 2024 exam pattern

NMMSS exam for 2024 follows a specific pattern designed to assess students' aptitude and scholastic abilities. The exam is divided into two main sections:

NMMSS 2024: Eligibility criteria

Students with a family income of less than Rs 3,50,000 per annum from all sources are eligible for these scholarships. To qualify for the selection test, they must have secured at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in their Class 8 examination, with a 5% relaxation for SC and ST students. The selection test is conducted annually by the states and UTs.

Upon registration on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), the scholarship amount is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the selected students through electronic transfer using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).