NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27: Applications open till August 31, check benefits, how to apply

The department of school education and literacy under the education ministry has invited fresh and renewal applications for national means-cum-merit scholarship scheme (NMMSS) for academic year 2026-27. Eligible students can submit their applications through the national scholarship portal (NSP) by August 31, 2026.

Deadline for submitting both fresh and renewal applications is August 31. Candidates have been advised to complete application process well before deadline to avoid last-minute difficulties.

The application verification process will be carried out in two stages. Institute nodal officers (INOs) will complete level-1 (L1) verification by September 15, 2026, while district nodal officers (DNOs) will carry out level-2 (L2) verification by September 30, 2026.

From 2026-27 academic year, students will be allowed to apply for one merit-based scholarship scheme and one or more welfare-based scholarship schemes simultaneously. However, they will have to fulfill the eligibility criteria prescribed under respective schemes.

Also read Kotak Kanya Scholarship 2026 to provide Rs 1.5 lakh per year to girl scholars from low-income families

NMMSS benefits

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at supporting meritorious students from economically weaker sections and reducing dropout rates at the secondary stage. Through this, they are encouraged them to continue their education after class 8.

Under the scheme, one lakh fresh scholarships are awarded every year to eligible students studying in class 9. The scholarship is renewable for classes 10 to 12, subject to the prescribed conditions. It is available to students studying in state government, government-aided and local body schools.

Also read IIT Madras, SBI foundation launches phase 2 para-athlete sports scholarship programme; apply till August 9

Steps to apply for NMMSS scholarship 2026-27

Eligible students can follow these steps to apply:

• Visit the official National Scholarship Portal at scholarship.gov.in
• On homepage, click on the "New Registration" link
• Complete registration process and log in using registered credentials
• Select National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS).
• Fill in application form with required details
• Upload necessary documents in prescribed format
• Review application carefully and submit it
• Download and keep a copy of confirmation page

The ministry has also advised officers to complete verification process within timeline to facilitate timely disbursal of scholarships.