NMMS Scholarship 2026-27: Application deadline extended to November 15; over 2.8 lakh applications received

The Ministry of Education has extended the application deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2026-27 to November 15, 2026. Students can submit their scholarship applications through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in.

According to the revised schedule, the NMMSS scholarship application form deadline for Institute Nodal Officer (L1) verification is November 30, 2026, while the District Nodal Officer (L2) verification must be completed by December 15, 2026.

The National Scholarship Portal has been accepting applications under the NMMSS scholarship scheme since June 1, 2026. Students must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) on the portal before applying for the scholarship.

As per the Ministry of Education, a total of 90,483 fresh applications and 1,99,531 renewal applications had been submitted as of October 30, 2026.

Students who have already applied should ensure that their applications are verified by the respective institute and district nodal officers within the revised deadlines.

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NMMSS scholarship amount and eligibility

The NMMSS scholarship scheme aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections and reduce school dropout rates after Class 8. It encourages students to continue their education from Class 9 to Class 12.

Under the scheme, the government awards one lakh fresh scholarships every year to eligible Class 9 students who qualify in the selection examination conducted by their respective state or Union Territory governments.

Selected students receive a scholarship of Rs 12,000 per annum, which is transferred directly to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The scholarship can be renewed for Classes 10, 11 and 12, subject to the prescribed academic requirements.

To be eligible for the NMMSS selection examination, students must meet the following criteria:

• Academic qualification: Students must have secured at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in Class 7. SC and ST students are eligible for a 5-percentage-point relaxation.
• Parental income: The annual income of the student's parents from all sources should not exceed Rs 3.50 lakh.
• School eligibility: Students studying in state government, government-aided and local body schools are eligible under the scheme.

Students who meet the eligibility requirements can apply through the National Scholarship Portal before the revised deadline of November 15, 2026.