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National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026

Awarded by Government of India

Scholarship Details

Eligible Degrees

High/Secondary School

Funding Type

Partial Funding · up to Rs. 12,000/- per annum

Eligible Courses

Subjects offered by the schools

Eligible Nationalities

Open to Indian nationals

Can Be Taken At

Government aided & Local body schools in India

Provider

Government of India

Last Verified On

01 Sep 2026 by WeMakeScholars Scholarship Team

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Overview

Description:

The Central Sector Scheme ‘National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme’ was launched in 2008, after getting approval from CCEA, to award scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their drop out at class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at the secondary stage. One lakh fresh scholarships are awarded to selected students of class IX every year and their continuation/renewal in classes X to XII for study in State Government, Government-aided, and Local body schools under the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Students whose parental income from all sources is not more than Rs. 3,50,000/- per annum are eligible to avail of the scholarship.
  • Students must have a minimum of 55 % marks or equivalent grade in the Class VII examination to appear in the selection test for the award of a scholarship (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST students).
  • Students should be studying as regular students in a Government, Government-aided, and local body school.
  • Students of NVS, KVS, and residential schools are not entitled to the scholarship. There is reservation as per State Government norms.

Selection of Fresh Awardee Students:

  • Each State/UT conducts its test for the selection of students for the award of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship. The test is conducted at the stage of class VIII.
  • Students who fulfill the eligibility criteria must pass both the tests, i.e., the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) under the NMMSS exam with at least 40 % marks in aggregate taken together for these two tests. For the SC/ST students, this cut-off is 32% marks.

Selection of Renewal Awardees Students:

  • The awardees should get a minimum of 60% marks in Class X for continuation of scholarship (relaxable by 5% for SC/ST candidates) in the next higher classes.
  • For continuing the scholarship in class X and XII, the awardees should get a clear promotion from class IX to class X and from class XI to class XII on the first attempt.
Source : Government of India
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SIMPLE 5 STEP PROCESS

How to Apply

1

Check Eligibility

Confirm that you meet the scholarship requirements

2

Prepare Documents

Gather all required documents for your application

3

Submit Application

Apply through the official scholarship application process

4

Application Review

The scholarship provider evaluates eligible applications

5

Scholarship Decision

Selected applicants are informed about the final results

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Documents Needed

  • Academic Transcripts (Usually required)

  • Income Certificate (For need-based scholarships)

  • Identity Proof (Usually required)

  • Admission / Offer Letter (For select scholarships)

  • Statement of Purpose (If applicable)

  • Language Test Scores (If applicable)

  • Recommendation Letters (If applicable)

  • Other Supporting Documents (As specified by the scholarship provider)

Note: The exact document requirements vary by scholarship. Always refer to the official application guidelines

FAQs

  • Yes, you can secure an education loan to study abroad at Government of India. Education loans are of two types — Collateral and non-collateral. Collateral includes either: Immovable property – a house or a flat or land (or) liquid security – an FD, or LIC or shares or bonds. Agricultural lands are not accepted by any bank for education loan.

    Public banks like SBI, BOB offer these types of education loans. There are many NBFCs who offer Non-collateral education loans. Apply for the best education loan to study abroad.
  • The deadline of National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026 is Expired.
  • National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026 is offered to High/Secondary School degree.
  • National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026 is offered for Subjects offered by the schools.
  • National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026 is open for: Open to Indian nationals.
  • National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026 is offered by Government of India.
  • National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026 covers Partial Funding, up to Rs. 12,000/- per annum.