National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS)

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Exam (NMMS) is an exam conducted by the Government of India for students in class 8th. The main objective of the exam is to identify and provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections of society, who have the potential to excel academically. The exam aims to encourage students to complete their secondary and higher secondary education, and pursue higher studies or vocational training, thereby promoting equality of opportunity. The exam consists of two papers – Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), and students who clear the exam are awarded scholarships for their further education.

MHRD issues guidelines that are to be followed by students to be eligible for NMMS and avail scholarship further as well. NMMS 2022-23 eligibility criteria are listed below:

• Students must be studying in class VIII and must have a minimum 55% score (50% for reserved categories) in class VII.

• The annual income of the applicant’s parents must not be more than ₹ 3,50,000.

• In order to continue the scholarship, students must obtain 55% (50% for reserved categories) in class IX and XI and 60% (55% for reserved categories) in the class X exam.

• Students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Sainik Schools cannot apply for the scholarship.

• Students studying in residential schools run by State government institutions with facilities like boarding, lodging and education cannot apply as well.

• Students pursuing their studies in private schools cannot apply for NMMS 2022 exam as well.