Students from economically weaker families have another opportunity to apply for a government scholarship that can provide financial support throughout their secondary and higher-secondary education.

The government has extended the application deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the 2026–27 academic year. Eligible students can now submit their applications through the National Scholarship Portal until September 30, 2026.

The scheme is designed to encourage meritorious students from economically weaker sections to continue their education after Class 8 and reduce the risk of students dropping out of school.

How much scholarship do students get?

Under NMMSS, selected students receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year.

The scholarship is awarded to students entering Class 9 and can continue through Classes 10, 11 and 12, subject to meeting the required conditions and completing the renewal process.

This means an eligible student could receive financial assistance for up to four years, depending on continued eligibility.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is intended for meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections.

According to the current eligibility information, the student's parental income should not exceed ₹3.5 lakh per year. Students are also required to have secured at least 55% marks, or an equivalent grade, in their Class 8 examination to appear for the selection test, with applicable relaxation for certain categories.

The scheme is applicable to students studying in:

• State Government schools

• Government-aided schools

• Local body schools

Students studying in private schools are not covered under the scheme's stated eligibility.

How is the scholarship awarded?

Students do not receive the scholarship automatically simply because they meet the income and academic requirements.

Eligible students have to appear for the selection test conducted by their respective State or Union Territory government.

One lakh fresh scholarships are offered every year to students entering Class 9 after qualifying through the prescribed selection process.

After selection, the scholarship can continue through Classes 10 to 12 through the renewal process, provided the student satisfies the applicable academic and other conditions.

Important dates students should know

The application deadline for NMMSS 2026–27 has been extended to September 30, 2026.

There are also separate verification deadlines:

• Student application deadline: September 30, 2026

• Level-1 verification by the Institute Nodal Officer: October 15, 2026

• Level-2 verification by the District Nodal Officer: October 31, 2026

Parents and students should therefore avoid waiting until the final day to complete the application.

Where should students apply?

Applications for NMMSS are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal.

Students should use the official portal and carefully check their personal, academic and bank details before submitting the application. The application should also go through the required institutional and district-level verification stages.

Why is this scholarship important?

For families with limited financial resources, continuing education after Class 8 can sometimes become difficult because of expenses related to school, books, transportation and other educational needs.

NMMSS is specifically intended to provide financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections and encourage them to complete their schooling up to Class 12.

With the application deadline now extended to September 30, eligible students who have not yet applied should check the official eligibility requirements and complete their application through the National Scholarship Portal within the prescribed timeline.

Parents can also use the government's myScheme platform to discover government schemes based on a student's age, income and other eligibility details.