INDIA: National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2026–27 – Application Deadline Extended to 15 November 2026 - Global South Opportunities

The Ministry of Education, Government of India, has extended the application deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the 2026–27 academic year to 15 November 2026. The

Students seeking to benefit from the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme must satisfy the academic, financial and institutional eligibility requirements established by the Ministry of Education.

1. Academic Performance

Applicants must have secured at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in Class VII to qualify for the selection examination.

Students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) receive a relaxation of five percentage points, reducing the minimum academic requirement to 50%.

2. Family Income

The annual parental income of an applicant must not exceed INR 3.50 lakh.

This income requirement ensures that the scholarship primarily benefits students from economically disadvantaged households.

3. School Eligibility

The scheme is intended for eligible students studying in:

• State government schools.
• Government-aided schools.
• Schools managed by local self-government authorities.

Applicants should confirm that their respective schools meet the scheme’s institutional eligibility requirements.

4. Selection Examination

Eligible students must qualify in the selection examination conducted by their respective State or Union Territory governments to receive the fresh Class IX scholarship.

Students seeking to benefit from the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme must satisfy the academic, financial and institutional eligibility requirements established by the Ministry of Education.

1. Academic Performance

Applicants must have secured at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in Class VII to qualify for the selection examination.

Students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) receive a relaxation of five percentage points, reducing the minimum academic requirement to 50%.

2. Family Income

The annual parental income of an applicant must not exceed INR 3.50 lakh.

This income requirement ensures that the scholarship primarily benefits students from economically disadvantaged households.

3. School Eligibility

The scheme is intended for eligible students studying in:

• State government schools.
• Government-aided schools.
• Schools managed by local self-government authorities.

Applicants should confirm that their respective schools meet the scheme’s institutional eligibility requirements.

4. Selection Examination

Eligible students must qualify in the selection examination conducted by their respective State or Union Territory governments to receive the fresh Class IX scholarship.