National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS): Application Deadline Extended

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) has extended its application deadline for the 2024-25 session to November 15, 2024. This extension provides more time for eligible students to apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which is actively open for submissions. The NMMSS aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections, ensuring they have the financial resources to continue their studies.

Who Can Apply for the NMMSS Scholarship?

Managed by the Department of School Education & Literacy, the NMMSS scholarship offers crucial financial aid to students who are committed to advancing their education. Open to students in Class IX who qualify through an exam by their State/UT governments, the scholarship continues through renewals in Classes X to XII, based on students’ academic performance. Each selected student receives an annual scholarship of ₹12,000, helping them complete their higher secondary education without financial constraints.

How Can Students Register and Apply for NMMSS?

To apply, students must:

1. Complete a One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP.
2. Submit their application under the NMMSS scholarship scheme.

For assistance, students can visit the NSP portal’s FAQ section at scholarships.gov.in/studentFAQs, which offers answers to common queries about the registration process.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

The scholarship is available to students who meet these criteria:

• Currently enrolled in State Government, Government-aided, or local body schools.
• Have a parental income not exceeding ₹3.50 lakh per annum.
• Achieved a minimum of 55% in their Class VII exams (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students).

How Are the NMMSS Scholarships Disbursed?

The NMMSS scholarship funds are transferred directly to students’ bank accounts through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), following the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method. As of November 1, 2024, a total of 86,323 fresh applications and 162,175 renewals have been successfully submitted.

What Is the Verification Process?

The NSP uses a two-level verification process to ensure all applications are accurately reviewed:

• Level-1 (L1) Verification: Conducted by the Institute Nodal Officer (INO).
• Level-2 (L2) Verification: Completed by the District Nodal Officer (DNO).

The deadline for L1 verification is November 30, 2024, and L2 verification must be finished by December 15, 2024.

Why Is the NMMSS So Important for Students?

The NMMSS plays a vital role in reducing drop-out rates after elementary education by giving financial support to students. It empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their studies up to Class XII, helping them build a solid foundation for their future. This scholarship ensures that financial limitations do not hinder bright and deserving students from reaching their academic goals.