NMMSS 2026-27 application deadline extended to November 15

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Education has extended the last date for submission of applications under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the academic year 2026-27 to November 15. The extension gives eligible students more time to complete their applications on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and allows timely verification by the authorities concerned, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on October 31.

The National Scholarship Portal has been open for student applications since June 1. Students must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) on the portal before applying for the scholarship. As on October 30, 90,483 fresh and 1,99,531 renewal applications had been submitted.

Students who have already submitted their applications should ensure that they are verified by the Institute Nodal Officer (L1) by November 30 and by the District Nodal Officer (L2) by December 15.

Revised schedule

NMMSS aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections and to encourage them to continue their education beyond Class VIII up to Class XII. The scheme provides one lakh fresh scholarships every year to eligible Class IX students who qualify in the selection examination conducted by the respective State and Union Territory governments. The scholarship is then continued from Class X to Class XII through renewal, subject to the prescribed academic requirements.

Eligible students studying in state government and government-aided schools, and in schools managed by local self-governments, receive ₹12,000 a year, which is transferred directly to their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

To appear for the selection test, students must have secured at least 55 per cent marks or an equivalent grade in Class VII, with a relaxation of 5 percentage points for SC and ST students. The parental income of the applicant should not exceed ₹3.50 lakh a year.