NMMSS 2024-25: Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to September 30 – Admission Requirements, Exam Pattern & More

NMMSS 2024-25: The Ministry of Education has extended the registration deadline for the National Resources-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the academic year 2024-25 until September 30, 2024. This extension provides a valuable opportunity for economically disadvantaged students to receive financial assistance for their education. Here is a comprehensive overview of the NMMSS scholarship program, including eligibility criteria, application process, and other relevant details.
Admission criteria
To be eligible for the NMMSS, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Current rating: Students must register for class 8 after completing class 7 with a minimum of 55% (50% for reserved categories).
• School type: Only students studying in government, local or government aided schools are eligible. Students enrolled in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), Sainik Schools or private schools are not eligible.
• Income limit: The annual family income should not exceed 3.5 lakh rupees.
• Continuation criteria: To remain eligible for admission to higher secondary education, students must score a minimum of 60% in the final grade 10 examinations and secure 55% of the marks in grade 11 (with a 5% reduction for SC/ST students).
Exam pattern
The NMMSS exam, which is administered by state, consists of two parts:
Mental Abilities Test (MAT)
• Goal: Assesses reasoning and critical thinking skills.
• Format: 90 multiple choice questions on analogy, classification, numerical sequences, pattern perception and hidden figures.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• Goal: Assesses knowledge of science, social studies, and mathematics based on grade 7 and 8 curricula.
• Format: 90 multiple choice questions.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
Please note: Students with special abilities may be given extra time to complete the tests.
Application fee
There are no application fees for the NMMSS; the entire process is free.
Scholarship amount
The scholarship provides financial support to selected students, with the amount varying by class and caste:
Class 9: Rs 12,000 per annum (General Category); Rs 50,000 per annum (SC/ST).
Class 10: Rs 12,000 per annum (General Category); Rs 57,000 per annum (SC/ST).
Direct link to the official website
Steps to apply
To register for the NMMSS scholarship, follow these steps:
Registration: Visit the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and complete the One Time Registration (OTR) with your Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID).
Login: Use your login details to log in to the NSP.
Apply for a grant: Find the NMMSS scholarship program and fill out the online application form. Check all information for accuracy.
School Verification: The application must be verified by the student’s school, which will upload the necessary documents.
Submit application: After verification, submit the application online before the extended deadline of September 30, 2024.
Age limit
There is no specific age limit for the NMMSS scholarship, but it is intended for students currently in grade 9.
About NMMSS
Launched in 2008, the NMMSS aims to support deserving students from economically disadvantaged sections by helping to reduce dropout rates after grade 8 and encouraging continuous education through to secondary school. It is administered by the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, with scholarships awarded through state-administered examinations.
Selection for the scholarship is based on merit and students are required to take a state-level selection test consisting of the MAT and SAT. The tests are conducted by each state or union territory, with a syllabus laid down by the NCERT.