NMMS scholarship: Students from economically weaker sections studying in Class 8 across Uttar Pradesh can now apply for the NMMS scholarship 2026-27, a central scheme that pays out ₹48,000 in total across Classes 9 to 12. The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) is designed to prevent dropouts after Class 8 and support meritorious students through their secondary and higher secondary education. Applications for the 2026-27 cycle opened on 1 June 2026 on the state portal, entdata.co.in, and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026.
How Much Will Students Get
Selected candidates receive ₹1,000 per month, amounting to ₹12,000 per year, for four consecutive years from Class 9 through Class 12. Over the full duration, this adds up to a total benefit of ₹48,000 per student, credited directly into the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Continuation each year depends on the student maintaining minimum academic performance and staying enrolled in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
Who Is Eligible for the NMMS Scholarship
To qualify for the NMMS scholarship 2026-27, students must meet the following criteria:
- Currently studying in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
- Secured at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates) in the Class 7 examination.
- Family annual income from all sources not exceeding ₹3,50,000.
- Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and other fully residential government or private schools are not eligible.
Exam Pattern: MAT and SAT
Selection is based on a state-level test conducted by the SCERT, comprising two papers — the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Each paper carries 90 multiple-choice questions worth 90 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes. MAT evaluates reasoning and logical thinking through analogies, classification, and pattern-based questions, while SAT covers Mathematics, Science, and Social Science based on the Class 7 and 8 NCERT syllabus. Candidates must score at least 40% in each paper (32% for SC/ST candidates) to qualify; there is no negative marking.
Preparing for the NMMS Exam
With applications underway, eligible students are being encouraged to start early preparation given the exam’s coverage of two full years of the NCERT syllabus. Useful preparation steps include:
- Revising NCERT textbooks for Classes 7 and 8 thoroughly, particularly Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.
- Practising previous years’ NMMS question papers to understand the difficulty level and question style.
- Taking timed mock tests to build speed and accuracy for the 90-minute format.
- Focusing extra practice on reasoning and pattern-based questions for the MAT section, since no prior subject knowledge is tested there.
The exact NMMS exam date for Uttar Pradesh is expected to be announced later, following past years’ pattern of exams being held between November and January. Students are advised to keep checking the official state portal for updates on admit cards and exam schedules.
