National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2026: Application Details and Exam Insights

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) for 2026 is set to open applications from January 26 to February 15. This initiative supports academically bright students from economically weaker sections. The exam will take place on March 8, with significant changes including the involvement of school principals in the application process. Eligible students from government schools who have passed class 7 with a minimum of 55% can apply. The selected candidates will receive an annual scholarship of Rs. 12,000 from class 9 to 12. Read on for more details about the application process and exam structure.

By Ambika Singh Jan 24, 2026, 15:17 IST

Overview of the NMMS Scholarship Scheme

The application window for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) aimed at supporting academically talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds is set to open soon. Online submissions will be accepted starting January 26, 2026, with the deadline for applications being February 15, 2026. Students residing in Bihar can apply via the official SCERT Bihar website, scert.bihar.gov.in.

Eligibility and Selection Process

This scholarship examination is tailored for students in class 8. A total of 5,433 students from Bihar, along with over one lakh students nationwide, will be selected through this exam. The financial aid provided aims to ensure that financial constraints do not impede their educational pursuits.

The examination is scheduled for March 8, 2026, with admit cards available from March 5 until the exam date. A significant update this year is that school principals are now tasked with ensuring that eligible students complete their applications, preventing any deserving candidates from being overlooked.

Application Criteria

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in government or government-aided schools and have achieved at least 55% marks in class 7. A relaxation of 5% is granted to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and differently-abled students. The final selection will depend on the results of a written examination administered by SCERT.

Examination Format and Scoring

The exam will consist of two papers, each worth 90 marks.

The provisional answer key will be published on March 9, 2026, following the examination. Students can raise objections to the answer key until March 13. The exam will include two sections: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), each carrying 90 marks. General category students must score at least 40 marks in total, while SC/ST and differently-abled students need a minimum of 32 marks for selection.

Scholarship Benefits

Annual scholarship amounting to Rs. 12,000.

The examination will be conducted in two shifts: the MAT from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM and the SAT from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. Students with visual impairments or writing disabilities will receive an additional 30 minutes to complete their tests. This initiative, managed by the Government of India, provides selected students with a scholarship of Rs. 12,000 per year from class 9 to 12.