New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Education has extended the deadline for applications under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the 2026-27 academic year to November 15.
The extension gives eligible students additional time to submit applications through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). The deadline for verification by Institute Nodal Officers (L1) is November 30, while District Nodal Officers (L2) must complete verification by December 15.
The portal has been accepting applications since June 1. As of October 30, a total of 90,483 fresh applications and 1,99,531 renewal applications had been submitted.
Students who have already applied must ensure that their applications are verified by the respective authorities within the revised deadlines.
The NMMSS aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections and prevent dropouts after Class VIII. Under the scheme, one lakh fresh scholarships are awarded annually to eligible students entering Class IX after qualifying in selection examinations conducted by state and Union territory governments. The scholarship is renewable for Classes X to XII, subject to prescribed academic requirements.
Selected students studying in state government, government-aided and local body schools receive Rs 12,000 annually through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to their bank accounts.
To qualify for the selection test, students must have secured at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in Class VII. A five-percentage-point relaxation is available for SC/ST students. The annual parental income of applicants must not exceed Rs 3.5 lakh.
Students must complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP before submitting their scholarship applications.
