NMMSS Scholarship 2026: Applications Underway For New, Renewal Students At scholarships.gov.in; Eligible Students Can Apply Till August 31

NMMSS Scholarship 2026–2027: For the academic year 2026–2027, the Education Ministry's Department of School Education and Literacy is accepting new and renewed applications for the National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS). By August 31, 2026, qualified students must apply via the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

August 31 is the deadline for both new and renewal applications. In order to avoid last-minute issues, candidates are urged to finish the application procedure well in advance of the deadline.

Direct link to apply

NMMSS 2026: Important Dates

Application process begins: June 1, 2026

Last date to apply: August 31, 2026

Defective application verification: Open until September 15, 2026

Institute verification: Open until September 30, 2026

DNO/SNO/MNO verification: Open until September 30, 2026

NMMSS 2026: Scholarship benefits

The National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is a centrally funded programme designed to lower secondary dropout rates and assist deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This encourages them to pursue more education after the eighth grade.

One lakh new scholarships are given out annually under the programme to qualified ninth-grade students. Subject to the specified requirements, the scholarship is renewable for grades 10 through 12. Students enrolled in local body, government-aided and state government schools can use it.

NMMSS 2026: Steps to apply

Students that meet the requirements can apply by following these steps:

Step 1: Go to scholarship.gov.in, the official National Scholarship Portal.

Step 2: Click the "New Registration" option on the site.

Step 3: Finish the signup process and use your registered login information to log in.

Step 4: Choose the National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Programme (NMMSS).

Step 5: Complete the application form with the necessary information.

Step 6: Upload the required files in the format specified.

Step 7: Carefully review and submit the application.

Step 8: Save a copy of the confirmation page after downloading it.

Direct link to apply

In order to enable the timely distribution of scholarships, the ministry has also instructed personnel to finish the verification process on time.