Students in Class 9 who have cleared the selection test for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) now have until 15 November 2026 to apply. The Union Ministry of Education has extended the 2026-27 application window on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), according to a Times News Network report.
This is the second extension this cycle. The ministry had earlier moved the NMMS deadline to 30 September 2026.
NMMSS 2026-27 revised schedule
- Last date for student applications on the NSP: 15 November 2026
- Verification by Institute Nodal Officers (L1): 30 November 2026
- Verification by District Nodal Officers (L2): 15 December 2026
Students who have already applied should check that their school and district complete verification within these dates, since an unverified form cannot move to payment.
How many students have applied so far
As of 30 October 2026, the NSP had received 2,90,014 NMMSS applications. Of these, 90,483 were fresh applications and 1,99,531 were renewals from students already in the scheme. The portal has been accepting forms since 1 June.
How to apply for the NMMS scholarship
Applicants must first complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP and then submit the scholarship form at scholarships.gov.in. The ministry has promoted the OTR module as a single student ID that carries across central scholarship schemes.
Who is eligible and what students receive
The scheme offers one lakh fresh scholarships every year to students entering Class 9 from state government, government-aided and local-body schools, selected through a test run by each state or Union Territory. To sit the test, a student needs at least 55% marks or an equivalent grade in Class 7 (50% for SC and ST students), and annual parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3.5 lakh.
Selected students get ₹12,000 a year through Direct Benefit Transfer, renewable each year up to Class 12 if they meet the academic conditions. The aim is to keep bright students from low-income families in school after Class 8. The Centre reviewed a proposal to continue the NMMSS in August.
Key takeaways
- The NMMSS 2026-27 deadline is now 15 November 2026.
- Schools must verify forms by 30 November and districts by 15 December.
- About 2.9 lakh applications had been filed by 30 October.
- The scholarship pays ₹12,000 a year from Class 9 to Class 12.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for NMMSS 2026-27?
The extended last date for student applications on the National Scholarship Portal is 15 November 2026.
How much is the NMMS scholarship?
Selected students receive ₹12,000 a year, paid directly into their bank accounts, from Class 9 to Class 12 subject to renewal conditions.
Where do students apply for NMMSS?
Students apply online at scholarships.gov.in after completing One-Time Registration on the National Scholarship Portal.
0 Comments
Sign in or create an account to join the discussion.