Students can now apply for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for 2026-27 until October 31, 2026. The Union Ministry of Education announced the extension on October 1, 2026, saying it gives eligible students more time to finish their applications on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and gives officials time to verify them.
The scholarship pays Rs 12,000 a year to selected students, directly into their bank accounts.
Revised NMMSS 2026-27 schedule
| Step | Last date |
|---|---|
| Student submits application on NSP | October 31, 2026 |
| Verification by Institute Nodal Officer (L1, the school) | November 15, 2026 |
| Verification by District Nodal Officer (L2) | November 30, 2026 |
An application is not complete just because the student has submitted it. It must also clear both levels of verification before the dates above. Students who have already applied should check with their school that the L1 verification is done by November 15.
How many have applied so far
The portal has been open for applications since June 1, 2026. According to the ministry, 88,522 fresh and 1,97,133 renewal applications had been submitted as of September 30, 2026. The scheme offers one lakh fresh scholarships every year, so the extension leaves room for more first-time applicants.
Who is eligible
- The scholarship is for students who qualify in the NMMSS selection test held by their State or Union Territory government in Class VIII. Fresh scholarships are given in Class IX.
- To sit for that selection test, a student needs at least 55% marks (or an equal grade) in Class VII. SC and ST students get a 5 percentage point relaxation, so the cut-off for them is 50%.
- Family income must not be more than Rs 3.50 lakh a year.
- The student must be studying in a state government, government-aided or local body school.
- After Class IX, the scholarship continues in Classes X, XI and XII through renewal, as long as the student meets the academic conditions set under the scheme.
How to apply on the National Scholarship Portal
- Go to the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) first. The ministry says this is required before any scholarship application.
- Log in and choose the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship.
- Fill in the details, upload the documents asked for and submit before October 31, 2026.
- Follow up with your school so that it verifies the application as the L1 officer.
Renewal students in Classes X to XII also need to apply on the portal each year; the scholarship does not continue automatically.
Why the scheme matters
NMMSS was started to help bright students from economically weaker families stay in school after Class VIII and finish Class XII. The money goes to the student through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), so the bank account details given on the portal must be correct and active.
For other recent government updates on household schemes, see our report on new Aadhaar services including face authentication at ration shops.
What happens next
No further extension has been announced. After October 31, the focus moves to verification: schools must finish by November 15 and district officers by November 30, 2026. Students who miss these steps risk losing the scholarship for this year, so it is best to apply well before the last date.
