The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2025-26 is a centrally sponsored initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It provides ₹12,000 per year to meritorious students from economically weaker sections in Class 9 to 12 (for 04 years). This post explains how to apply for NMMS scholarship online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), including the registration process, required documents, and common mistakes to avoid. Read this article till the end to know in detail about the application process of NMMS exam 2025-26.
Eligibility Criteria for NMMSS 2025-26
Before you apply for NMMSS, you must meet these criteria:
- Academic Requirement: Enrolled in Class 8 with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) in Class 7.
- Income Limit: Parental annual income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000.
- School Type: Studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools.
- Exam Requirement: Must qualify the NMMSS exam, comprising Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), with at least 40% aggregate marks (32% for SC/ST).
NMMSS 2025-26 – Important Dates
| Activity | Dates |
|---|---|
| Student Application Start Date | 02 June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 August 2025 |
| Defective Application Verification by Institutes | Till 15 September 2025 |
| Institute Verification | Till 15 September 2025 |
| District/State/Ministry Level Verification (DNO/SNO/MNO) | Till 30 September 2025 |
How to Apply for NMMS Exam 2025: Step-by-Step Registration Process
Follow these steps to register and submit your NMMSS form correctly on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP):
Step 1: NSP One-Time Registration (OTR)
Before applying for NMMSS, students must complete NSP One-Time Registration:
- Visit https://scholarships.gov.in
- Click "Students".
3. Click on "Login" in Apply for Scholarship
4. Click on "Register Yourself" to begin OTR.
5. General Instructions: Review guidelines on the registration page.
6. Register Mobile Number: Enter your mobile number, receive an OTP, and verify it.
7. eKYC Update: Choose 'I have an Aadhaar' or 'Aadhaar not assigned (I have EID)' to verify identity. Complete e-KYC via OTP authentication.
8. Fill basic details (name, DOB, gender, etc.) → Submit to generate 14-digit OTR ID.
9. Download the NSP OTR app (Android) for face authentication to finalize registration.
10. Finish: Complete registration to receive an OTR ID.
Note: OTR is valid for your entire academic career. Retrieve a forgotten OTR via "Forgot OTR" using Aadhaar.
Step 2: Login and Fill NMMSS Application Form
Once registered:
- Login with your Application ID and Password
- Select Apply Fresh
- Demographic details and photo will auto-fetch from OTR.
3. Select:
- Domicile State + "Pre-Matric" scheme type.
- Application type: Select National Means Cum Merit Scholarship from the dropdown.
4. Fill Details:
- Enter personal details (name, Aadhaar, etc.) and school details using the U-DISE code.
- Provide Class 7 marks..
- Bank account info (must be student’s name, linked to Aadhaar)
- Personal & academic information
- Parental income details
5. Check your school's UDISE code status on https://demo.udiseplus.gov.in/SRC/locateSchool/schoolSearch.
6. Upload Documents: Make sure you keep these documents ready (document should be in pdf/jpeg/jpg format and file size between 20kb to 200kb):
Required Documents for NMMSS 2025-26
| Document | Format & Size (20kb to 200kb) |
|---|---|
| Student photograph | JPG/JPEG |
| Class 7/8 Mark Sheet | |
| Income Certificate (≤ ₹3.5 lakh) | PDF – signed by Tehsildar/SDO |
| Caste Certificate (if applicable) | |
| Aadhaar Card | |
| Bank Passbook (student name) | |
| Domicile Certificate | PDF (if required by your state) |
| Disability Certificate (if applicable) |
7. Submit Application: Review and submit your application. After submission, take a printout of the form and keep the reference number safe.
What Happens After Submission?
- School Verification: Your school will verify your application online.
- State Nodal Verification: Final verification is done by your State Nodal Officer.
- Admit Card: Once approved, you’ll receive your NMMS exam admit card from SCERT (usually in Nov–Dec).
- Exam Date: NMMS Exam 2025 will be held state-wise between November–December 2025.
- Result & Selection: Final merit list will be published around Jan–Apr 2026.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for NMMS
Many students lose their scholarship chance due to small errors. Here’s what you must avoid:
| Mistake | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Entering parent's bank details | Always use student's bank account only |
| Wrong Aadhaar number | Double-check with the original Aadhaar card |
| Uploading blurred documents | Scan documents clearly & ensure they meet size limits |
| Applying after deadline | Apply well before the last date to avoid portal issues |
| Ignoring school verification | Inform your school about your application for timely verification |
| Not saving application ID/password | Write them down or store in email/app |
FAQ – How to Apply for NMMS Exam 2025
How to apply for NMMS scholarship exam 2025?
To apply for NMMS exam 2025, visit scholarships.gov.in and complete the NMMSS 2025 apply online process. Register using your Aadhaar number to generate a One-Time Registration (OTR) number. Log in, select the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2025-26, and fill the NMMSS form with personal, school (using U-DISE code), and bank details. Submit the form online by August 31, 2025, and provide a hard copy to your school for verification by September 15, 2025. After verification by the Institute, District, and State Nodal Officers (by September 30, 2025), your state SCERT will issue the admit card and conduct the exam, typically in November/December 2025 or January 2026.
Do I need to fill any separate form for the NMMS exam?
In most cases, no separate form is required. The NMMSS application submitted through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) is sufficient for the NMMS scholarship in NSP. After verification by your school and state authorities (by September 30, 2025), the state SCERT will issue your exam admit card. However, some states may require additional registration on their SCERT portal or offline submission. Check your state’s SCERT website for specific instructions.
What is the last date to apply for NMMSS 2025-26?
The last date to apply for NMMS scholarship online is August 31, 2025, as per the NSP timeline. Submit the application on scholarships.gov.in by this date and ensure your school verifies it by September 15, 2025. Some states may extend deadlines, so check your state’s SCERT website for updates.
Now that you know how to apply for NMMS scholarship 2025-26 online, don't delay. Complete your NSP registration, prepare documents in advance, and avoid common mistakes. Stay in touch with your school for verification updates and upcoming exam notifications.
Related Posts
- NMMSS Scholarship 2025-26: Eligibility, Application Process, and Important Dates
- NMMSS Scholarship 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for ₹12,000?
- NMMSS 2025-26 Exam Pattern & Syllabus – Download PDF
- NMMS Scholarship 2025 Previous Year Question Papers with Answer Key – PDF Download
- How to Apply for NMMSS 2025-26: Step-by-Step Guide
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