NMMSS Scholarship 2026: The Directorate of Education, Delhi, has officially invited online applications for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2026. Aimed at supporting meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds, the scheme provides financial aid to prevent dropouts after Class 8 and encourages them to complete secondary education.
Under this initiative, selected students will receive annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000 (disbursed at Rs 1,000 per month) from Class 9 through Class 12. Eligible Class 8 students studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools in Delhi can submit their application forms online before the deadline of October 5, 2026.
NMMSS Examination Pattern & Marking Scheme
Selection for the scholarship is determined through a state-level competitive examination consisting of two papers: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
Test Paper | Syllabus / Focus Areas | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Qualifying Threshold |
Paper 1: MAT | Reasoning, logical analysis, pattern recognition, and series | 90 | 90 | 90 Minutes | General/OBC: 40% aggregate SC/ST/PH: 32% aggregate |
Paper 2: SAT | Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics (Class 7 & 8 level) | 90 | 90 | 90 Minutes | General/OBC: 40% aggregate SC/ST/PH: 32% aggregate |
Note: There is no negative marking for incorrect answers in either paper.
How To Apply: Step-by-Step Procedure
Candidates can follow the standard application steps outlined below:
1. Visit the official Delhi Directorate of Education portal (edudel.nic.in) or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
2. Click on the "NMMSS Examination 2026–27 / NMMS Application" link available on the home page notification panel.
3. Enter essential information, including the student's full name, date of birth, current school name, Class 8 section, and residential address.
4. Provide Class 7 marks/grades, academic session details (2025–26), and parental annual family income details.
5. Scan and upload clean copies of the valid income certificate, Class 7 mark sheet, and category/disability certificate (if applicable).
6. Thoroughly verify all entered data for spelling accuracy, pay any required application fee (if applicable), and submit the form before October 5, 2026.
Key Benefits of NMMSS
The primary objective of the NMMSS scheme is to ensure that financial hardship does not restrict academic continuation:
Financial Assistance: Selected students receive Rs 1,000 per month (totaling Rs 12,000 annually) starting from Class 9 through Class 12.
Direct Ministry Nomination: Successful candidates from Delhi are nominated directly to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the state quota.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Scholarship funds are transferred directly into the verified bank accounts of selected candidates to cover educational expenses.
NMMSS Scholarship 2026: Eligibility Criteria & Required Documents
To qualify for the NMMSS 2026 selection test in Delhi, candidates must satisfy the following conditions and present valid verification documentation:
Eligibility Requirements
Class 7 Academic Marks:
General & OBC Candidates: Must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in Class 7 during the 2025–26 session.
SC, ST, and PH Candidates: Must have secured a minimum of 50% marks (5% relaxation).
School Category: Must be enrolled as a regular Class 8 student in Delhi Government schools, Government-Aided schools, or Local Body schools (MCD/NDMC). Private, KVS, NVS, and Sainik school students are ineligible.
Income Limit: Total parental income from all sources must be less than Rs 3.5 lakh per annum.
NMMSS Scholarship 2026: Required Documents
Class 7 Marksheet: Proof of passing Class 7 during the 2025–26 academic year with the prescribed percentage.
Income Certificate: Valid document issued by a competent authority (SDM or Tehsildar).
Caste / Category Certificate: Official SC, ST, or OBC certificate issued in the student's or parent's name (if applying under reserved quotas).
Disability Certificate: Authorized medical board certificate for Physically Handicapped (PH) applicants.
Student Identification: Aadhaar Card copy and school-issued Student ID/U-DISE details.