The National Means Cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Examination is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections, encouraging them to continue their education beyond Class 8 and reduce dropout rates at the secondary level.
National Means Cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Examination – Explained
1. Objectives of NMMS
- To support bright students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
- To reduce dropout rates after Class 8 by providing monetary incentives.
- To encourage secondary and higher education among underprivileged students.
2. Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NMMS Examination, students must fulfill the following conditions:
1.Academic Qualification:
- The student must be in Class 8 in a government, local body, or government-aided school.
- They should have scored at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) in Class 7.
2. Family Income:
- The annual family income should not exceed ₹3,50,000 from all sources.
- Students studying in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), or private schools are not eligible.
3. Selection Process:
- Students must qualify in the NMMS Examination, which consists of two papers:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT)
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
3. Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The NMMS Examination assesses students on their mental ability and academic knowledge through two main tests:
(A) Mental Ability Test (MAT)
- Contains 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Covers logical reasoning, pattern recognition, numerical ability, and problem-solving skills.
(B) Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Also consists of 90 MCQs.
- Questions are based on Mathematics, Science, and Social Science from the Class 7 & Class 8 syllabus.
Marking Scheme:
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- No negative marking.
- Exam duration: 90 minutes per section.
4. Scholarship Benefits
Students who qualify for the NMMS Exam receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) from Class 9 to Class 12.
How is the Scholarship Distributed?
- The amount is directly credited to the student’s bank account through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
- The scholarship is continued only if the student maintains good academic performance in higher classes.
5. Application Process
The NMMS application is done online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the respective State Education Department websites.
Steps to Apply:
1.Register on NSP (https://scholarships.gov.in/)
2. Fill in student details (personal, academic, income details)
3. Upload required documents (income certificate, school certificate, caste certificate if applicable)
4. Submit the application and take a printout for reference
Application Deadlines: Varies from state to state, usually between August – November.
6. Selection & Result Declaration
- The State Education Board conducts the NMMS Exam and shortlists candidates based on their performance and income eligibility.
- Results are published on state education portals and the National Scholarship Portal.
7. Important Tips for NMMS Preparation
- Practice Logical Reasoning for MAT.
- Focus on NCERT textbooks for SAT (Class 7 & 8 syllabus).
- Solve previous years’ question papers.
- Manage time effectively during the exam.
Conclusion
The NMMS Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for talented but financially disadvantaged students to continue their education with financial support. By clearing the NMMS Exam, students not only receive a monetary scholarship but also gain recognition for their academic potential.
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