Merit Scholarships for EWS Students: Centre Promotes NMMSS in UP and North-East

The Centre has intensified efforts to promote the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) in Uttar Pradesh and across all North-Eastern states through a dedicated awareness drive. Implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education, the initiative aims to support meritorious students from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and reduce dropouts after Class 8. The scheme focuses on ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students from continuing secondary education.

Under NMMSS, one lakh fresh scholarships are awarded annually to eligible students entering Class 9 through State or Union Territory-level examinations. Each selected student receives financial assistance of ₹12,000 per year, disbursed at ₹1,000 per month. The scholarship is available to students enrolled in government, government-aided, and local body schools, helping them sustain their education up to Class 12.

Launched in 2008, the centrally sponsored scheme saw the scholarship amount doubled from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 per annum with effect from April 1, 2017. The Cabinet has approved the continuation of the scheme from FY 2021–22 to FY 2025–26, with a total financial outlay of ₹1,827 crore. This reflects the government’s sustained focus on educational equity and human capital development.

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To be eligible, students must belong to families with an annual parental income not exceeding ₹3.5 lakh and secure at least 55% marks in Class 7, with a 5% relaxation for SC and ST students. Selection is based on performance in two tests conducted at the Class 8 level: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Students must score a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in both tests, or 32% for SC/ST candidates.

The scholarship is renewable each year until Class 12, subject to academic performance and promotion in the first attempt. Students must secure at least 60% marks in Class 10 (55% for SC/ST students) to continue receiving the benefit. The total duration of the scholarship is capped at four years, from Class 9 to Class 12, provided all conditions are met.

All applications and renewals are processed through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), with funds transferred directly to students’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The State Bank of India acts as the implementing bank under the Public Financial Management System. Authorities have emphasized that students can avail only one central government scholarship at a time and must adhere strictly to timelines and conduct requirements to avoid discontinuation.

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