The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the academic year 2024-25 has officially opened its application process, offering a significant opportunity for meritorious students from economically weaker sections. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students, thereby encouraging them to continue their education and reduce dropout rates at the secondary level.
Overview of NMMSS
The NMMSS is a centrally sponsored scheme launched in 2008 with the objective of awarding scholarships to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to arrest their dropout at class VIII and encourage them to continue their education at the secondary stage. The scheme provides an annual scholarship of Rs. 12,000 to selected students from Class IX to Class XII in government, government-aided, and local body schools.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NMMSS, students must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Performance: Students must have secured at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in the Class VIII examination. For SC/ST students, the minimum qualifying marks are 50%.
- Parental Income: The annual income of the student’s parents should not exceed Rs. 3,50,000 from all sources.
- School Type: The scheme is applicable to students studying in government, government-aided, and local body schools. Students enrolled in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV), and residential schools run by state government institutions with facilities like boarding, lodging, and education are not eligible for the scholarship.
Application Process
The application process for the NMMSS 2024-25 is conducted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). Here are the steps to apply:
- Registration: Students need to register on the NSP portal (scholarships.gov.in) using their basic details and create a unique login ID.
- Filling the Application Form: After registration, students must fill out the application form with their personal, academic, and bank details. They must also upload the required documents, including their Class VIII mark sheet, income certificate, and caste certificate (if applicable).
- Submission and Verification: Once the application form is filled, students need to submit it online. The application will then be verified at two levels – the Institute Nodal Officer (INO) and the District Nodal Officer (DNO). The last date for submission of applications is August 31, 2024.
Selection Process
The selection of students for the NMMSS is based on a state-level examination conducted by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). The examination consists of two tests:
- Mental Ability Test (MAT): This test assesses the reasoning and critical thinking skills of the students. It includes questions on analogy, classification, numerical series, pattern perception, hidden figures, etc.
- Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): This test evaluates the academic knowledge of the students in subjects like science, social studies, and mathematics as per the syllabus of Class VII and VIII.
Each test is of 90 minutes duration and carries 90 marks. To qualify for the scholarship, students must pass both the MAT and SAT with at least 40% marks in each test. For SC/ST students, the qualifying marks are 32% in each test.
Scholarship Disbursement
The scholarship amount of Rs. 12,000 per annum is disbursed directly into the bank accounts of the selected students through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. The scholarship is paid in one installment every year. To continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years, students must maintain a minimum of 55% marks in their annual examinations. For SC/ST students, the minimum requirement is 50% marks.
Important Dates
- Opening of Portal: July 1, 2024
- Last Date for Application Submission: August 31, 2024
- First Level (INO) Verification Deadline: September 15, 2024
- Second Level (DNO) Verification Deadline: September 30, 2024
Conclusion
The NMMSS 2024-25 is a commendable initiative by the MHRD to support the education of meritorious students from economically weaker sections. By providing financial assistance, the scheme aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage students to pursue their education up to the higher secondary level. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the scholarship through the NSP portal before the deadline to avail of this opportunity.
For more detailed information and to apply, visit the National Scholarship Portal.