Class 8 Scholarship 2026: The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a Central government scheme for the benefit of meritorious students of economically deprived sections to continue their studies at class IX level and also to further their education at higher secondary stage. The plan was launched by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education to reduce school dropouts and to encourage students to complete their secondary and higher secondary education.
NMMSS says that, across the country, 1 lakh fresh scholarships are given out each academic year. Under the scheme, selected students are given ₹12,000 per annum or ₹1,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in their bank accounts. The scholarship is renewable up to Class 12th subject to fulfilment of renewal conditions as indicated.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is intended for students studying in specified government-run schools and meeting both income and academic requirements.
| Eligibility | Requirement |
|---|---|
| School | Government, government-aided or local body school |
| Family income | Not more than ₹3.50 lakh per year |
| Class 7 marks | At least 55% or equivalent grade |
| SC/ST relaxation | 5 percentage points |
| Scholarship period | Class 9 to Class 12 |
| Fresh scholarships | 1 lakh annually across India |
Students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, private unaided schools and government residential schools offering free boarding facilities are not eligible under the scheme.
Class 8 Selection Exam
Students who meet the eligibility requirements have to qualify for the NMMSS selection examination conducted by the respective state or Union Territory authorities. The examination consists of two parts:
| Test | Subjects/Focus | Questions & Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | Reasoning, critical thinking, spatial and pattern-based questions | 90 / 90 | 90 minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | Mathematics, Science and Social Science | 90 / 90 | 90 minutes |
The SAT is based on the prescribed Class 7 and Class 8 NCERT syllabus, while the MAT assesses students’ reasoning and analytical abilities.
Scholarship Continuation and Renewal
Qualifying the Class 8 examination does not by itself guarantee uninterrupted payments through Class 12. Students must meet the continuation requirements at different stages of their schooling.
Key conditions include:
- Students must secure promotion to the next class on their first attempt in Classes 9 and 11.
- To continue the scholarship into Classes 11 and 12, students must obtain at least 60% aggregate marks in the Class 10 board examination.
- The minimum Class 10 requirement is relaxed to 55% for SC/ST students.
- Scholarship renewal must be completed annually through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
How Students Can Apply
The application process involves two important stages:
- Class 8 examination: Students apply for the NMMSS selection test through their school or the concerned state/UT education authority.
- After selection: Eligible recipients are needed to register themselves on the National Scholarship Portal by completing the necessary One-Time Registration (OTR) and e-KYC/Aadhaar process.
- Verification: The applicant has to submit the prescribed documentation which may include an income certificate, category certificate, if appropriate and Class 7 marksheet.
The NMMSS is not a one-off financial prize; it is meant to provide continued aid through secondary school. The ₹12,000 per annum scholarship for eligible students from Class 9 onwards might help in eliminating financial barriers and staying in study till Class 12.
