NMMS Scholarship Exam Complete Guide

National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Comprehensive Info

The National Means cum Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Examination is a government-sponsored initiative launched in May 2008 to support economically disadvantaged students across India for 1 lakh students. Selection test will be conducted by concerned state government. These tests contain a mental ability test and a scholastic aptitude test. Selected candidates would get Rs.12000 per annum. The program encourages students in Class VIII to continue their education through the secondary stage by providing financial assistance. Students who are preparing for NMMS scholarship test exam, refer previous year question papers.

Key Highlights of NMMS

• Objective: To reduce dropout rates among economically backward students and fund their education till Class XII.
• Scholarship Duration: From Class IX to Class XII.
• Scholarship Amount: ₹12,000 annually, benefiting 1,00,000 students across India.
• Reservation: As per government norms.

Eligibility Criteria

1. School Type: Students in government-aided or local body-run schools.
2. Income Limit: Annual family income should not exceed ₹1,50,000.
3. Performance:
   • Students must clear Class VIII and continue studies in approved institutions.
   • A minimum of 55% marks in Class IX and XI (relaxed by 5% for SC/ST) to receive scholarships for subsequent years.
   • A minimum of 60% in Class X for scholarship continuation in Class XI.
4. Attendance: At least 50% attendance if unable to appear in final exams due to illness (with a medical certificate).
5. Exclusions:
   • Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, or unrecognized schools.
   • Diploma courses or studies outside India.

Exam Pattern

The NMMS exam is conducted at the state level and consists of two tests:

1. Mental Ability Test (MAT)
   • 90 multiple-choice questions testing reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
   • Topics include analogy, classification, numerical series, and pattern perception.
2. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
   • 90 multiple-choice questions covering Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics based on the Class VII and VIII curriculum.

Duration: Each test is 90 minutes. Extra time is provided for students with disabilities.

Passing Criteria:

• Minimum 40% marks in both MAT and SAT (32% for reserved categories).

Application Process

1. Forms: Available online on the respective state government websites.
2. Documents: Submit caste, income, and disability certificates along with the form signed by parents, students, and school authorities.
3. Submission: Submit the filled forms and documents to the Education Officer/Educational Inspector by the deadline.

Exam Fee

• SC/ST: ₹50
• BC/OC: ₹100

Additional Notes

• Scholarships are valid only for courses in India for up to four years.
• Students must open a joint bank account with a parent in a public sector bank for scholarship disbursement.