NATIONAL MEANS-CUM-MERIT SCHOLARSHIP (NMMS) 2025-26 – ODISHA

Examination Structure

• Papers: NMMS 2025-26 comprises of two papers:
  – Mental Ability Test (MAT): 90 multiple choice items (reasoning and critical thinking) – 90 minutes.
  – Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 90 multiple choice items (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, History, Geography, Political Science, Economics) – 90 minutes.
• No Syllabus: Questions shall be asked on the basis of syllabus of Classes VII and VIII.
• Qualifying Marks:
  – General & SEBC: 40% in aggregate of both papers.
  – SC, ST (Reserved): 32% in aggregate of both papers.
• Tie-breaker: In case of tie, MAT marks and then age will be given preference.

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic: Must be studying in Class VIII during academic session 2025-26 in Government / Government Aided / Local Body non-residential Schools in Odisha.
• Marks:
  – General & SEBC: Minimum 55% marks in Class VII Annual Examination.
  – SC, ST (Reserved): Minimum 50% marks in Class VII Annual Examination.
• Income: Parental annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹3,50,000.
• Not Eligible: Students in Government Residential Schools (JNV, Sainik School, Residential Schools under ST/SC Development, KGBV) where all expenses are paid by Government.

How to Apply

• Online Application: Fill up the Online Application Form at https://nmmds.odisha.gov.in or www.scertodisha.nic.in.
• Submit Hard Copy: Take print of the online form and submit it along with requisite documents (Caste Certificate, Income Certificate) to the concerned Headmaster/Headmistress.
• School Verification: Headmaster/Headmistress will verify and submit it to the District Education Officer (DEO) through online.
• DEO Validation: DEO (District Nodal Officer) will scrutinize documents, allot Examination Centre, generate twelve-digit roll number and validate the Online Application Form.
• Admit Card: Admit Card shall be prepared at TE & SCERT and can be downloaded by candidates/institutions.
• Last Date: Filled-in hard copies must reach the District Education Office by 29.09.2025.

Continuation of Scholarship

• Amount: ₹1,000 per month for 4 years (Class IX to XII).
• Promotion: Awardees should get promotion from Class VIII to IX.
• Class X & XII: Clear promotion from Class IX to X and Class XI to XII in first attempt.
• Minimum Marks: Must obtain 60% in Class X (relaxable by 5% for reserved category).
• NSP Registration: Awardees must register in National Scholarship Portal (NSP) for renewal every year.
• Cancellation: If selected candidate continues in privately managed school in Class IX, the award will be cancelled and given to waitlisted candidate.

Time Schedule

Important Points to Note

• No Examination Fee: Candidates are not required to pay any examination fee. However, they shall bear their own travel expenses.
• One Stage Only: NMMS 2025-26 shall be conducted in one stage only.
• One Scholarship Only: A student can avail only one Scholarship under any Central Government Scholarship Scheme.
• No Diploma/ Certificate: No scholarship is payable for studying Diploma / Certificate level courses.
• State Merit List: If candidates are not available as per District quota, State merit list is prepared.
• Application Mode: Only online applications accepted through the NMMS portal.
• School Responsibility: Headmasters must verify and countersign all applications before forwarding to DEO.
• NSP Registration: Selected candidates must register in National Scholarship Portal for renewal every year.