National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship 2024 New Application Deadline Nov 15: Steps to Apply

The Ministry of Education has announced an extended deadline for applications to the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the 2024-25 academic year. Students who qualify can now apply through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarship.gov.in until November 15, 2024.

The application window, initially opened on June 30, provides eligible students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to secure financial aid for their continued education.

How to Apply for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2024

1. Students should visit the official website at scholarships.gov.in/student.
2. Register with the candidate details on the NSP portal.
3. Fill out the NMMSS scholarship application.
4. Submit the application and track application status online.

Eligibility and Verification for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme 2024

• Applicants must study at a State Government, Government-aided, or local body school.
• Have a family income not exceeding Rs 3.5 lakh annually.
• Achieve a minimum of 55% in class 7 exams (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ ST students).

Verification of applications will occur in two stages:

• Level 1 (L1) verification by the Institute Nodal Officer (INO) with a deadline of November 15, 2024.
• Level 2 (L2) verification by the District Nodal Officer (DNO) by November 30, 2024.

The NMMSS, a vital programme supporting academically promising students from low income families, aims to reduce dropout rates after class 8 by granting scholarships that encourage them to continue their secondary schooling. Each year, 1,00,000 new scholarships are awarded to deserving class 9 students, with an annual scholarship amount of INR 12,000 per student, renewable through classes 10 to 12.