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Class 8 · National Scheme · Central + State

NMMS Scholarship Gujarat 2026 | ₹12,000/Year for Class 8

Quick Answer

NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship) is a central government scholarship giving ₹12,000 per year to Class 8 students from economically weaker families. In Gujarat, students appear for the NMMS selection test conducted by GSEB. Eligibility: minimum 55% in Class 7, family income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh. The scholarship continues from Class 9 to Class 12.

NMMS Gujarat Snapshot

Full FormNational Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme
Launched ByMinistry of Education, Govt. of India
State BodyGSEB (Gujarat)
Eligibility ClassClass 8 (Std 8)
Min. Marks (Cl. 7)55% (50% SC/ST)
Income Limit≤ ₹3,50,000/year
Amount₹12,000/year
DurationClass 9 – 12 (4 years)
Payment ModeDBT via PFMS
Application Portalscholarships.gov.in
✓ Verified: April 2026

What is NMMS Scholarship?

NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme) is a central government scholarship launched by the Ministry of Education to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections and prevent dropout at the Class 8 level.

Unlike the Digital Gujarat Scholarship which covers a wide range of students, NMMS is specifically for Class 8 students who pass a state-level selection examination. The scholarship is then continued through Class 9 to 12 as a renewal, providing financial support through secondary schooling.

₹12,000

Per Year

₹1,000 per month transferred directly to the student's Aadhaar-linked bank account via PFMS. Paid from Class 9 to 12.

4 years

Duration

The scholarship covers 4 years, Class 9, 10, 11, and 12. Total benefit: up to ₹48,000 over 4 years.

1 Lakh

National Awardees

The scheme selects approximately 1 lakh students across India each year. Gujarat's share is based on the state's student population.

Important distinction: NMMS scholarships are applied for through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), not the Digital Gujarat Portal (digitalgujarat.gov.in). However, students can hold both NMMS and a Digital Gujarat Scholarship simultaneously if they qualify for both.

Who Can Apply for NMMS Scholarship in Gujarat?

All four criteria must be met. There is no caste restriction, NMMS is open to all categories including General.

Class & School Type

Must be studying in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, or local body school. Students in private unaided schools are NOT eligible for NMMS.

Minimum Marks in Class 7

Must have scored 55% or above in Class 7 (previous year exam). SC/ST students: 50% or above. Marks are verified from official marksheets.

Family Income

Annual family income must not exceed ₹3,50,000 (₹3.5 lakh) from all sources. Income certificate from the Mamlatdar is required.

NMMS Selection Test

Must pass the NMMS state-level selection test, both MAT (Mental Ability Test) and SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), conducted by GSEB each year.

Residency

Must be a student enrolled in a Gujarat school. Students from other states studying in Gujarat schools may apply, but state-wise quota applies.

Renewal Conditions

For Class 10–12 renewal: must pass Class 9 with 55%+ marks (50% SC/ST). Must pass Class 10 board with 60%+. Must pass Class 11 with 55%+.

Private school students are NOT eligible: NMMS is only for students in government, government-aided, or local body (municipal) schools. If your child attends a private unaided school, consider the MYSY Scholarship (for 80%+ marks) or the Pre-Matric Scholarship (for SC/ST/OBC students) instead.

NMMS Exam Pattern 2025–26

Students appear for the NMMS state-level selection test in Class 8. The exam has two papers, MAT and SAT.

PaperFull NameNo. of QuestionsMarksDurationSubject Coverage
MATMental Ability Test90 questions90 marks90 minutesLogical reasoning, analogies, pattern recognition, numerical ability
SATScholastic Aptitude Test90 questions90 marks90 minutesScience (35 Qs), Social Studies (35 Qs), Mathematics (20 Qs), based on Class 7 & 8 syllabus
Qualifying marks: Students must score a minimum of 40% in each paper (MAT and SAT) to qualify, except SC/ST/PH students who need 32%. Students must pass both papers to be considered for the scholarship.

The NMMS exam is typically conducted in November–December each year for Class 8 students. The exact date for Gujarat is announced by GSEB (Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board) on their official website at gseb.org.

How to Apply for NMMS Scholarship in Gujarat

NMMS applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal, not the Digital Gujarat portal.

  • 1

    Appear for the NMMS State Selection Test

    Register through your school (schools register students as a batch). Appear for the MAT + SAT exam conducted by GSEB in November–December. Your school principal or head teacher will guide registration.

  • 2

    Check Results at GSEB

    Results are declared by GSEB at gseb.org. You will receive a Merit Certificate if selected. Note your NMMS roll number and merit rank.

  • 3

    Register on National Scholarship Portal

    Go to scholarships.gov.in. Click "New Registration". Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and create a password. This is different from the Digital Gujarat portal.

  • 4

    Fill NMMS Application Form

    Search for "NMMS" in the scholarship list. Select your state (Gujarat). Fill in personal, academic, and bank details. Enter your NMMS examination roll number and result.

  • 5

    Upload Documents and Submit

    Upload: Class 7 marksheet (55%+), Aadhaar card, income certificate (≤₹3.5 lakh), bank passbook, NMMS merit certificate, and school enrollment certificate. Submit and note the application reference number.

  • 6

    Institute Verification and Approval

    Your school verifies the application online. After institute verification, district and state level approval happens. Payment starts from Class 9 onwards via DBT.

NMMS vs MYSY vs Pre-Matric Scholarship

Understand how NMMS compares with other major Gujarat scholarships so you can identify which ones you qualify for.

FeatureNMMSMYSYPre-Matric (SC/ST)Post-Matric (SC/ST)
Governing BodyCentral Govt. (MoE)Govt. of GujaratGovt. of GujaratGovt. of Gujarat
Portalscholarships.gov.indigitalgujarat.gov.indigitalgujarat.gov.indigitalgujarat.gov.in
Target LevelClass 8 (selection) → 9–12Diploma / DegreeStd 1 – 10Class 11 – PhD
Amount / Year₹12,000Up to ₹2,00,000₹940 – ₹3,000Up to ₹1,20,000
Income Limit₹3,50,000₹6,00,000₹2,50,000₹2,50,000
Marks Required55% in Class 7 + pass exam80% in Class 10/1240% minimum50% minimum
Category RestrictionNone (all categories)None (all categories)SC, ST, OBC, MinoritySC, ST, OBC, SEBC etc.
School Type RestrictionGovt. schools onlyAny recognisedAny recognisedAny recognised
Can hold both?Yes, NMMS can be held alongside Digital Gujarat scholarships provided total aid does not exceed actual fees/expenses.

NMMS Scholarship Gujarat | FAQs

The NMMS exam in Gujarat is typically conducted in November or December each year. The exact exam date for 2025–26 is announced by GSEB (Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board) on their official website at gseb.org. Registration is done through schools, contact your school's head teacher for the current exam schedule.
Yes. NMMS is a central government scholarship on scholarships.gov.in, while Digital Gujarat Scholarships are on digitalgujarat.gov.in. If you qualify for both (e.g., an SC student in Class 8 who passes the NMMS exam), you may hold both simultaneously. However, the combined scholarship amount should not exceed your actual educational expenses. Both applications must be submitted separately on their respective portals.
No, the scholarship does NOT continue automatically. You must apply for renewal each year (Class 9, 10, 11, and 12) on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Renewal requires: passing the current class with the required marks (55% for Class 9–11, 60% for Class 10 board) and uploading updated documents including the latest marksheet.
No. NMMS is restricted to students in government schools, government-aided schools, and local body schools. Students in private unaided schools are not eligible. If you are in a private school with 80%+ marks in Class 10 or 12, consider the MYSY Scholarship instead, which has no school-type restriction and provides up to ₹2,00,000 per year.

Looking for Higher-Value Scholarships?

NMMS gives ₹12,000/year, MYSY gives up to ₹2,00,000/year for 80%+ students. Check all options.

MYSY - Up to ₹2 Lakh → All 33+ Gujarat Schemes