Education Ministry Extends Application Deadline for NMMSS Scholarship 2026-27 to September 30
The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Union Ministry of Education has extended the application deadline for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the 2026-27 academic year to September 30, 2026. Meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections can submit their fresh and renewal applications online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).
In addition to extending the student application deadline, the Ministry has also revised the timeline for institutional verifications. The Level-1 verification by Institute Nodal Officers (INO) can now be completed up to October 15, 2026, while the Level-2 verification by District Nodal Officers (DNO) must be concluded by October 31, 2026. Students are required to complete a One-Time Registration (OTR) on the NSP portal before submitting their scheme choices.
The centrally sponsored NMMSS aims to curb secondary school dropout rates by encouraging meritorious students from low-income families to complete their secondary and higher secondary education. Every year, 100,000 fresh scholarships are awarded to eligible Class 9 students who clear the qualifying selection test conducted by respective state and UT governments. Financial support continues through renewal mode up to Class 12. Eligible candidates must have a parental annual income not exceeding ₹3.5 lakh and must have scored at least 55% marks in Class 7. Selected students receive ₹12,000 annually, transferred directly into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
