Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Centre Promotes Merit Scholarships for EWS Students
The government is telling more people about a special program called the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme.
This program helps poor but smart students in Uttar Pradesh and the North-Eastern states of India.
Every year, 100,000 students in Class 9 can get Rs 12,000 to help pay for their school.
To get this money, students need to do well in their exams and come from families that don't earn too much.
The government wants to make sure that all students, no matter how much money their families have, can finish school up to Class 12.
The Department of School Education and Literacy launched an awareness drive in Uttar Pradesh and North-Eastern states to promote the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS).
NMMSS aims to promote equity in education, reduce dropouts at Class 8, and support meritorious EWS students through financial assistance.
One lakh fresh scholarships are awarded annually to eligible Class 9 students, providing Rs 12,000 per annum.
Eligibility criteria include parental income ≤ Rs 3.5 lakh per annum and ≥ 55% marks in Class 7.
Scholarships are disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into students' bank accounts via the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
- Who
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS) students in Uttar Pradesh and North-Eastern states
- What
- Launch of an awareness drive to promote the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
- When
- January 9, 2026
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh and North-Eastern states
- Why
- To promote equity in education, reduce dropouts at Class 8, and encourage meritorious EWS students to continue studies
- Scheme Name
- National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
- Annual Scholarships
- 1 lakh
- Scholarship Amount
- Rs 12,000 per annum (Rs 1,000 per month)
- Eligibility Criteria
- Parental income ≤ Rs 3.5 lakh per annum, ≥ 55% marks in Class 7
- Selection Process
- Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Renewal Criteria
- ≥ 60% marks in Class 10, promotion in first attempt
- Duration
- Maximum of four years (Class 9 to Class 12)
- Application Portal
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
