NMMS 2026-27 application open: apply by November 30 for Rajasthan, exam for Odisha on December 6

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) examination 2026-27 application process is underway across various states for students currently studying in Class 8. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to prevent them from dropping out and encourage them to continue their secondary education.

Application dates vary by state, with the latest deadline for submission being November 30, 2026, for the NMMS Rajasthan Form. The examination for Odisha is scheduled for December 6, 2026, according to the State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), which conduct the national-level examination.

NMMS 2026-27 Eligibility and Scholarship Details

Students currently enrolled in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, or state board school are eligible to apply for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship examination 2026-27. This central government-sponsored scheme is designed to support students from economically weaker sections.

Students who successfully qualify for the NMMS exam 2026-27 are eligible to receive a scholarship amount of Rs 12,000 per year. This financial aid is intended to help students continue their secondary education in government or aided schools, excluding special or residential institutions.

State-Wise Application Deadlines and Modes

The NMMS application forms for the 2026-27 examination have been released for several states, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The application process varies, with some states offering online submission and others requiring offline applications through schools.

As of October 31, 2026, some application windows have closed, while others remain open. For instance, the application period for NMMS Rajasthan Form is from October 30 to November 30, 2026, through schools (online). In contrast, the application window for NMMS Tamil Nadu was from October 26 to November 3, 2026, offline through schools. The last date to apply for NMMS Assam Form is November 8, 2026, online.

Odisha and Kerala Examination Details

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination 2026-27 for Odisha is scheduled for December 6, 2026. The application process for Odisha involved online filling of forms and submission of hard copies to schools from August 17 to October 2, 2026. Headmasters/Headmistress were required to submit countersigned hard copies to District Education Offices (DEOs) by October 15, 2026, with verification by DEOs completed by October 25, 2026. Candidates for NMMS Odisha can download their admit cards from November 30 to December 6, 2026.

For Kerala, the State Level Examination comprises two tests: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Students must achieve an aggregate of at least 40% in both tests to pass the NMMSS Examination. A relaxed minimum pass percentage of 32% is applicable for SC/ST students in Kerala.

Further reading

• NMMS 2026-27 application ongoing: apply by November 30 for Rajasthan, November 3 for Tamil Nadu
• Odisha Constable application 2026 starts: apply by November 13 for 7,268 posts
• NMMS 2026-27 application forms open; state deadlines vary, apply by November 8
• ISBR Admission 2027 early application deadline extended: apply by 1 December
• UGC NET application deadline extended: apply by 31 October for December 2026 exam

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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