NMMS 2026: Apply online now for 1,00,000 scholarships

In short

The NMMS 2026-27 application forms are available online via respective state SCERT websites.
The scholarship scheme offers 1,00,000 scholarships annually to eligible students.
Parental income of eligible students must not exceed Rs 3.5 lakhs per year.
The examination consists of two sections: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Abilities Test (SAT).
Results for most states will be released online, requiring roll number and school code for access.

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) Examination for the 2026-27 academic year is currently accepting applications. This scheme, launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections across India and prevent dropouts after Class 8, encouraging them to continue their secondary education.

A total of 1,00,000 scholarships are offered annually under the NMMS scheme. Students in Karnataka can access application forms and related information through the official website of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) or the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB).

Eligibility and Application Process for NMMS 2026-27

To be eligible for the NMMS scholarship, a student’s parental income must not exceed Rs 3.5 lakhs per year. The scheme specifically targets students in government and government-aided schools, with students enrolled in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, residential schools run by the Centre or State, and private schools being ineligible.

The application process for NMMS 2026-27 is primarily online, with forms accessible via the official website of the respective state’s SCERT. While the online application mode is available, there is also at least one other mode of application, with an offline application fee of Rs 170. The last date for application submission varies by state.

Examination Structure and Conduct

The NMMS 2026 examination will be conducted offline and will have a duration of 3 hours. The exam is divided into two sections: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Abilities Test (SAT). The examination is available in English and at least one other language, catering to a diverse student population.

In Karnataka, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) is involved in the conduct of the NMMS Examination for 2026-27. The content for the NMMS application portal is owned and maintained by KSEAB, located at 6th Cross, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560003. The examination helpline number for KSEAB is 08023341615. The NMMS application login system has been designed and developed by the National Informatics Centre.

Results, Cut-Off, and Scholarship Disbursement

The NMMS result for 2026 is released for most states in online mode. Students can access their results by entering their roll number and school code. The result typically includes the applicant’s name, roll number, qualifying status, and section-wise marks. Some states and Union Territories also announce a final merit list for qualified students.

State/UT SCERTs publish the NMMS cutoff along with the result, which is released online in PDF format. This state-wise cutoff is crucial as it determines eligibility for the scholarship. Students are advised to download and save their results for future reference. Information regarding the NMMS 2025-26 Exam District wise Provisional Marks List is available from dsert.karnataka.gov.in, providing a reference for previous cycles.

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.

View all posts →