NMMS question papers 2026 available for download, including Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

Students across India preparing for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) exam can now access previous year question papers and answer keys. These resources are available for free download in PDF format, covering various states and years, including the most recent 2026 editions for some regions. The availability of these papers aims to assist Class 8 students in understanding the exam format and preparing effectively.

The NMMS is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, designed to offer financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. The scholarship provides ₹12,000 per year for four years, from Class 9 to Class 12, to prevent dropouts and encourage completion of secondary education. Approximately 100,000 fresh scholarships are awarded annually.

Availability of NMMS Question Papers and Answer Keys

Previous year question papers for the NMMS exam, along with their answer keys, are available for download. These resources are organized year-wise and cover both the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Students can find papers for the years 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, and 2019. Specific state papers, such as the NMMS Uttar Pradesh Question Paper 2026 and Answer Key 2026, are also accessible. The TN NMMS 2026 Question Paper SAT PDF, comprising 32 pages, was updated on 29 August 2026 and is available for free download. The official NMMS Telangana answer key 2025 has also been released following the exam held on 23 November 2025.

The State Council of Education, Research, and Training (SCERT) in various states has made these resources available, with the NMMS Question Paper 2024-25 released as an online PDF on official SCERT websites. For instance, the latest NMMS Himachal Pradesh exam was conducted on 2 November 2025, and its official answer key has been released. Students can visit the official website at https://nmmsmsce.in to download the question papers.

NMMS Exam Structure and Eligibility

The NMMS exam is designed for students in Class 8 and consists of two main parts: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The MAT includes questions on reasoning, puzzles, and problem-solving, while the SAT covers Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies based on the Class 7 and 8 curriculum. The exam typically features multiple-choice questions, with each question offering four options. The total duration for the exam is usually two hours. While the question paper varies slightly from state to state, it adheres to a consistent basic pattern, with each state preparing its own paper based on the Class 8 syllabus.

To be eligible for the NMMS exam, students must be regular students in a Government, Government-aided, or Local Body school. They must have secured a minimum score of 55% in their Class 7 exams (50% for SC/ST students). The total annual parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000. Students from Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV), Sainik Schools, and private schools are not eligible. Selection is based on a state-level competitive examination. Generally, students must score at least 40% in aggregate (32% for SC/ST) to qualify.

Application Process and Scholarship Continuation

NMMS notifications are typically released by respective State Education Departments (SCERT) between July and October. Applications are generally submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or specific state portals. Required documents for application include the Class 7 Marksheet, Income Certificate, Caste Certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar Card. For the Haryana NMMS exam, the online application for 2023-24 commenced on 1 September 2023, with a deadline of 10 October 2023, and the exam was held on 19 November 2023. The maximum annual parental income for Haryana NMMS eligibility is ₹1,50,000.

To continue receiving the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum of 55% marks in Class 9 and 11 (50% for SC/ST). Also, they must secure at least 60% marks in the Class 10 Board exam (55% for SC/ST) and continue their studies in a Government or Government-aided school. Selected students must apply on scholarships.gov.in (NSP portal) when it opens, usually in July/August, and provide an income certificate verified by an SDM/Tehsildar to their District Coordinator office. SC/ST students and disabled candidates must upload relevant verified certificates.

Further reading

• NMMS Uttar Pradesh 2026 exam on 01 November: download question papers for scholarship
• OAV Class 8 Social Science half-yearly question paper 2025-26 PDF available for download
• CUET Economics question paper 2027: NTA details exam pattern, previous year papers available
• BSE Odisha class 10 half yearly mathematics question paper 2025-26 available for download
• SNAP 2025 question paper with solutions PDF available for download

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.

View all posts →