The Ministry of Education recently greenlit the extension of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS) over the 15th Finance Commission cycle for a period of five years (2021-22 to 2025-26). This decision involves a financial outlay of Rs. 1827.00 crore.
About the NMMSS Scheme
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship is a central Sector Scheme inaugurated in 2008-09. Its primary objective was to provide scholarships to deserving students from economically weaker sections. It aimed at reducing class VIII dropouts rates and encouraging these students to continue their studies at the secondary stage. Over the past years, till the end of 2020-21, around 22.06 lakh scholarships have been distributed. The total expenditure has amounted to Rs. 1783.03 crore.
Details of Fresh Scholarships
As per the scheme’s plan, one lakh fresh scholarships are awarded every year to selected class IX students. These scholarships continue or renew for the respective students for their class X to XII studies. The studies are required to be pursued in State Government, Government-aided, and Local body schools under the scheme.
Scholarship Amount and Disbursement
A scholarship of Rs. 12000/- per annum (Rs.1000/- per month) is granted to selected students studying in classes IX to XII. The selection process happens by conducting an examination under the State Governments’ supervision. The disbursal of scholarships is handled quarterly through the State Bank of India directly into the students’ bank accounts.
Eligibility Criteria for Availing the Scholarship
To be eligible for the NMMSS scholarship, students must adhere to certain criteria set forth by the program. These include a parental income cap (from all sources) of not more than Rs. 3,50,000/- per annum. However, students enrolled in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, State Government-run Residential Schools, and private schools are not eligible for this scheme’s scholarships. Furthermore, at the time of selection, candidates must have scored at least 55% marks or equivalent grade in their Class VIII examination with a 5 % relaxation for SC students.
Other Related Schemes
The NMMSS Scheme is just one of the several key initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Education and the Indian government. Some other related schemes aimed at improving the state of education in India include the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning, Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF), Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, NEAT, PRAGYATA, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Right To Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024