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NMMS 2024 Exam - Dates, Application, Admit Card, Question Papers, Result

Updated on 21st May, 2025 by Mallika Thaledder

About NMMS 2025

NMMS 2025-26:  The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, launched in 2008, aims to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections to prevent dropouts after Class 8 & encourage them to continue their secondary education. It offers 1,00,000 scholarships to students whose parental income does not exceed Rs 3.5 lakhs per year. However, students in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, residential schools run by the Centre or State, and private schools are not eligible for this scholarship. 

More details about the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship 2025-26:

  • The NMMS application forms for 2025 will be released separately for each state. 
  • After the form submission, students can get NMMS admit cards from their respective school authorities or download them online. 
  • The NMMS 2025 exam includes two papers - Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Ability Test (SAT).
  • The mental ability test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that test verbal and non-verbal meta-cognitive abilities such as reasoning and critical thinking. Scholastic Aptitude Test shall consist of 90 multiple-choice questions covering subjects, namely, science, social studies and mathematics as taught in classes 7 and 8. Students can check the complete NMMS exam pattern here.  
  • Students appear for the NMMS exam 2025-26 in offline mode from November 2025 to May 2026. The exam dates will vary from state to state. 
  • The NMMS 2025-26 answer key PDFs will be released for the MAT and SAT exams soon after the exam.
  • The state-level exam authorities release the NMMS result 2025-26 in February - July 2026.

Who will get the NMMS Scholarship 2025-26? 

  • Students must pass both the tests i.e. MAT and SAT, with at least 40% marks in aggregate taken together for these two tests. For the SC/ST students, this cut-off will be 32% marks. 
  • At the time of selection for the award of scholarship, the student must have scored at least 55% mark or equivalent grade in the Class 8 examination. There will be a 5% relaxation for SC/ST students. 
  • The awardees should satisfy the eligibility and the conditions mentioned in the scheme. 


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NMMS 2025 Highlights

Full Exam Name
National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship
Short Exam Name
NMMS
Conducting Body
Ministry of Human Resource Development
Frequency Of Conduct
Once a year
Exam Level
Matriculate
Languages
English +1 more
Mode Of Application
offline +1 more
Application Fee
Offline : 170 +1 more
Mode Of Exam
offline
Participating Colleges
1
Exam Duration
3 Hours

MHRD issues guidelines that are to be followed by students to be eligible for NMMS and avail scholarship further as well. NMMS 2025-26 eligibility criteria are given below:

  • Students must be studying in class VIII and must have a minimum of 55% score (50% for reserved categories) in class VII.
  • The annual income of the applicant’s parents must not be more than Rs. 3,50,000.
  • In order to continue the scholarship, students must obtain 55% (50% for reserved categories) in class IX and XI and 60% (55% for reserved categories) in the class X exam.
  • Students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Sainik Schools cannot apply for the scholarship.
  • Students studying in residential schools run by state government institutions with facilities like boarding, lodging and education cannot apply as well.
  • Students pursuing their studies in private schools cannot apply for NMMS 2025-26 exam as well.
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NMMS 2025-26 application form is made available in online mode. Students can access the application form through the official website of state/UTs’ SCERT. The last date to submit the application form varies as per state. Read the key points of the application process for NMMS 2025-26:

  • Students can download the NMMS application form 2025-26 online, but it has to be submitted in offline mode only.
  • Students can also get the application form from the school they are enrolled in; thus, ask the teachers for information about NMMS 2025 first.

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Documents Required at Exam NMMS 2025

National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship 2025

  • NMMS Admit Card
  • Govt. Issued Photo ID card or School ID card
  • Aadhar card
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Understanding the NMMS 2025-26 exam pattern is important for successfully cracking the NMMS exam. Exam pattern guides students about the types of questions, number of questions, marking scheme, syllabus and much more. This helps students plan their studies according to the weightage and time required for any particular topic. The NMMS 2025 exam will have two sections, Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Abilities Test (SAT). For more details on these two particular topics, read below:

  • MAT - Mental Ability Test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions testing verbal and non-verbal meta-cognitive abilities like reasoning and critical thinking. The questions in the test may be on analogy, classification, numerical series, pattern perception, hidden figure etc. 
  • SAT -Scholastic Aptitude Test consists of 90 multiple-choice questions covering subjects - Science, Social Studies and Mathematics as taught in classes VII and VIII. 
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NMMS 2025 Syllabus

NMMS National Means Cum-Merit Scholarship Syllabus

Mental ability test: Unit 01


Reasoning and critical thinking

    Mental ability test: Unit 02


    Analogy

      Mental ability test: Unit 03


      Classification

        Mental ability test: Unit 04


        Numerical series

          Mental ability test: Unit 05


          Pattern perception

            Mental ability test: Unit 06


            Hidden figure

              Scholastic aptitude test: Unit 01


              Science

                Scholastic aptitude test: Unit 02


                Social studies and mathematics

                  To succeed in a competition like the NMMS exam, students need to have an edge over the competition. To do that, they need to solve question papers and get familiar with the types of questions that will come in the NMMS 2025-26 exam.

                  Students can also practice from previous year question papers to get a better idea about the question paper. Students can visit the link provided on this page to download free sample papers, previous year question papers and ebooks for NMMS 2025 free of cost.

                  To be well prepared for the NMMS Exam, it is important to follow strategies and try different methods to see which one works for you. You will be able to study with focus and concentration only when you are comfortable with your surroundings and study strategy. Here are a few useful tips and tricks to help you with your preparation for the NMMS Exam:

                  • Analyse the syllabus: NMMS 2025 does not have a specific syllabus, and the questions come from a few outlined topics and subjects. The difficulty level is similar to the syllabus of classes VII and VIII. Thus, you need to analyse the syllabus of classes VII and VIII along with the previous year's question papers and syllabus provided by MHRD.
                  • Go through the exam pattern: Now that you have figured out the syllabus for NMMS 2025, you should go through the syllabus to prioritise which topics you will begin to prepare for first and which topics you will prepare later on. Once you have done that, things will be much easier for you.
                  • Make a study plan: After dividing the syllabus for the NMMS 2025 exam, you need to allot time to it according to its weightage, the time required and the overall importance of the topic/subject. If it has less weightage, you can do it at the end of your preparation, before you start revising. This study plan will give discipline to the way you study and help you succeed.
                  • Practice from sample papers: Following your study plan, after you have finished your entire syllabus, you should start solving sample question papers for NMMS 2025 or the previous year's question papers. Turn on a stopwatch and track how long it takes you to complete an exam. This will help you in self-evaluation, through which you can work on the weak areas during your preparation. 
                  • Take ample rest and eat healthily: Remember, a healthy body is home to a healthy mind. Thus, to succeed in the NMMS 2025, it is important to take care of your physical as well as mental health. Add short breaks in your study plan and follow your hobbies for some part of the day.
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                  • The admit card of NMMS 2025-26 is released in the offline/ online mode. Students whose applications will be accepted before the last date can download the NMMS 2025 admit card from their schools/institutions. Some states release the NMMS admit card 2025 in online mode.
                  • The NMMS admit card 2025 consists of details like the student’s name, centre details, the schedule for the exam, roll number etc. 
                  • It is crucial to carry the admit card of NMMS 2025 to the exam hall, as students are not allowed to take the exam if they don't have their admit card. 
                  • After the exam ends, students need to submit their NMMS admit card to the invigilator, thus, they are advised to keep an extra photocopy of the admit card beforehand.
                  • The SCERTs of some state/UT release the NMMS 2025 answer key for MAT and SAT exams.
                  • Students can access the answer key through the respective official links and calculate their tentative scores.
                  • To calculate their scores using the NMMS answer key, candidates need to download the answer key and analyse the correct answers. 
                  • They need to mark all the right answers and add them together as each question weighs one mark. 
                  • This will be done for both MAT and SAT sections. After this procedure is complete for both sections, candidates will be able to see their tentative NMMS 2025 result.

                  The NMMS result 2025 will be released for most of the states in online mode. Students must enter their roll number and school code to search for their results. Some states/UTs announce a final merit list that includes the names of students who qualify for the NMMS 2025 exam. Steps to check the result are given below:

                  Step 1: Go to the official website of the state SCERTs

                  Step 2: Enter your roll number and school code as mentioned in your NMMS 2025 admit card.

                  Step 3: Click on submit.

                  Step 4: The NMMS result will load on your screen.

                  Step 5: Download and save the result for future reference.

                  NMMS result will consist of information like the applicant’s name, roll number, qualifying status, section-wise marks obtained against total marks, etc.

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                  State/UT SCERTs publishes the NMMS cutoff along with the result. The NMMS cut off will be released state-wise and will carry the marks against which students will be granted the NMMS scholarship. The cutoff of the NMMS 2025 exam will be released online in PDF format, and students will be able to check the state-wise NMMS cutoff using the link provided on this page. Steps to download the NMMS cut-off 2025 are given below:

                  Step 1: Click on the link provided on this page.

                  Step 2: A page will load. On the page, find the link titled ‘Check NMMS 2025 Cutoff here’. Click on it.

                  Step 3: A PDF of the NMMS cutoff will load on your browser.

                  Step 4: Find the download button or a downward arrow and click on that.

                  Step 5: Save the cutoff for further use.

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                  General Information

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                  Frequently Asked Questions

                  1. How to get the details of NMMS exam centres?

                  The address of the examination centre is mentioned on the NMMS admit card.

                  2. How many students are finally selected for NMMS scholarships?

                  A total of 100,000 are being selected every year for NMMS scholarship.

                  3. Is there any negative marking in the NMMS scholarship exam?

                  No, there is no negative marking in the NMMS exam.

                  4. Who can fill the NMMS application form?

                  Students studying in Class 8 can apply for NMMS exam by filling the application form in online/offline mode as specified by conducting authority of State/UT. They must also satisfy the necessary eligibility criteria to be able to appear in the NMMS exam.

                  5. What are the qualifying marks for the NMMS 2025 exam?

                  Students must pass both the tests i.e. MAT and SAT with at least 40 % marks in aggregate taken together for these two tests. For the SC/ST students, this cut off is 32% marks.

                  6. Can open school students apply for NMMS 2025?

                  No, only regular students are eligible for NMMS 2025.

                  7. Where can I get the hard copy of the the NMMS application form?

                  The application forms are also made available at schools. Students can contact their respective school administration sections to get the hard copy.

                  8. Will I have to renew my NMMS Scholarship?

                  Yes, students need to apply for renewal of NMMS scholarship each year through the National Scholarship portal.

                  9. Is NMMS admit card 2025 mandatory at exam centres?

                  Yes, students should carry the NMMS exam hall ticket at exam centres. No student is allowed to enter the exam premises without the admit card.

                  10. When will the NMMS 2025 cutoff be released?

                  Several SCERTs release the NMMS cutoff along with the NMMS result. The qualifying marks for the NMMS exam 2025 are 40% marks (32% for SC/ST).

                  11. How many stages in NMMS exam?

                  NMMS is a single level exam which is held at the state-level.

                  12. What is the selection process for NMMS scholarship?

                  First of all, NMMS exam is held by respective States/UTs authority and results are declared in the form of merit lists. The selected students need to register on the National scholarship portal to receive scholarships.

                  13. Where can I apply for NMMS 2025-26?

                  Students can apply for the NMMS 2025-26 exam through their respective schools in online or offline mode as per the provisions of their state-level exam conducting authority.

                  14. Who can apply for NMMS exam?

                  Students who are studying in 8th class and whose parents income is less than INR 3.5 lakhs per annum can apply for NMMS 2025 exam. 

                  15. What is NMMS?

                  NMMS stands for National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship. This is a scholarship exam for class 8 students to provide financial assistance to deserving students for high studies. 

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                  Questions related to NMMS

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                  hello there,

                  To qualify for the National Means-cum-Merit Grant (NMMS), understudies must meet these key criteria:



                  Considering Lesson 8:

                  The understudy ought to as of now be selected in Course 8 at a government or government-aided school. Private and central government schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas more often than not do not qualify.


                  Scholastic Necessity:

                  The understudy must have scored a least of 55% marks in Course 7 exams (for common category). For SC/ST understudies, this least is 50%.


                  Family Salary Constrain:

                  The yearly salary of the student's family from all sources ought to not surpass rs3,50,000.


                  School Confirmation:

                  The school's foremost should affirm the student's qualification and forward the application.


                  Application Prepare:

                  Interested understudies must apply through the official state instruction board's entrance or through their school.


                  Assembly these criteria lets understudies take the NMMS exam, which in the event that cleared, grants a grant sum of rs12,000 per year for Classes 9 to 12, supporting their proceeded instruction.


                  hi,

                  The Bihar NMMS 2025 result is expected soon , though it hasn’t been officially released yet. The exam was held on January 19, 2025 , and the answer key came out on January 25 .

                  Once announced, check your result at scert.bihar.gov.in using your roll number.

                  Keep visiting the official website regularly for updates.


                  Hi Aliya, if you passed the NMMS exam but haven’t received your scholarship yet , here’s what you can do:

                  1. Contact your school authorities – They usually coordinate with the NMMS board and can check your status.

                  2. Visit the official website – Go to scholarships.gov.in (https://scholarships.gov.in) or your state’s NMMS portal to track your application.

                  3. Check if your bank details or documents are complete – Incomplete or incorrect information can delay payment.

                  4. Reach out to SCERT or education department – They handle NMMS disbursements and can help resolve issues.

                  Make sure all your documents are submitted properly. Keep your application ID handy when reaching out.

                  The Bihar NMMS exam was held on January 19, 2025. The results are expected to be announced in May 2025. You can find the results on the official website scert.bihar.gov.in by entering your enrollment number.

                  To check the NMMS result, visit the official website of your state's education department or SCERT. Look for the NMMS result link, and either enter your roll number, application number, or date of birth as required, or download the merit list PDF.

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