National Scholarship Scheme: NMMSS and National Overseas Scholarship — Eligibility and How to Apply in 2025
"National Scholarship Scheme" covers two central government scholarships: the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) — a ₹12,000 per year award for meritorious students from economically weaker sections studying in Classes 9 to 12 — and the National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) — a fully funded scholarship for SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled students to pursue postgraduate studies or research abroad. Both are administered through the Ministry of Education and are listed on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at scholarships.gov.in. This page covers both in full — eligibility, benefit amounts, how to apply, and key differences.
Two Distinct National Scholarship Schemes
| Parameter | NMMSS | National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme | National Overseas Scholarship |
| Target | Class 9–12 meritorious + economically weaker students | SC/ST/OBC/differently-abled students for postgraduate/PhD abroad |
| Annual award | ₹12,000 per year | Up to ₹25,000 USD equivalent + other costs |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Selection | State-level exam (NMMS exam) | Central selection by Ministry committee |
| Application portal | scholarships.gov.in (NSP) | nosmsje.gov.in |
| Income ceiling | Family income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh per year | Varies by category |
| Renewal | Annual — academic performance based | Annual — progress report based |
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
What is NMMSS?
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a central sector scholarship scheme launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Education to award scholarships to meritorious students at the Class 8 level from economically weaker families, to prevent dropout at the secondary stage and encourage continuation to Class 12. Each year, approximately 1,00,000 scholarships are awarded nationally — one scholarship per state/UT in proportion to enrolment in Class 8 — through a state-level exam conducted by the State Education Boards.
Key Benefits — NMMSS
| Benefit Type | Amount | Applicable Category |
|---|---|---|
| Annual scholarship | ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) | All selected NMMSS scholars |
| Scholarship period | Class 9 to Class 12 — maximum 4 years | Continuous enrolment required |
| Payment mode | Direct to student's bank account via DBT | All selected scholars |
| Renewal condition | Minimum 55% marks in Class 9 and 11 (50% for SC/ST) | Annual renewal |
| National quota | Approximately 1,00,000 scholarships per year | Distributed state/UT-wise |
Eligibility Criteria — NMMSS
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class at time of selection | Studying in Class 8 at a government / government-aided school |
| Examination | Must appear in and qualify the State-level NMMS examination |
| Marks in Class 7 | Minimum 55% aggregate in Class 7 annual exam (50% for SC/ST) |
| Family income | Annual parental income ≤ ₹3,50,000 |
| School type | Government, government-aided, or local body school only; students in private unaided or Kendriya Vidyalaya / Navodaya Vidyalaya are not eligible |
| Reservation | State-specific reservation for SC/ST as per state rules |
Eligibility is subject to revision. Verify at scholarships.gov.in before applying.
Documents Required — NMMSS
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity and DBT linkage |
| Class 7 marksheet | Eligibility (55% / 50% threshold) |
| NMMS exam admit card and score card | Selection proof |
| Bank passbook (student's or parent's) | DBT credit |
| Income certificate | Parental income ≤ ₹3.5 lakh verification |
| School enrolment certificate | Confirms government / aided school enrollment |
| Caste certificate | For SC/ST reservation quota |
How to Apply — NMMSS
- Appear in the NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship) Exam conducted by your state education board — typically held in November each year for Class 8 students
- Upon qualifying, register at scholarships.gov.in (NSP) using your Aadhaar and mobile OTP
- Select National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship under Ministry of Education
- Fill in personal details, school details, income details, and upload documents
- Submit before the notified deadline — typically January to March for the academic year
- Scholarship is renewed annually — submit the renewal application on NSP with updated marksheet and enrolment certificate
PaisaOne does not process NMMSS applications. Apply at scholarships.gov.in.
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
What is the National Overseas Scholarship?
The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a fully funded scholarship scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for students belonging to SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT), and persons with disabilities — to pursue postgraduate (Master's level) or PhD research programmes at universities abroad. The scheme enables selected scholars to access world-class education at foreign universities while receiving comprehensive financial support from the Government of India.
NOS is one of the oldest central scholarship programmes, operational for decades and administered through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. A limited number of slots are available each year (approximately 115 slots per year — subject to annual revision).
Key Benefits — National Overseas Scholarship
| Benefit Type | Amount (Approximate) | Applicable Category |
|---|---|---|
| Annual maintenance allowance | USD 15,400 (USA/Europe/other high-cost countries) | All NOS scholars |
| Contingency allowance | USD 1,500–2,000 per year | All NOS scholars |
| Tuition fee | Actual, paid directly to university | All NOS scholars |
| Air travel | Economy class airfare (one return trip per year) | All NOS scholars |
| Visa fees | Actual visa fee reimbursed | All NOS scholars |
| Medical insurance | Actual premium paid | All NOS scholars |
| Spouse allowance | USD 4,000 per year (if accompanied by spouse) | Married scholars |
| Duration | Up to 3 years for Master's; up to 4 years for PhD | Per programme requirements |
| Annual slots | Approximately 115 (subject to revision) | All eligible categories |
Amounts are approximate and subject to annual revision. Verify at nosmsje.gov.in for current award amounts.
Eligibility Criteria — National Overseas Scholarship
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Category | SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), DNT, or Persons with Disabilities |
| Age | Below 35 years for Master's and PhD |
| Income | Family income ≤ ₹6 lakh per year (for SC/ST/DNT/PwD); ₹2.5 lakh for OBC |
| Previous NOS | Applicant or their sibling must not have previously availed NOS |
| Educational qualification | Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD) in the qualifying postgraduate/undergraduate degree |
| Admission | Must have applied to or secured admission in a reputed foreign university |
| Government employment | Current government employees are not eligible |
Eligibility is subject to revision. Verify at nosmsje.gov.in.
Documents Required — National Overseas Scholarship
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity |
| Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC/DNT) or disability certificate | Category eligibility |
| Income certificate | Family income verification |
| Academic degree certificates and marksheets | Qualifying marks threshold |
| Admission letter from foreign university (if available) | Preferred; some stages allow application without it |
| Passport | Travel document for overseas study |
| Bank account details | For scholarship disbursement |
How to Apply — National Overseas Scholarship
- Visit nosmsje.gov.in when the annual notification is released — typically advertised in May–July each year
- Register with your details and upload all required documents as per the notification
- A selection committee at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment evaluates applications
- Shortlisted candidates are called for an interview
- Selected scholars receive the award letter — confirm university admission and initiate visa process
- Scholarship amounts are disbursed in instalments based on academic progress reports
PaisaOne does not process NOS applications. Apply at nosmsje.gov.in when the annual notification is open.
How to Check Application Status
NMMSS Status
- Log in to scholarships.gov.in with your registered mobile number
- Navigate to Check Your Status — view application processing and payment status
- NSP helpline: 0120-6619540
National Overseas Scholarship Status
- Contact the National Overseas Scholarship cell at the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- Visit nosmsje.gov.in for status updates or call the Ministry helpline
NMMSS covers ₹12,000/year through Class 12 — but higher education costs beyond school need separate planning. Compare education loan options from 30+ banks on PaisaOne to fund college fees, hostel costs, and professional courses.
What is the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)? The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is a central sector scholarship scheme by the Ministry of Education that awards ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000/month) to approximately 1,00,000 meritorious students from families with annual income up to ₹3.5 lakh. Students studying in Class 8 at a government or government-aided school are selected through a state-level NMMS examination. The scholarship covers Classes 9 to 12, renewed annually on meeting the minimum marks threshold.
What are the main benefits of NMMSS? NMMSS provides ₹12,000 per year, paid monthly as ₹1,000 directly to the student's bank account via DBT, for up to four years — covering Classes 9 to 12. Renewal each year requires minimum 55% marks in Class 9 and 11 (50% for SC/ST). Approximately 1,00,000 students are selected nationally per year, distributed state-wise in proportion to Class 8 enrolment. Applications are on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in.
What is the National Overseas Scholarship and who is it for? The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a fully funded central government scholarship for SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), DNT, and persons with disabilities to pursue Master's or PhD programmes at universities abroad. Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, it covers tuition fees, annual maintenance allowance (approximately USD 15,400 for high-cost countries), airfare, visa fees, contingency allowance, and medical insurance — for up to 3–4 years.
How do I apply for NMMSS and National Overseas Scholarship? For NMMSS: appear in the NMMS exam conducted by your state board in November (Class 8), then apply on scholarships.gov.in when the online window opens (typically January–March). For NOS: visit nosmsje.gov.in when the annual notification is published (typically May–July), submit the application with category certificate, academic marksheets, income certificate, and passport. Selection is through a Ministry interview process.
