The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, organized a one-day workshop on 6th December 2025 with officials from States and Union Territories to review the performance and strategize for more effective implementation of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS).
The workshop began with the Ministry highlighting the key features of NMMSS, a flagship Central Sector Scheme that awards one lakh fresh scholarships annually to meritorious students from economically weaker sections (EWS). The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates after Class VIII and encourage students to complete their education up to Class XII.
Officials emphasized the importance of close collaboration between the Central Government and State/UT administrations to enhance outreach, streamline delivery, and ensure the scheme reaches all eligible students.
A detailed presentation reviewed NMMSS performance from 2021–22 to 2024–25, including quota utilization, examination conduct, and challenges in scholarship renewals. This was followed by consultations with State and UT Nodal Officers in hybrid mode to discuss strategies for improved implementation.
The NMMSS provides annual scholarships of ₹7,120 to students whose parental income does not exceed ₹3,50,000. Eligible students are in Class IX from government, government-aided, and local body schools, and the scholarship is renewable for Classes X to XII. Students must have secured at least 55% marks in Class VII, with a 5% relaxation for SC and ST candidates.
The workshop reflects the Ministry’s commitment to supporting meritorious students from economically weaker backgrounds and strengthening the scheme’s reach and impact nationwide.
