Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
NMMS is a centrally sponsored flagship talent search scholarship scheme by the Ministry of Education. It awards 1 lakh scholarships every year to meritorious Class 8 students from economically weaker sections. Selected scholars receive ₹1,000 per month (₹12,000 annually) deposited directly into their bank accounts throughout Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 180 Marks| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 90 Questions (Reasoning, Analogy, Classification, Series, Patterns) | 90 Marks | 90 Minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | Science (35 Qs) + Social Science (35 Qs) + Math (20 Qs) | 90 Marks | 90 Minutes |
+1 mark for correct answer, zero negative marking. Total 180 questions for 180 marks. Qualifying score is 40% aggregate (32% for SC/ST).
Negative Marking Rule: No negative marking
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
State-wise merit quotas determine selection; candidates must clear minimum 40% combined score (32% for SC/ST).
Participating Institutes / Career Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scholarship amount awarded under NMMS?
Selected students receive ₹1,000 per month (₹12,000 per annum), amounting to a total of ₹48,000 disbursed over four years (Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12) through the National Scholarship Portal.
Related Examinations & Pathways
Explore other national, state-level, or professional examinations in this discipline.
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PM YASASVI is a major central scholarship initiative conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through NTA. It provides full financial support covering tuition fees, hostel fees, and educational supplies up to ₹75,000/year for Class 9-10 students and up to ₹1,25,000/year for Class 11-12 students studying in accredited schools across India.
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JNVST is conducted by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (Ministry of Education) to identify and nurture rural talent across India. Admitted students receive free residential schooling, lodging, boarding, uniforms, textbooks, and computer education from Class 6 through 12. JNVs consistently outperform all other school chains in CBSE board exams and JEE/NEET results.
AISSEE (All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination)
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