National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination (NMMSE) 2025 for Class VIII Students

NMMSE: The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) is a centrally sponsored initiative by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to prevent dropouts after Class VIII and encourage continuation of education at secondary level. The NMMS examination for Class VIII students in West Bengal, is scheduled for December 21, 2025, with online applications accepted from August 7 to September 9, 2025.

Click Here for Previous Year Question Paper of NMMSE

• Notice regarding Online Application of NMMSE 2025
• NMMSE 2025 User Manual For Candidates 
• Central Sector National Means-Cum-Merit Scholarship Examination, 2025 
• NMMSE 2025 Instruction 
• Address of Office of District Inspector of Schools (Secondary Education) of all districts of West Bengal. 

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination 2025: Key Dates and Application Details

• Date of Examination: December 21, 2025
• Online Application Window: August 7, 2025 to September 9, 2025
• State Agency: Directorate of School Education, West Bengal, Bikash Bhavan, 7th Floor, Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700091

For queries, applicants may contact their respective District Inspector of Schools (Secondary Education) or email helpscholarships@gmail.com.

NMMSE 2025: Eligibility Criteria

• Students must be in Class VIII for the academic year 2025-26.
• Must have secured 55% or above in the Class VII final exam (with 5% relaxation for SC, ST, and disabled candidates).
• Must be studying in recognized Government, Government Aided, Local Body, Government Sponsored Schools including Madrasahs without residential facilities.
• Students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, State Government residential schools, and private schools are not eligible.
• Parental annual income should be below ₹3,50,000 from all sources, supported by a valid income certificate.
• Bank account in the name of the student with SBI, any public sector bank, or scheduled bank with core banking facility is mandatory. Aadhar must be linked with the bank account.

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National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination: Application Process

Step 1: Registration

• Visit the scholarship portal and click on ‘New User Register Here’.
• Register with personal details, mobile number, and email (one mobile/email can be used once).
• A registration number and password will be generated for future logins.

Step 2: Form Filling

• Log in with the credentials.
• Complete the application form by filling other details and uploading a passport-size photograph (jpg format, max 50 KB, white/off-white background).
• Candidates can enter their OTR number if previously generated.
• Save and edit till the form is locked.

Step 3: Document Submission & Finalization

• Print the filled application and the certificate format for Head of Institution (HOI) approval.
• Submit signed certificate and scanned copies of:
  • Parental Income Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Maximum file size for uploads: 200 KB.
• After uploading, click ‘Finalize Application’ to complete submission.

NMMSE: Important Notes

• Only applications with all required documents and HOI certificate uploaded will be accepted.
• Any incorrect or incomplete application may lead to cancellation at any stage.
• Regularly check registered email or mobile for status notifications.
• Rejected applications may be rectified within a given timeline as per notification.

National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination: Examination Pattern and Syllabus

• Extra time is given to differently-abled candidates as applicable.
• No negative marking.
• No prescribed syllabus, but questions conform to Class VII & VIII standard.
• Subjects in Scholastic Aptitude Test: Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science, History, Geography.

District-wise Quota and Selection

• The total state quota is 7,250 scholarships distributed across 25 districts including special educational districts Barrackpore and Siliguri.
• Candidates must apply choosing the district where their school is situated; accordingly, Barrackpore and Siliguri are treated as separate educational districts.
• In case of tie marks, age (younger candidates) is considered for selection.
• Final decision by the authority is binding in case of disputes.

Contact and Support:

Applicants can contact their district-level officers or refer to the official portal for detailed instructions and updates.