The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship supports selected students from lower-income families so that they can continue secondary and higher-secondary school. Fresh awards begin in Class 9 after the state or Union Territory selection process. Students can renew support through Class 12 when they satisfy the progression and academic conditions.
The scheme provides ₹12,000 per year. The family income ceiling in the linked guidelines is ₹3.5 lakh per year. Students must study in an eligible government, government-aided or local-body school; private schools and excluded residential-school categories do not qualify. Registering on the scholarship portal is not a substitute for qualifying in the relevant selection process.
For the current application cycle, the NSP scheme listing shows 31 October 2026 as the student deadline. State selection-test dates are separate and must be checked with the relevant education authority. Existing scholars should choose renewal and confirm their promotion and marks requirements. Applicants should work with their school to complete institutional verification after submitting the online form.
Provider
Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education.
Who can apply
Selected Class 9 students and eligible renewal scholars in Classes 10–12; parental income up to ₹3.5 lakh per year; eligible school and selection conditions apply.
Selected Class 9 students and eligible renewal scholars in Classes 10–12; parental income up to ₹3.5 lakh per year; eligible school and selection conditions apply.
Benefit
₹12,000 annually, subject to continued eligibility.
₹12,000 annually, subject to continued eligibility.
Important dates
The current NSP listing gives 31 October 2026 for student applications, 15 November for defective/institute verification and 30 November for nodal verification. Application opening: 1 June 2026. State selection examinations have separate dates.
The current NSP listing gives 31 October 2026 for student applications, 15 November for defective/institute verification and 30 November for nodal verification. Application opening: 1 June 2026. State selection examinations have separate dates.
Documents
Selection/merit evidence, academic records, income evidence and required category/disability documents where applicable. Confirm identity, school and bank information in NSP.
Selection/merit evidence, academic records, income evidence and required category/disability documents where applicable. Confirm identity, school and bank information in NSP.
Status at review on 29 October 2026
Open on the NSP listing. The official portal deadline is used rather than conflicting dates in secondary article headings.
Open on the NSP listing. The official portal deadline is used rather than conflicting dates in secondary article headings.
How to apply
1. Apply on NSP: Apply on NSP
1. Apply on NSP: Apply on NSP
Dates explained
This notice was added to Bodhivriksh on 29 October 2026. Scholarship guidance updated: 2026-10-28. The application deadline is a separate date.
This notice was added to Bodhivriksh on 29 October 2026. Scholarship guidance updated: 2026-10-28. The application deadline is a separate date.