Pragati Scholarship Scheme For Girl Students (Technical Diploma) 2026

This scheme provides financial assistance to bright students from low-income families, helping them continue their studies from Read More... Class IX to XII and preventing them from dropping out after Class VIII. Read less

Details

Many talented students face financial hurdles that prevent them from continuing their education. Recognizing this, the Indian government has launched the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS). This initiative aims to identify and support meritorious students from economically weaker sections, ensuring they can pursue their secondary education without financial worries.

What Is This Scheme?

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, introduced in 2008 by the Ministry of Education, offers scholarships to students who show academic promise but come from families with limited financial means. It's designed to encourage students to stay in school and complete their education up to Class XII.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is specifically for students studying in government, government-aided, or local body schools. The main criterion is financial need, with scholarships awarded to students whose family income from all sources does not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum. They also need to meet certain academic performance requirements.

Why This Scheme Is Important

By providing financial support, the NMMSS plays a crucial role in reducing the dropout rate among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It ensures that merit and talent are recognized and nurtured, regardless of economic status, fostering a more inclusive and educated society. The scheme is approved for continuation from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Objective

This scheme provides financial assistance to bright students from low-income families, helping them continue their studies from Class IX to XII and preventing them from dropping out after Class VIII.

Benefits

₹ 50,000/-per annum for every year of study, i.e. maximum 3 years for first-year admitted students and maximum 2 years for second-year admitted students, through lateral entry as lump sum amount towards payment ofcollege fee, purchase of computer, stationeries, books, equipment, software, etc.No other additional grant will be payable instead of hostel charges medical charges, etc.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:

For Fresh Applications:

The applicant must be a student.
Parental income from all sources should not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum.
Students must have secured at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in their Class VII examination to be eligible for the selection test. This minimum percentage is relaxed by 5% for SC/ST students.
Students must be studying as a regular student in a Government, Government-aided, or Local Body school.

Note: Reservation for different categories applies as per the norms of the respective State/UT government.

Selection Process:

Each State/UT conducts its own selection test at the Class VIII level. This test typically includes:

Mental Ability Test (MAT): A 90-minute test with 90 multiple-choice questions focusing on reasoning and critical thinking abilities.
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): A 90-minute test with 90 multiple-choice questions covering Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics as taught in Classes 7 and 8.

Conditions for Selecting Awardees:

Students need to pass both MAT and SAT, scoring at least 40% marks in aggregate. For SC/ST students, the minimum aggregate is 32%.
At the time of selection, students must have scored at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in the Class VIII examination. A 5% relaxation is provided for SC/ST students.
Awardees must meet all other eligibility conditions outlined in the scheme.

Renewal of Scholarship:

To continue the scholarship in higher classes (IX to XII), students need a minimum of 60% marks in Class X (with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates).
Students must be promoted to the next class (Class X from IX, and Class XII from XI) in the first attempt.

Important Notes for Awardees:

Scholarship is payable for a maximum of four years for studies in India.
If an institution does not conduct an examination at the end of Class IX or XI, the scholarship can be continued based on a certificate from the Head of the Institution.
Awardees must join the next class within 3 months of the previous result declaration.
Scholarship is discontinued if there's a gap of one academic session in studies.
Only one scholarship can be availed under any Central Government scheme.
Students must maintain good conduct and study full-time.
No claims for scholarship arrears will be entertained after 12 months of the academic session.
If a student leaves the course within one month of admission, no scholarship will be paid.
In case of serious illness, students should submit a medical certificate within three months to continue studies, provided their overall performance is certified as very good.
All rules are subject to change.

How To Apply

The selection of students is based on a state-level examination conducted for Class VIII students. Here's the general process:

Students who meet the initial eligibility criteria and academic performance requirements for Class VII can appear for the state-level selection test.
The selection test consists of a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
States/UTs announce specific dates and application procedures for this test.
Meritorious students who clear the selection test and meet all other conditions will be awarded the scholarship from Class IX onwards.
Students are required to open a bank account for direct credit of the scholarship amount.

Important Link for Guidelines: You can find detailed guidelines and updates on the official website: National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme Guidelines

Documents Required

While applying for the scholarship or at the time of selection, you may need to provide the following documents:

Aadhaar Card
Educational Certificates and Marksheets (for Class VII and VIII)
Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Income Certificate of Parents/Guardians
Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Domicile Certificate
Any other supporting documents as required by the selection authority.

FAQ’s

What is the main goal of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme?

The scheme aims to help bright students from families with limited income continue their education after Class VIII and encourage them to complete their secondary education up to Class XII.

How many scholarships are given out each year?

Each year, the scheme provides 1,00,000 new scholarships to deserving students who are entering Class IX.

What is the amount of scholarship awarded?

Selected students receive ₹12,000 every year, which translates to ₹1,000 per month, for the duration of their scholarship.

Who can apply for this scholarship?

Students from economically weaker sections are eligible if their parents' total income from all sources is not more than ₹3,50,000 per year. They must also meet academic and school-type criteria.

What are the academic prerequisites for applying?

To be eligible for the selection test, students need to have scored at least 55% marks in their Class VII exams. SC/ST students get a 5% relaxation, meaning they need 50%.

What type of schools are eligible for students to be enrolled in?

Students must be studying as regular students in Government schools, Government-aided schools, or Local Body schools to be eligible.

Are students attending Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) or Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) eligible?

No, students studying in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, or any other residential schools are not eligible for this scheme.

Does the scheme offer reservations for specific categories?

Yes, the scheme provides reservations for different categories of students, following the norms set by the respective State or Union Territory governments.

At which grade level is the selection test conducted?

The selection test for this scholarship is conducted at the end of Class VIII.

What subjects are covered in the scholarship selection test?

The test comprises two parts: a Mental Ability Test (MAT) and a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The SAT covers subjects like Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics taught in Classes 7 and 8.

What are the passing marks required in the selection test?

Students need to achieve at least 40% marks combined in the MAT and SAT to pass. For SC/ST students, the minimum passing mark is 32%.

When does a student begin receiving the scholarship money?

The scholarship is awarded to selected students starting from Class IX and can be continued through Class XII.

Can the scholarship be continued for Classes X, XI, and XII?

Yes, the scholarship can be renewed for Classes X, XI, and XII, provided the student meets the renewal criteria, including maintaining academic standards.

What happens to the scholarship if a student fails or has to repeat a class?

The scholarship is only continued if the student is promoted to the next class in the first attempt. Failing or repeating a class typically leads to discontinuation.

How is the scholarship amount paid to the students?

The scholarship amount is directly credited to the student's bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.