Benefit Amount
Rs. 6,000 per year (scholarship) plus Rs. 500 per month (monthly maintenance allowance)Scholarship
✓ Government Verified✓ Direct Bank Transfer
ℹAbout National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme
The National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme is a central government initiative designed to help economically disadvantaged but meritorious students pursue higher secondary and senior secondary education. The scheme provides financial assistance to students from poor families who have demonstrated academic excellence. It aims to reduce the dropout rate among talented students from low-income backgrounds and ensure they can continue their studies without financial hardship. The scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend to support living expenses. Eligible students from classes IX to XII in government and government-aided schools across India can apply. The scheme combines both merit-based selection and means-testing to ensure funds reach deserving students who genuinely need financial support.
Ministry
Ministry of Education
✓Who Is Eligible?
Students seeking this scholarship must be enrolled in classes IX to XII in government or government-aided schools across India. There is no specific age limit mentioned, but students must be actively studying in eligible schools. Your family's annual income must be below Rs. 2.5 lakh to qualify for means-testing. The scheme prioritizes meritorious students, meaning you must demonstrate strong academic performance based on your marks and previous academic records. If you belong to a reserved category, you may need to submit a caste certificate, though this is only applicable if you have such certification. The scheme is open to all genders and there are no gender-based restrictions. Students from all Indian states and union territories can apply as this is an all-India scheme. There are no specific occupational requirements for your parents or guardians. Both boys and girls from economically weaker sections who have shown academic excellence are welcome to apply. Check the official portal at scholarships.gov.in for any additional specific requirements or recent updates to eligibility criteria.
Quick eligibility check:
✓
Annual income below ₹2,50,000✓
Category: General, OBC, SC, ST, BPL, EWS📝How to Apply for National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme
To apply for the National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme, follow these simple steps. First, visit the official scholarship portal at scholarships.gov.in and create a new account by providing your basic details and email address. Second, fill out the application form completely with your personal information, school details, and family background. Third, upload all required documents including your Aadhaar Card, Income Certificate, school Admission Certificate, latest marks sheet, and passport size photograph. Fourth, provide your bank account details where the scholarship money will be deposited. Fifth, submit your application and take a screenshot or note down your application reference number for future tracking. Sixth, wait for the merit list to be announced on the official website, which considers both your academic performance and family income. Finally, if selected, complete any additional verification process required by your school or the scholarship authority. Make sure to apply well before the deadline and keep all your documents ready to avoid any delays in the application process.
Visit Official Portal →📄Documents Required8 required
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Admission Certificate from school📋
Academic performance records (marks sheet)📋
Caste certificate (if applicable)📋
Passport size photograph?Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the income limit for this scholarship?
The maximum annual family income should not exceed Rs. 2.5 lakh per annum. This includes income from all sources of the family.
2Which classes are eligible for this scheme?
Students enrolled in classes IX, X, XI, and XII in government or government-aided schools are eligible. Students must be studying in recognized Indian schools.
3How much scholarship amount will I receive?
Selected students receive Rs. 6,000 per year as scholarship along with Rs. 500 monthly maintenance allowance. The total annual benefit is approximately Rs. 12,000.
4What are the merit criteria?
Students must have passed the previous class examination with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST candidates). Merit is determined based on academic performance in the previous examination.
5How do I apply for this scheme?
Applications are submitted through the centralized scholarship portal (scholarships.gov.in). Students can apply online during the specified application window, typically announced in August-September each year.
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