National Means Cum Merit Scholarship 2026: Apply, Eligibility, Dates
October 12, 2025Note: The National Means Cum Merit Scholarship helps smart students from poor families. It gives money to students who do well in tests but can't pay for school. This scholarship wants to keep kids in school. It also wants to make education better. The scholarship is for bright students who don't have much money. It helps them study up to high school. The government wants to help these students learn more. They don't want students to quit school because they can't pay. Students can apply for this scholarship online. It's easy to do. The government chooses students based on how well they do in a test. Both boys and girls can get this scholarship. The money goes straight to the student's bank account.
| Closed on | 31/07/2026 |
|---|---|
| Name of Scholarship | National Means Cum Merit Scholarship. |
| Financial Benefits | Rs. 100,000 |
| Nodal Department | Department of School Education & Literacy |
| Official website | NSP |
| Funded by | Ministry of Education |
| Objective | To provide financial help to those students who crack the scholarship exam so that they are able to meet their |
| Target Beneficiaries | Students of India. |
| Year | 2026-27. |
| Total Marks | 100. |
| Application 15 September 2026, 01/06/2026 | |
| Governing body | Government of India |
| Launched on | National Scholarship Portal |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Test Duration | 3 hours. |
Key Points
- National means cum merit scholarship helps poor but bright students
- It aims to reduce dropouts and promote quality education
- Students can apply online through the National Scholarship Portal
- Selection is based on an exam and other rules
- Both boys and girls from economically weak families can apply
- Chosen students get money directly in their bank accounts
- The scholarship helps students continue education up to secondary level
What is the National Scholarship Portal?
Tip: The National Scholarship Portal is a website for students to apply for many scholarships. It helps smart students who need money for school. Students can easily apply online and get money to keep studying. The government wants to help every student get an education. The portal makes it simple for students to find and apply for scholarships. It brings many scholarship programs together in one place. This saves time for students. They don't have to search many websites. The government uses this portal to give money to deserving students. It helps students from poor families who are good at studies. The goal is to stop students from dropping out of school. The portal wants to make sure every student can finish their education.
Heads up: Also Read: Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme For the Ministry Of Railways
Motive of National Means Cum Merit Scholarship
Keep in mind: This scholarship helps bright students from poor families study more. It gives money to those who do well in a special test. The goal is to support smart students who can't pay for higher studies on their own. Many talented kids can't go to college because of money problems. This program wants to change that. It gives a chance to poor but clever students to keep learning.
Key Highlights of National Means Cum Merit Scholarship
Who can apply
Good to know: To get this scholarship, students must meet certain rules. They need good marks and come from families without much money. Students should study hard and do well in exams. The government wants to help smart students who need money for school.
- Study approved courses
- Have good behavior in school
- Attend classes regularly
- Study full-time
- Not study abroad
- Apply within 12 months of the school year
- Stay in the course for at least a month
- Send a doctor’s note if they miss exams due to illness
- Join the next class within 3 months of results
- Not have gaps in studies
- Have family income below Rs 3.5 lakh per year
You can also read about the PM Scholarship Scheme. It helps students too.
What You Get
- Students can get Rs 100,000 if their family income is below Rs 3,50,000 per year
Important Dates
Papers to Upload
- Aadhar Card
- Address Proof
- Birth Certificate
- Bank Details
- Caste Certificate
- Signature
- Income Certificate
- Passport Photo
- Phone Number
Selection Process
Quick note: Students are chosen based on:
- Mental Ability Test with 90 questions
- Scholastic Aptitude Test with 90 questions
- Each test is 90 minutes long
- Students must pass both tests with at least 40% marks (32% for SC/ST)
- Must have 55% marks in class 8 (50% for SC/ST)
- Money is sent directly to the student’s bank account
Note: You can also read about other scholarships on the government website. There are many options for students who need help paying for school. Check the website to learn more about different programs.
National Means Cum Merit Scholarship Apply Online
To apply online for the scholarship: Go to the website. Fill out the form. send your details. Wait for a reply.
- Step 1: Go to the NSP website
- Step 2: Click “Apply Now“
- Step 3: Fill the form
- Step 4: Add required details and documents
- Step 5: Check all details
- Step 6: Click send
Renewal of National Means Cum Merit Scholarship
To renew your scholarship: First, go to the website. Log in to your account. Check if you still meet the rules. Fill out the form with your new details. Send in any papers they ask for. Wait for them to check everything. They will tell you if it's okay.
- Step 2: Click “Renew Now“
- Step 3: Fill the renewal form
Important Download
Helpline Number is a phone number you can call to get help. It is for people who need information or support. You can use it when you have questions or problems.
- Call: 0120 – 6619540
- Email: helpdesk[at]nsp[dot]gov[dot]in
Here are some frequently asked questions about the National Means Cum Merit Scholarship: What is this scholarship for? It helps poor but smart students continue school up to class 12. Who can apply? Both boys and girls from poor families who do well in studies can apply. How are students chosen? Students are picked based on how they do in a special exam. What do students get? Students get money sent straight to their bank accounts to help with school costs.
Who started this scholarship?
Tip: The Government of India started it.
Heads up: Yes, both boys and girls can apply for this scholarship. The program is open to all students who meet the requirements.
Yes, both boys and girls can apply for this scholarship. It is open to all students who meet the requirements.
Keep in mind: Students get money to help them study. This helps poor but smart students stay in school. They can learn better with this support.
Good to know: Students get money sent straight to their bank accounts. This helps them pay for school. The government gives this money to smart students who need help. It makes studying easier for them.
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