NMMS Gujarat 2025–26: Exam Date, Eligibility, Fees, guide

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Gujarat 2025–26 notification has been released by the State Examination Board, Gandhinagar, inviting eligible Class 8 students from government, grant-in-aid, and local-body schools to apply for this national-level scholarship.

This year, Gujarat has a scholarship quota of 5097 students, making the state one of the largest beneficiaries of the NMMS scheme. The goal of NMMS is simple: help talented students from economically weaker backgrounds continue their education up to Class 12 without financial stress.

In this guide, you will find all details, dates, eligibility, quotas, fees, exam pattern, documents, Aadhaar rules, certificate rules, and step-by-step application instructions.

What Is NMMS Gujarat 2025–26?

NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship) is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The purpose of NMMS is to:

• Reduce dropout rates after Class 8
• Support bright students from economically weaker families
• Provide a monthly scholarship up to Class 12
• Encourage continuation of secondary and higher secondary education
• Students selected through the NMMS Gujarat exam receive:
  • ₹1,000 per month
  • ₹12,000 per year
  • For 4 years (Classes 9 to 12)

Scholarship money is deposited directly into the student’s bank account through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP).

What Are the Important Dates for NMMS Gujarat 2025–26?

Here are the official dates from the Gujarat notification:

Students must complete both application and fee payment before the deadlines to avoid rejection.

Who Can Apply for NMMS Gujarat 2025–26?

You’re eligible if you meet all of the following conditions:

1. You are studying in Class 8 in 2025–26
   • Eligible schools include:
     • Government schools
     • Local body schools (Zilla Panchayat/Municipality/Municipal Corporation)
     • Grant-in-aid schools
2. Minimum Marks in Class 7
   • General & OBC: 55% or equivalent grade
   • SC & ST: 50% or equivalent grade
3. Income Limit
   • Your parents’ annual income must be ₹3,50,000 or less.
4. Aadhaar Requirement
   • Your name in the NMMS form must exactly match the name on your Aadhaar card. Aadhaar front and back copy must be uploaded.

Not Eligible

Students studying in:

• Private/self-financed schools
• Kendriya Vidyalayas
• Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
• State/Central Govt. residential schools

These categories cannot apply.

What Documents Are Required for NMMS 2025–26?

You must upload clear copies of:

• Aadhaar card (front & back)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Income certificate (certified by approved authority)
• Class 7 marksheet
• Disability certificate (for PH candidates)
• Passport-size photo (JPG, max 15 KB)
• Signature (JPG, max 15 KB)
• Fee receipt (after payment)

Who can issue income certificates?

• Mamlatdar
• Taluka Development Officer
• Talati-cum-Mantri
• Chief Officer (Municipality)
• Who can issue caste certificates?
• Mamlatdar
• TDO
• School principal (registered bonafide with entry number & photo)

What Is the Exam Pattern for NMMS in Gujarat 2025–26?

NMMS Gujarat exam has two sections, both MCQ-based:

• No negative marking
• Extra 30 minutes for blind students
• Medium: English or Gujarati (your choice)
• Questions are competency-based (NEP 2020)

MAT Syllabus:

• Analogy
• Classification
• Number series
• Pattern perception
• Hidden figures
• Logical reasoning

SAT Syllabus:

• Mathematics (Std 7 & 8)
• Science (Std 7 & 8)
• Social Science (Std 7 & 8)

What Are the Qualifying Marks for NMMS Exam?

To pass NMMS Gujarat:

• General & OBC: 40% (combined MAT + SAT)
• SC & ST: 32% (combined MAT + SAT)

However, qualifying does NOT guarantee scholarship. Scholarship is awarded based on:

• District-wise merit
• Category-wise quota
• Gujarat’s fixed quota of 5097 students

How Is the NMMS Scholarship Paid in Gujarat?

The process is:

• Student qualifies in NMMS exam
• Student registers on NSP (National Scholarship Portal)
• School and district nodal officer verify documents
• Ministry of Education approves the application
• SBI transfers scholarship directly to student’s bank account

Renewal Rules:

To continue receiving scholarship:

• Class 9 & 11: 55% marks (50% for SC/ST)
• Class 10: 60% marks (55% SC/ST)
• Must be promoted without gap
• Must remain a regular student
• Must not take up a job
• If there is a one-year gap, scholarship ends permanently and cannot be revived.

How to Apply Online for NMMS in Gujarat 2025–26

Here’s the simplest guide you’ll find:

• Visit www.sebexam.org
• Click on “Apply Online”
• Select NMMS (STD-8)
• Enter student name exactly as on Aadhaar
• Enter Aadhaar number
• Fill school details using the school’s U-DISE number
• Upload photo, signature, Aadhaar, certificates
• Submit the form and note your Application Number
• Confirm the application
• Go to Print Application & Fee Challan

Pay fee online using:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Net banking
• UPI
• Wallet

If fee gets deducted but receipt doesn’t generate, contact SEB within 24 hours.

What Is the Exam Fee for Gujarat NMMS 2025–26?

• ₹70 – General, OBC, EWS
• ₹50 – SC, ST, PH
• Service charge extra

Fee is non-refundable

Important Instructions for Schools

Schools are responsible for ensuring correct and complete applications

• All documents must be cross-checked
• District Primary Education Officers must ensure the circular reaches all schools by 10/11/2025

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Final Thoughts

The NMMS scholarship exam is a major opportunity for talented students who need financial support to continue their education. With a quota of over 5,000 scholarships, students who prepare well and apply correctly have a strong chance of receiving lifelong academic support.

Students, parents, and schools should follow deadlines, upload correct documents, and ensure Aadhaar details match to avoid issues during NSP registration.