The NMMS 2025-26 Scholarship Exam in Karnataka is a government initiative designed to support talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, currently studying in class 8 in government, aided, and local body schools across the state.
Purpose and Objectives
The main aim of the NMMS (National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship) is to provide financial assistance to meritorious, economically weaker students. By doing so, it seeks to reduce dropouts at the secondary school level and encourage students to continue their education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NMMS exam:
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Students must be regular class 8 students in government, aided, or local body schools during 2025-26.
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Parental annual income must not exceed ₹3,50,000.
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Students from residential schools (such as Morarji Desai, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Navodaya, Vajpayee, Eklavya, KGBV, Ambedkar hostels), Kendriya Vidyalaya, and Sainik Schools are not eligible.
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Minimum academic requirements: 55% marks (or equivalent grade) in class 7 for general/OBC students and 50% for SC/ST students.
Application Process
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Applications are accepted online via the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) website.
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Application window opens on September 10, 2025 and closes on October 15, 2025.
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School principals must submit student applications using the school’s U-DISE code for login.
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Supporting documents such as caste, income, and disability certificates need to be uploaded at the time of application.
Examination Format
The NMMS exam comprises two papers, both conducted on December 7, 2025:
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Paper 1: Mental Ability Test (MAT): 90 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes. Tests analytical and reasoning skills.
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Paper 2: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 90 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes. Covers science (35 questions), social science (35 questions), and mathematics (20 questions).
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Extra 30 minutes is provided for students with disabilities (CWSN).
Question Papers and Key Answers
Selection and Scholarship Details
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General/OBC students must score at least 40% in each paper, while SC/ST students need at least 32%.
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Selection is strictly merit-based as per reservation norms; final list is prepared by DSERT Karnataka.
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Successful candidates receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year (₹1,000 per month) for four years, until completion of secondary education.
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Scholarship is directly credited to the student's bank account.
Continuation of Scholarship
To receive scholarships after selection:
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Students must score at least 55% in classes 9 and 11, and 60% in class 10 (no minimum for SC/ST).
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Maintain at least 60% attendance each academic year.
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Scholarship is not available for students enrolling in ITI or diploma courses, or studying abroad.
Important Instructions for Schools
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Applications must only be filled by school principals using authentic data and proper documents.
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Principals should print and retain copies of the submitted applications and supporting documents for verification.
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Any discrepancies or eligibility violations may lead to disciplinary action against school authorities