Overview
- The Ministry of Education announced Thursday that the National Means‑cum‑Merit Scholarship Scheme application window on the National Scholarship Portal has been extended to October 31, 2026.
- The ministry also set a revised verification timetable with institute (L1) checks due by November 15, 2026 and district (L2) checks due by November 30, 2026.
- Students must complete One‑Time Registration on the NSP before applying and submit applications only through the portal so institutes and districts can carry out L1 and L2 verifications.
- Ministry data show partial uptake so far, with 88,522 fresh and 197,133 renewal applications recorded through September 30, 2026, and the extension is intended to raise late applications and allow full vetting before payments.
- The NMMSS awards 100,000 fresh scholarships to eligible Class 9 students each year, provides Rs 12,000 per year via direct benefit transfer, renews support through Class 12 subject to academic rules, and caps parental income at Rs 3.5 lakh for eligibility.