Awareness Session on National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)
The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education recently conducted an Orientation and Training Program for District Nodal Officers (DNOs) and Institute Nodal Officers (INOs) in Chhattisgarh. Held on September 20, 2025, the program focused on the National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS), which aims to support students from economically weaker sections in completing their secondary education. With an annual quota of 2,246 scholarships allocated to Chhattisgarh, the training emphasized the importance of timely application verification to ensure deserving students receive their scholarships promptly.
Understanding the National Means cum Merit Scholarship Scheme
The NMMSS is a merit-based scholarship initiative fully funded by the Government of India. It is designed to assist students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in completing their education from Class IX to XII. During the training session, officials highlighted that Chhattisgarh has a specific quota of 2,246 fresh scholarships available each year. This initiative aims to alleviate financial barriers for students, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without undue hardship.
The scholarship program has been integrated into the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) since the 2018-19 academic year. Students who qualify based on merit after completing Class VIII must register on the NSP using their Aadhaar card or that of their parents or guardians. This streamlined process is intended to facilitate access to scholarships for eligible students.
Application Process and Verification
The training program underscored the critical need for DNOs and INOs to ensure timely verification of student applications on the NSP. This verification process is essential for ensuring that deserving students receive their scholarships without delay. Participants were instructed to guide students through the One Time Registration (OTR) process on the NSP, which is a prerequisite for applying for the scholarship.
It was emphasized that students should apply exclusively for the NMMSS and not for any other scholarship schemes available on the portal. This is crucial because students can only receive one scholarship at a time; applying for multiple scholarships will result in their applications being rejected as duplicates. The training provided detailed guidance on how to navigate the NSP and complete the application process effectively.
Key Training Highlights and Participation
The orientation session addressed several important topics, including the generation of OTR, the application process for the scholarship scheme, and the verification procedures at both the INO and DNO levels. Additionally, the session allowed for open discussions where DNOs and INOs could raise any queries they had regarding the scholarship process.
A total of 67 DNOs and INOs participated in the training program. The event also recognized the efforts of three outstanding DNOs, who received special awards for their exemplary performance. The DoSEL team provided hands-on training to the participants, equipping them with the necessary skills to assist students in registering for the NMMSS and navigating the NSP effectively.
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