Workshop Aims to Boost V for Students
On December 6, 2025, the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education convened a crucial one-day workshop with officials from States and Union Territories. The aim was to assess the performance of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) and develop more effective strategies for its implementation.
The workshop kicked off with a detailed presentation from the Ministry, outlining the key features of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, which stands as one of the ministry’s pivotal Central Sector Schemes. This initiative awards 100,000 fresh scholarships annually to deserving students from economically weaker sections (EWS). The main goal of the scheme is to reduce dropout rates after Class VIII and to motivate students to complete their education up to Class XII.
During the session, officials emphasized the necessity of close partnership between the Central Government and State and UT administrations. It was recommended that efforts be intensified to enhance outreach, improve service delivery, and ensure that the scholarship program effectively reaches those eligible beneficiaries.
The workshop included a comprehensive review of the NMMSS’s performance from the years 2021-22 to 2024-25. Participants discussed various aspects such as quota utilization, the administration of the NMMSS examination, and the challenges surrounding scholarship renewals. Stakeholder consultations took place with State and UT Nodal Officers in a hybrid format, facilitating collaboration and feedback.
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme is specifically designed to assist academically gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds. Each year, around 100,000 scholarships are awarded to students entering Class IX, which can be renewed through to Class XII. Eligibility extends to those studying in Government, Government-aided, and local body schools. Students can apply for the scholarship if their parental income does not exceed ₹3,50,000 per annum. Furthermore, candidates must achieve at least 55% marks in Class VII to qualify for the selection test, with a 5% relaxation granted for SC and ST students.
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