Bihar NMMSS Scholarship 2026: Apply Online, Dates, Eligibility Criteria & Exam Pattern
The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Patna has released the notification for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) 2026 for Bihar state. This central government-sponsored scholarship is implemented to support meritorious students of Class 8 who belong to economically weaker sections, helping them continue their secondary education from Class 9 up to Class 12.
- Scheme Name: National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMSS)
- Implementing Agency: SCERT, Patna, Bihar
- Scholarship Amount: ₹12,000 Per Annum (₹1,000 / month)
- Application Fee: Free (No Examination Fee)
- Application Mode: Online
- Student Status: Must be enrolled in Class 8 for the 2025-26 session
- School Type: Govt., Local Body, or Govt-aided school in Bihar
- Academic Requirement: Minimum 55% marks in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST)
- Annual Family Income: Not exceeding ₹3,50,000
- Exclusions: Students of KV, Navodaya, Sainik Schools, and Private Schools are not eligible
- Aadhaar Card of the Student
- Class 7th Report Card/Passing Certificate
- Income Certificate (Parental, matching criteria)
- Caste Certificate (For SC/ST/OBC category benefits)
- Disability Certificate (If applicable)
- School Certificate issued by the Headmaster
- Passport-size Photograph & Bank Account Details
- Online Application Starts: 26 January 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 15 February 2026
- School-level Verification: 26 Jan 2026 to 16 Feb 2026
- Admit Card Release Window: 05 March 2026 to 08 March 2026
- Written Examination Date: 08 March 2026
- Provisional Answer Key Release: 09 March 2026
- Objection Submission Window: Until 13 March 2026
The written test will be conducted on 08 March 2026 in two shifts as described below:
| Paper Name | Exam Timings | Extra Time for Disabled Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (First Shift) | 30 Minutes Extra (For visually impaired/writing-disabled) |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 01:00 PM to 02:30 PM (Second Shift) | 30 Minutes Extra (For visually impaired/writing-disabled) |
The selection process comprises two papers consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs):
| Test Type | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration | Qualifying % (General) | Qualifying % (SC/ST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | 90 | 90 | 90 Mins | 40% (36 Marks) | 32% (29 Marks) |
| SAT | 90 | 90 | 90 Mins | 40% (36 Marks) | 32% (29 Marks) |
Note: Visually challenged and writing-disabled candidates will get an additional 30 minutes of extra time for each session.
Eligible and interested candidates must submit their application forms online. Ensure all required steps are completed within the designated deadlines:
- Visit the official website of SCERT Bihar: scert.bihar.gov.in.
- Click on the "NMMSS Scholarship 2026 Online Application" portal link.
- Select the "New Registration" option, read the instructions, and fill in the initial candidate information.
- An application number and password will be generated and sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
- Log in using your credentials and fill up the detailed application form, including school details and marks from Class 7.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (caste certificate, income certificate, photograph, signature, etc.).
- Review the final form carefully, submit it, and download a printout of the application form for verification purposes by your school headmaster.
Important Links
1. What is the total scholarship benefit of NMMSS Bihar?
Selected students are awarded ₹1,000 per month, which totals ₹12,000 per year, for studying from Class 9 to Class 12.
2. What is the deadline to apply for Bihar NMMSS 2026?
The online application window closes on 15 February 2026. School level verification continues until 16 February 2026.
3. Can students of private schools apply for this scholarship?
No. Only students enrolled in Class 8 of government-run, government-aided, local body, or minority schools in Bihar can apply. Students from KVs, Navodaya, Sainik schools, and private institutes are not eligible.
4. What are the minimum qualifying marks required in the exam?
Candidates must score at least 40% in both MAT and SAT papers. For candidates belonging to SC/ST categories, the minimum qualifying mark is 32%.
5. When will the Bihar NMMSS 2026 exam be conducted?
The examination is scheduled to be held on 08 March 2026 across designated centers in Bihar.
