New Delhi: The government has extended the last date for submission of applications under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for 2025-26 till September 30, an official release said on Tuesday.

The National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which opened for applications on June 2, allows eligible students to apply for the scheme after completing a one-time registration. As of August 30, 85,420 fresh applications and 1,72,027 renewal applications have been submitted, the Ministry of Education said.

Implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy, the NMMSS seeks to support meritorious students from economically weaker sections and reduce dropout rates after Class VIII. The scheme provides one lakh new scholarships every year to Class IX students selected through a state-level test, with renewals available up to Class XII based on academic performance.

Each beneficiary receives Rs 12,000 per annum, directly credited into their bank account through the Public Financial Management System under the DBT mode. Eligibility requires parental income not exceeding Rs 3.5 lakh per annum and a minimum of 55 per cent marks in Class VII, with a 5 per cent relaxation for SC/ST students.

The last date for verification of applications at the Institute Nodal Officer (Level-1) is October 15, while the District Nodal Officer (Level-2) verification deadline is October 31, the ministry added.