Ahmedabad: State Examination Board has announced the schedule for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) exam for the current academic year. The exam is tentatively scheduled for Dec 5, while the online application process will begin on Oct 15.Students can submit applications until Oct 24, according to the schedule. The online fee payment facility will remain open until Oct 26.Students selected under the Union education ministry-sponsored scheme will receive a Rs 12,000 annual scholarship for four years. The assistance is aimed at helping meritorious students from economically weaker sections continue their education up to Class 12 and reducing dropout rates.Students currently studying in Class 8 at govt, local-body or grant-in-aid schools are eligible to apply. General and OBC category students must have secured at least 55% marks, or an equivalent grade, in Class 7.SC and ST students must score at least 50%.The annual income of a student’s parents or guardians must not exceed Rs 3.5 lakh.Gujarat has been allotted a quota of 5,097 students under the scheme. Selected students will receive Rs 1,000 per month (Rs 12,000 annually) directly into their bank accounts after registration and verification on the National Scholarship Portal.The exam fee is Rs 70 for general, EWS and OBC category students and Rs 50 for SC, ST and PH category candidates. Fees will be accepted only through online payment.The exam will have two sections: Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Each section will comprise 90 multiple-choice questions carrying 90 marks. There will be no negative marking.Applicants must ensure their names match the details on their Aadhaar cards and that the information matches U-DISE records. They must upload copies of their income and caste certificates, Class 7 marksheet and Aadhaar card.Schools will be responsible for completing students’ online applications within the stipulated deadline.
