The Union Ministry of Education has extended the last date for submitting applications under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for 2026-27 to October 31, 2026.

The extension gives eligible students more time to apply on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and helps institutions complete verification, the ministry said. The portal has been accepting applications since June 1, 2026.

As of September 30, a total of 88,522 fresh and 1,97,133 renewal applications had been submitted. Students must complete One-Time Registration before applying.

Institute Nodal Officer (Level-1) verification must be completed by November 15, and District Nodal Officer (Level-2) clearance by November 30, according to the revised schedule.

The Central Sector scheme aims to curb dropout rates after Class VIII by financially aiding meritorious students from economically weaker sections through Classes IX to XII. It offers one lakh fresh scholarships each year of Rs 12,000 annually, for students in government, government-aided and local body schools whose parental income does not exceed Rs 3.5 lakh.