The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) gives Rs 12,000 a year to bright Class 8 students from low-income families in West Bengal, to help them continue their studies. Students apply through the state portal banglarshiksha.wb.gov.in and take a written test. Last checked October 2026.
The state quota is 7,250 scholarships a year, according to the West Bengal instructions. For the 2026 cycle, the application window (till 16 September 2026) has already closed, but this guide will help you plan for next year.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who applies | Class 8 students in government, aided, government-sponsored or local body schools, including non-residential madrasahs |
| Minimum marks in Class 7 | 55 per cent (5 per cent relaxation for SC, ST and disabled candidates) |
| Parental income limit | Below Rs 3,50,000 a year |
| Amount | Rs 12,000 per year (Rs 1,000 per month), as reported by Buddy4Study |
| Quota for West Bengal | 7,250 |
| Portal | banglarshiksha.wb.gov.in |
| 2026 exam date (reported) | 12 December 2026 |
Eligibility
According to the official West Bengal instructions (which we read for the 2025 exam), a student must meet these conditions.
- Study in Class 8 in a government, government-aided, local body or government-sponsored school, or in a non-residential madrasah.
- Have scored at least 55 per cent in the Class 7 final examination, with a 5 per cent relaxation for SC, ST and disabled students.
- Have a parental income of less than Rs 3,50,000 a year from all sources.
- Hold a bank account in the student’s own name. A joint account is allowed if the student is the first holder.
Students of Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, state-run residential schools and private schools are not eligible.
Exam pattern
The test is held in two papers on the same day. There is no prescribed syllabus; questions are at Class 7 and Class 8 level, and there is no negative marking.
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 90 | 90 | 90 minutes |
| Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 90 | 90 | 90 minutes |
SAT covers mathematics, physical science, life science, history and geography. Reported qualifying marks are 40 per cent in each paper for general candidates and 32 per cent for SC, ST and disabled candidates. Students with disabilities get extra time.
Amount and duration
Buddy4Study reports Rs 12,000 per year, paid by direct benefit transfer for Classes 9 to 12. Renewal each year depends on the student passing and maintaining the required marks, as laid down in the scheme. The official page we read did not state the amount, so confirm it on the portal.
How to apply
- Register on banglarshiksha.wb.gov.in under the scholarship section using a mobile number and email ID. Each can be used once. Note the registration number and password.
- Log in and fill in the form. Upload a passport-size photo (JPG, below 50 KB, plain light background, no selfies). A 14-digit OTR number can be entered if you have one.
- Save, lock and print the form.
- Get the Head of School to sign and stamp the certificate.
- Upload the signed certificate, income certificate and a caste or disability certificate where relevant, each as a PDF below 200 KB.
- Click “Finalize application”. Without this step no admit card is issued.
Check your email and the portal for corrections. Rejected forms may be reopened for a short time for fixes.
Documents
- Class 7 marksheet
- Parental income certificate (the format and issuing authority are in the instructions)
- Caste certificate for SC, ST and OBC students
- Disability certificate of 40 per cent or more, if applicable
- Bank account details and Aadhaar details or enrolment ID
Dates for the 2026 cycle
Buddy4Study reports that the 2026 form opened on 28 July and closed on 16 September 2026, with the exam on 12 December 2026 and the result in April 2027. That page has some internal inconsistencies, such as admit card timing, so rely on the portal for confirmation. The official instructions we read were for the 2025 cycle (exam on 21 December 2025).
Tips for the next cycle
Start the income certificate early because it takes time. Ask your school to guide you, since the school head must sign and verify the form. Practise older mental ability questions and take at least a couple of timed tests of 90 minutes.
Conclusion
NMMS in West Bengal is a useful support for bright students from modest families. The key steps are 55 per cent in Class 7, an income below Rs 3,50,000, a timely online form signed by the school, and good preparation for the MAT and SAT papers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the NMMS scholarship amount in West Bengal?
Buddy4Study reports Rs 12,000 per year (Rs 1,000 per month) for Classes 9 to 12. Verify the current amount on banglarshiksha.wb.gov.in.
What is the income limit for NMMS in West Bengal?
The official instructions say parental income must be below Rs 3,50,000 per year from all sources.
Can private school students apply for NMMS?
No. Students of private schools, KVs, JNVs and state residential schools are not eligible.
How many marks are needed in Class 7?
At least 55 per cent, with a 5 per cent relaxation for SC, ST and disabled students.
Is there negative marking in the NMMS exam?
No. Each of the two papers (MAT and SAT) has 90 questions of one mark each with no negative marking.
