The Directorate of Educational Research & Training (DERT), Meghalaya, Shillong has released the advertisement for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Examination 2026-27. The scholarship is open to eligible Class 8 students studying in government, government-aided, and local body schools across Meghalaya.
Under the DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026, selected students can receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year from Class 9 to Class 12. Therefore, eligible students should check the requirements carefully and submit their application through the prescribed process.
The NMMS Examination 2026-27 will be conducted on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The scholarship selection will be based on the state-level examination, eligibility conditions, and the prescribed qualifying marks.
DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Examination 2026-27 |
| Conducting Authority | Directorate of Educational Research & Training (DERT), Meghalaya |
| Location | Shillong, Meghalaya |
| Notification No. | No.DERT/NMMS/3/2026/1 |
| Notification Date | July 29, 2026 |
| Academic Session | 2026-27 |
| Eligible Class | Class VIII |
| Selection Quota | 231 students |
| Scholarship Amount | ₹12,000 per year |
| Monthly Amount | ₹1,000 per month |
| Scholarship Period | Class IX to Class XII |
| Examination Date | November 7, 2026 |
| Examination Mode | State-level competitive examination |
| Scholarship Disbursal | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
What is DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026?
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship is a scholarship scheme designed to provide financial support to eligible students and encourage them to continue their education after Class VIII.
For the DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026, the Ministry of Education, Government of India has allotted a selection quota of 231 students for Meghalaya.
Selected students will receive ₹12,000 annually, paid at the rate of ₹1,000 per month. The scholarship can continue from Class 9 through Class 12 if students meet the required continuation conditions.
DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Students should carefully check the eligibility requirements before applying. The main conditions are given below.
Educational Qualification
- The applicant must currently study in Class VIII during the 2026 academic year.
- The student must study in a State Government, Government-Aided, or Local Body School in Meghalaya.
- The student must have secured at least 55% marks in the Class VII Promotion Examination held in 2025.
- A 5% relaxation is available for SC/ST/OBC candidates. Therefore, eligible candidates from these categories need at least 50% marks.
Parental Income Limit
The total annual income of the candidate’s parents from all sources must not exceed:
₹3,50,000 per year
Applicants must provide a valid parental income certificate issued by the competent authority.
Who Cannot Apply?
Students studying in the following institutions are not eligible for the NMMS scholarship:
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs)
- Residential Schools run by the Central Government
- Residential Schools run by the State Government
- Private Schools
Therefore, students should verify their school type before submitting the application.
DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 Scholarship Amount
The selected students will receive ₹12,000 per annum.
The amount will be paid as follows:
- ₹1,000 per month
- ₹12,000 per year
- Scholarship period: Class IX to Class XII
- Payment will be made through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
Thus, students who continue to meet the scholarship conditions can receive financial assistance throughout Classes 9 to 12.
DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 Exam Pattern
The NMMS Examination consists of two objective-type papers. Candidates must qualify separately in both papers.
Paper-I – Mental Ability Test (MAT)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper | Mental Ability Test (MAT) |
| Questions | 90 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 90 |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Question Type | Objective Type |
Paper-II – Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) |
| Questions | 90 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 90 |
| Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Subjects | Science, Social Science and Mathematics |
NMMS Minimum Qualifying Marks
Candidates must obtain the minimum qualifying marks separately in both MAT and SAT.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General Category | 40% in each paper |
| SC/ST/OBC | 32% in each paper |
Therefore, students should prepare for both papers rather than focusing on only one section.
DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 Selection Process
The selection process is based on the state-level NMMS examination and the prescribed eligibility requirements.
The general process is:
- Check the eligibility criteria.
- Obtain and complete the NMMS application form.
- Attach all required documents.
- Submit the completed application to the concerned SDSEO office.
- Appear for the NMMS Examination on November 7, 2026.
- Qualify separately in MAT and SAT.
- Selection will be made against the Meghalaya quota of 231 students.
- Selected students can receive the scholarship through the National Scholarship Portal, subject to the continuation conditions.
Scholarship Continuation from Class 9 to Class 12
Selection in the NMMS examination does not mean that the scholarship will continue automatically until Class 12. Students must satisfy the continuation requirements.
Continuation Conditions
Selected students must:
- Secure clear promotion from Class IX to Class X on their first attempt.
- Secure clear promotion from Class XI to Class XII on their first attempt.
- Obtain at least 60% marks in the Class X Board Examination or equivalent examination.
- SC/ST candidates can receive a 5% relaxation in the Class X marks requirement.
Hence, students should continue to maintain good academic performance after receiving the scholarship.
Required Documents for DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026
Applicants must submit the completed hard-copy application form along with self-attested copies of the required documents.
Document Checklist
- Two recent passport-size photographs taken in school uniform.
- Class VII Mark Sheet/Report Card.
- SC/ST/OBC Category Certificate, where applicable.
- Disability Status Certificate, where applicable.
- Parental Income Certificate issued by the competent authority.
Important: Applications with incomplete information or without the required supporting documents may be rejected.
How to Apply for DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026
Eligible students should follow the prescribed application process carefully.
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- Download the official NMMS application form from the Education Department website or collect the form from the concerned SDSEO office.
- Fill in the candidate and school details correctly.
- Check all information before submitting the form.
- Attach the required documents and photographs.
- Self-attest the required copies wherever applicable.
- Submit the completed physical application form to the respective Sub-Divisional School Education Officer (SDSEO) office of your district.
- Submit the application within the designated deadline mentioned by the authority.
Students should keep a copy of the completed application and documents for future reference.
DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 Important Date
The important date currently mentioned in the advertisement is:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | July 29, 2026 |
| NMMS Examination | November 7, 2026 |
Students should check the official instructions for the application submission deadline because the application is submitted physically through the concerned SDSEO office.
Important Points for Students
Before applying for the DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026, students should remember these points:
- The scholarship is for eligible Class VIII students.
- The annual parental income must not exceed ₹3,50,000.
- General category students need 55% marks in Class VII.
- SC/ST/OBC candidates receive a 5% relaxation.
- The examination has MAT and SAT papers.
- Candidates must qualify separately in both papers.
- Meghalaya has a selection quota of 231 students.
- The scholarship amount is ₹12,000 per year.
- Scholarship payments are made through the National Scholarship Portal.
- Incomplete applications may be rejected.
- Students from private schools, KVs and JNVs are not eligible under the stated conditions.
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DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026?
DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 refers to the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination 2026-27 conducted for eligible Class VIII students in Meghalaya.
2. How much scholarship will selected NMMS students receive?
Selected students will receive ₹12,000 per year, paid at ₹1,000 per month, subject to the scholarship continuation conditions.
3. Who can apply for the Meghalaya NMMS Examination 2026-27?
Students currently studying in Class VIII in eligible State Government, Government-Aided, or Local Body Schools in Meghalaya can apply if they satisfy the prescribed academic and parental income conditions.
4. What is the parental income limit for DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026?
The total annual income of the student’s parents from all sources must not exceed ₹3,50,000.
5. When will the DERT Meghalaya NMMS 2026 examination be conducted?
The NMMS Examination 2026-27 is scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
