NEW DELHI: The Union Education Ministry has extended the last date for submission of applications under the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) for the academic year 2026-27 till November 15, an official said on Saturday, October 31, IANS reported. The extension gives eligible students additional time to complete their applications on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and lets the authorities complete verification in time, the official statement said.

Source: IANS, via HiIndia

Nov 15New last date to apply for NMMSS 2026-27 on the NSP
2,90,014Applications received by Oct 30 — 90,483 fresh + 1,99,531 renewals
Rs 12,000Scholarship per year, Classes 9 to 12
1 lakhFresh scholarships awarded every year

As of October 30, a total of 90,483 fresh applications and 1,99,531 renewal applications had been submitted under the scheme, the ministry said. The NSP has been open for student applications since June 1, 2026. Students who have already applied must ensure their applications are verified by the Institute Nodal Officer (Level 1) by November 30 and by the District Nodal Officer (Level 2) by December 15, under the revised schedule.

Source: Careers360, reporting the ministry statement

This is the third extension of the 2026-27 deadline: the ministry had earlier moved the last date to September 30 on September 1, and then to October 31 on October 1, according to the ministry's successive releases. The latest extension was announced on October 31, the day the previous deadline expired.

Source: Education Ministry releases, via PIB / Bilkul Online

The NMMSS provides one lakh fresh scholarships every year to eligible Class 9 students who qualify in the selection examination conducted by their State or Union Territory government, the ministry said. Worth Rs 12,000 a year and continuing through Classes 9 to 12, the scheme is aimed at meritorious students from economically weaker sections, encouraging them to continue their education beyond Class 8 instead of dropping out. Students can apply on the National Scholarship Portal at scholarships.gov.in before November 15. Sources: IANS reporting the Education Ministry statement, Careers360, and PIB via Bilkul Online.

Source: IANS, via HiIndia