A record 1,74,662 students have applied for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMS) examination in Uttar Pradesh this year, the highest in three years, reflecting growing interest among students from smaller districts in securing financial support for higher studies.
The number of applications has risen from 1,57,013 in 2024 and 1,57,381 in 2025, an increase of more than 17,000 this year, according to officials of the secondary education department. The NMMS scheme, launched by the Centre in 2008, seeks to reduce school dropouts after Class 8 by providing financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker sections. Successful candidates receive ₹ 1,000 a month from Classes 9 to 12. Students who passed Class 7 in the 2025-26 academic year with at least 55% marks, with a five-percentage-point relaxation for SC/ST students, are eligible to appear. Applicants must be studying in Class 8 in government, aided or local-body schools.
