The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has officially announced the schedule for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) Examination 2025-26.
This is a massive opportunity for meritorious students currently in Class 8th studying in Government or Aided schools. Selected candidates will receive a total scholarship of ₹48,000 over four years to support their education from Class 9th to 12th.
The Board has invited applications from eligible candidates across J&K. Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, the exam pattern, and how to apply before the deadline.
Who is Eligible for NMMSS 2025-26?
The scholarship is specifically targeting students from economically weaker sections who have a strong academic record. To apply, a student must meet the following strict criteria:
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Current Class: Must be a student of Class 8th.
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Winter Zone/Kashmir: Students who appeared in the Annual Exam in Oct-Nov 2025.
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Summer Zone Jammu: Students going to appear in the Annual Exam in March-April 2026.
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School Type: Must be studying in Government, Government-aided, or Local Body Schools only. (Private school students are not eligible).
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Minimum Marks: Must have secured at least 55% marks in the Class 7th examination (5% relaxation for SC/ST students).
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Income Limit: Parental income from all sources must not exceed ₹3.50 Lakh per annum.
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Domicile: Must be a domicile of the UT of J&K.
Scholarship Amount and Duration
The NMMSS is one of the most beneficial schemes for school students.
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Total Seats: 1068 Scholarships available for J&K.
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Amount: ₹12,000 per annum per student.
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Total Benefit: ₹48,000 (₹12,000 x 4 years) from Class 9th to Class 12th.
NMMSS Examination Pattern & Syllabus
To win the scholarship, students must pass a selection test conducted by JKBOSE consisting of two papers.
| Paper | Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| Paper-I | Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 90 | 90 | 90 Mins |
| Paper-II | Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 90 | 90 | 90 Mins |
Passing Criteria:
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General Category: Must secure at least 40% marks in aggregate (MAT + SAT taken together).
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SC/ST Category: Must secure at least 32% marks.
(Insert Image of Students taking an exam or OMR Sheet)
How to Apply for JKBOSE NMMSS 2025
The application process is offline via schools and Chief Education Officers (CEOs).
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Download Form: Visit the official JKBOSE website (
www.jkbose.nic.in) to download the prescribed application form. -
Fill Details: Complete the form and attach the required documents:
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Class 7th Marks Certificate.
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Income Certificate (Under ₹3.50 Lakh).
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Category Certificate (SC/ST), if applicable.
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Attestation: Get the form duly attested by the Head of your Institution.
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Submission: Submit the form to the office of your concerned Chief Education Officer (Designated District Nodal Officer).
Important Dates
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Last Date to Submit Form to CEO Office: 15th January 2026.
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Submission by CEOs to JKBOSE: Within 7 days of the closing date.
Conclusion
If you are a Class 8th student in a government school with good grades, do not miss this chance. A scholarship of ₹48,000 can significantly ease the financial burden of higher secondary education. Ensure your application reaches the CEO’s office by January 15, 2026, to avoid rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can private school students apply for JKBOSE NMMSS?
No. The scheme is strictly for students studying in Government, Government-aided, or Local Body schools.
2. What is the income limit for the NMMSS scholarship?
The total family income of the student must not exceed ₹3.50 Lakh per annum.
3. What is the last date to apply for the 2025-26 session?
The application form must reach the concerned Chief Education Officer’s office by or before 15th January 2026.
4. How much money will I get if selected?
Selected students receive ₹12,000 per year for four years (Class 9 to 12), totaling ₹48,000.
5. Is there a reservation for SC/ST students?
Yes. SC/ST students get a 5% relaxation in qualifying marks (Class 7th) and have a lower passing cutoff (32%) in the NMMSS exam. Reservation follows the UT of J&K policy.