NMMS is a central government scholarship for Class 8 students from economically weaker sections. Students must be enrolled in a government or aided school and have passed Class 7 with a minimum of 55 marks (50 for SC/ST students). Annual family income must not exceed 3.5 lakh. Students of KVs, JNVs, Sainik Schools, and private schools are not eligible. Selected students get 12,000 per year from Class 9 to 12. The exam includes the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Registration usually opens around August–September, and the exam is held in November.