The West Bengal National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (WB NMMS) is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It is aimed at financially supporting meritorious students from economically weaker sections studying in class 8. The goal is to reduce dropout rates after class 8 and encourage them to continue their education at least till class 12.
Who Can Apply for WB NMMS? (Eligibility Criteria)
Who is eligible for the WB NMMS Scholarship?
Academic qualification
To be eligible, students must:
- Be studying in class 8 in a government, government-aided, or local body school.
- Have scored at least 55% marks in class 7 final exams (5% relaxation for SC/ST students).
Income criteria
The annual family income from all sources should not exceed ₹350,000.
School eligibility
Students from
- Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs),
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs),
- Private or Residential schools,
are not eligible to apply for this scholarship. rship.
What is the selection process?
The selection is done through a state-level written examination conducted by the School Education Department of West Bengal. The exam has two papers—Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), both containing 90 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) worth 90 marks each. There is no negative marking. Students must score at least 40% in each paper to qualify (35% for SC/ST).
The MAT evaluates logical reasoning and general intelligence, while the SAT covers subjects like mathematics, science, and social science based on the class 7 and 8 syllabus of the WBBSE board.
What is the scholarship amount and duration?
| Level of Study | Amount (Per Annum) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Class 9 to 12 | ₹12,000 | 4 years (renewable) |
Students receive ₹1,000 per month for 12 months every year.
How is the scholarship amount disbursed?
The money is transferred directly to the student’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) after verification.
Important dates for WB NMMS
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification release | August–September |
| Online application starts | September–October |
| Last date to apply | November |
| Admit card release | December |
| Exam date | January |
| Result declaration | March–April |
What are the exam syllabus and pattern?
The exam consists of two papers—MAT and SAT, each having 90 questions with 90 marks.
There is no negative marking.
| Paper | Subject Area | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT | Reasoning & Mental Ability | 90 | 90 |
| SAT | Maths, Science, SST | 90 | 90 |
Time: 90 minutes per paper
How to Apply for WB NMMS? (Application Process)
The application is entirely online and should be submitted through the official website. Students must register first, then fill in details like personal information, school data, marks obtained, Aadhaar number, and bank details. Uploading documents is mandatory, and they must be clear and valid.
What Documents Are Required?
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passport-size Photo | Recent, good-quality image |
| Income Certificate | Proves that the family income is below ₹3.5 lakh |
| Caste Certificate (if any) | Needed for SC/ST/OBC category relaxation |
| Class 7 Marksheet | Must meet minimum percentage requirements |
| Aadhaar Card | For identification and authentication |
| Bank Passbook | For DBT; account must be active and match name |
How to Prepare for the Exam?
To crack the NMMS exam, students should regularly practice reasoning and aptitude questions for the MAT section. For the SAT, revising subjects like mathematics, science, and social studies from the WBBSE class 7 and 8 syllabus is essential. Solving sample papers, taking mock tests, and reviewing past years’ questions will help improve performance.
What happens after selection?
- Selected students will receive an award letter.
- They must submit the bank account details and renewal forms yearly.
- The continuation of the scholarship depends on:
- Minimum marks in each class (usually 55%)
- Regular attendance
- Good conduct and discipline
Can students from private schools apply?
No, students from private or central government schools like KVs, JNVs, Sainik Schools, and other residential/private institutions are not allowed to apply.
Common mistakes to avoid during application
- Uploading blurry or incorrect documents
- Choosing the wrong school type
- Submitting incomplete forms
- Giving bank details with inactive/inaccurate information
Final tips for applicants
- Start your preparation early, especially in reasoning and general awareness.
- Make sure all documents are up-to-date before applying.
- Double-check your application before submitting it.
- Practice previous years’ papers to get a grip on the question format.
How to download the admit card?
- Go to scholarships.wbsed.gov.in
- Click on “Download Admit Card”
- Enter your registration ID and DOB
- Download and print the admit card
Apply Now:- official WB scholarship portal
FAQs
1. Is NMMS available for class 9 students?
No. Only students currently studying in class 8 can apply for NMMS.
2. Can a student lose the scholarship after selection?
Yes, if they fail to maintain minimum academic performance or discipline in higher classes, the scholarship may be withdrawn.
3. Is there any exam fee to apply for NMMS West Bengal?
No, the application and exam process is completely free of cost.
4. Can I edit my application form after submission?
Once submitted, you cannot edit the form. Fill carefully and review before final submission.
5. Do I need to reapply every year for the scholarship?
Yes, you need to renew the scholarship every year by submitting your mark sheet and related documents.
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