Karnataka NMMS 2026-27: Class 8 scholarship exam on 20 December 2026 — apply by 30 October, ₹12,000 a year (Karnataka only)
Karnataka School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Council (KSQAAC), Department of School Education✓ Checked against the official notice ·
| Organisation | Karnataka School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Council (KSQAAC), Department of School Education |
| Qualification | Studying in Class 8 in 2026-27 in a government, aided or local body school; at least 55% in Class 7 (SC/ST 50%) |
| Pay scale | ₹1,000 a month (₹12,000 a year) for 4 years, Class 9 to 12 |
| Last date for online application | 30 October 2026 |
| Online application opened | 23 September 2026 |
| NMMS exam (both papers) | 20 December 2026 |
Online applications for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) 2026-27 exam opened on 23 September 2026 and close on 30 October 2026. The exam is on Sunday, 20 December 2026. Selected students receive ₹1,000 a month (₹12,000 a year) from Class 9 to Class 12. This is for Class 8 students in Karnataka’s government, aided and local body schools.
Who can apply?
Only students regularly studying in Class 8 in 2026-27 in a government, aided or local body school. They must have scored at least 55% (SC/ST 50%) or an equivalent grade in the Class 7 exam. The parents’ annual income must not exceed ₹3,50,000 (for all categories).
Who is not eligible?
Students of residential schools (Morarji Desai, Kittur Rani Chennamma, Navodaya, Vajpayee, Eklavya, KGBV, Ambedkar residential schools and similar), and of Kendriya Vidyalayas and Sainik schools, cannot apply. Students of private unaided schools are also not eligible. A student who applies against the rules will not be allowed to sit the exam.
The exam
Two papers of 90 multiple-choice questions each (OMR). Paper 1 is the Mental Ability Test (MAT); Paper 2 is the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with 35 science, 35 social science and 20 maths questions. Each paper is 90 minutes (30 minutes extra for children with special needs). It is held in Kannada, English, Urdu, Marathi and Telugu at taluk centres.
Selection and the scholarship
General and other backward class students need at least 40% on average across both papers, SC/ST students 32%. Selection is by district-wise rank, and the student must also score at least 55% (SC/ST 50%) in the Class 8 annual exam. Selected students get ₹1,000 a month (₹12,000 a year) for 4 years, up to second PUC, into their bank account, and must apply every year on scholarships.gov.in. To continue they need at least 55% in Classes 9 and 11 and 60% in Class 10 (5% relaxation for SC/ST).
How to apply
The school head / principal submits the application online on kseab.karnataka.gov.in (NMMS login). Parents should meet the head teacher of their child’s school early; the school and the circular say which documents are needed. The last date is 30.10.2026.
Official links
This information is taken from the official document linked above and explained in plain language. If you spot a mistake, tell us — we will check and correct it. Report a mistake →
FAQ
What is the last date for Karnataka NMMS 2026-27?
30 October 2026. Applications opened on 23 September 2026.
Can a student apply on their own?
No. The school head / principal must submit the application online.
How much is the scholarship?
₹1,000 a month, ₹12,000 a year, for 4 years from Class 9 to Class 12.
What is the family income limit?
Parents' annual income must not exceed ₹3,50,000, for all categories.
This is an unofficial information website and is not linked to any government department. Always confirm on the official website before applying.