6,015 Tamil Nadu Students Secure NMMS Scholarship
A total of 6,015 Class 8 students from Tamil Nadu have been selected for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) for the academic year 2024-2025. The announcement was made by the Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE).
The students will now be eligible for a scholarship of ₹12,000 per annum from Class 9 to Class 12, subject to maintaining academic performance and eligibility criteria.
What is the NMMS Scholarship?
The NMMS Scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aims to prevent dropouts at the secondary level among students from economically weaker backgrounds. It encourages continuation of education beyond Class 8 by providing annual financial assistance.
The scheme is awarded based on a national-level exam, which tests students’ scholastic aptitude and mental ability.
Exam Held in December, Results Released in April
The NMMS exam for Tamil Nadu was conducted in December 2024 across multiple centers. Over 1.5 lakh students appeared, with the final list of 6,015 selected candidates announced in April 2025.
The selected students will now be monitored by their respective schools to ensure performance benchmarks are met to continue receiving the scholarship annually.
District-Wise Merit List Highlights
Several districts like Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, and Tirunelveli reported a high number of qualified candidates. Rural government and aided schools also saw a significant rise in successful students, showcasing improved outreach and academic performance in under-served regions.
Eligibility & Benefits of NMMS
To qualify for NMMS:
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Students must study in government or government-aided schools.
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Annual family income should be below ₹3.5 lakh.
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Students must have scored at least 55% in Class 7 (50% for SC/ST).
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The scholarship is ₹1,000 per month for four years.
Government Praises Students and Schools
Education department officials and ministers have congratulated the students, parents, and teachers for this achievement. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department said it will continue to identify and nurture academic talent through special coaching and awareness drives about scholarships.
This success is seen as a reflection of Tamil Nadu’s consistent investment in school-level education reforms and student support programs.
Conclusion
With over 6,000 students qualifying for the NMMS scholarship, Tamil Nadu continues to lead in promoting educational equity and academic excellence. The scholarship not only supports students financially but also motivates them to continue higher education and pursue their dreams.
