National Merit Scholarships Scheme

The National Scholarship Scheme has been initiated by the Government of India since from 1961-62. The objective of this Scheme is to provide scholarships for post-metric studies to the brilliant but poor students so that they can pursue their studies inspite of their poverty. The Scholarship Scheme for Talented Children from Rural Areas for Class VI to XII is an on-going scheme since 1971-72 with the objective to achieve equalization of educational opportunities, and to provide fillip to the development of talent from rural areas by educating talented rural children in good schools. The schemes were implemented as Centrally Sponsored Schemes upto IX Plan. The Department has merged these schemes to form the ‘National Merit Scholarship Scheme’ for implementing within the approved outlay of Rs. 52.00 crores during the X Plan. The Revised Scheme prescribes changes in the eligibility criteria and rate of scholarships etc.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarships for classes IX & X will be open to students studying in Government schools in rural areas only. However, the scholarship from class XI to post-graduate level will be available throughout the State on state-wise merit basis for Indian Nationals.


• Only those students who obtained 60% or more marks in aggregate in the Science and Commerce stream and 55% or more marks in aggregate in Humanities Stream in the examinations (viz. class X, class XII, BSc, MBBBS and onwards) for which scholarships have been allocated will be considered for award of National Merit Scholarship subject to fulfillment of the other conditions stipulated.


• A student shall not receive any other scholarship/stipend for a course of study for which he is in receipt of National Merit Scholarship.


• A student in full time employment will not be eligible for award of a scholarship.

• A scholar under the scheme while availing scholarship can enjoy fee concession given by the institution in which he is studying.


• Candidates studying privately or in unrecognized institutions will not be eligible for scholarship. However, students studying in regular correspondence courses will be eligible subject to fulfillment of the condition regarding employment etc. laid down under the scheme.


• Candidates who have passed qualifying examination in a year prior to the year of award of scholarship will not be eligible for consideration.

Scholarship Details

1) Number of Fellowships

• For IX & X class
  • 2 scholarships per block maximum of 5381 blocks
• For post matric to postgraduate
  • 17000 (varies from year to year)

2) Duration - Post matric to postgraduate level

3) Value

• For IX & X class (in rural areas)
  • Rs.250 pm
• For XI and XII of 10+2 pattern
  • Rs.300 pm
• For Graduate (BA/ BSc/ BCom/ BArchaeology etc)
  • Rs.500 pm
• For Postgraduate
  • Rs.750 pm

Selection Procedure

1) For IX & X class

Based on the Block-wise merit list prepared on basis of marks obtained in VIII class examination in the designated schools in rural areas

2) For post matric to postgraduate

Based on state-wise merit list from the results of the following

• 10th Class/ Matriculation/ High school – For award of scholarships in +2 level/ pre-university/ pre-degree/ Intermediate level
• 12th Class of 10+2 pattern/ Intermediate/ Pre-university/ Pre-Degree – For award of scholarships in first year BA/ BSc/ BCom/ BArchchelogy etc.
• 12th Class of 10+2 pattern/ Intermediate/ Pre-university/ Pre-Degree – For award of scholarships in First year of Diploma/ Professional and Engineering studies/ Diploma in Hotel Management/ Diploma in Homeopathy/ BDS/ BTech/ MBBS
• Graduation – For award of scholarship for s\courses after graduation like LLB/ BEd/ Post graduation.

Others

For details of forms to be filled for availing the scholarships attached in Annexure.

Contact Details

District Inspector of School/Director of Education,
State/ UT Government or the respective college/university