Pune: The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) examination for students from economically weaker sections is set to take place on December 22, as announced by the State Examination Council.

The application process for the exam has officially commenced, with students allowed to submit their applications until November 4 with the regular fee. The NMMS is a central scheme designed to provide financial assistance to deserving students to continue their education.

The NMMS exam, aimed at 8th-grade students, offers an annual scholarship of ₹12,000 to those who qualify. Students whose parents' annual income does not exceed ₹3.5 lakh are eligible to apply for the scholarship.

The selection process consists of a written test, which includes two sections: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). These tests assess students' reasoning abilities and academic knowledge, respectively. The exam will be available in eight different languages to ensure inclusivity.

To accommodate applicants, the Council has outlined three application phases: students can apply by November 4 with the regular fee, from November 5 to 9 with a late fee, and from November 10 to 14 with an extended late fee.

Schools will facilitate the application process through two official websites: http://www.mscepune.in and http://mscenmms.in.

The NMMS exam will be conducted statewide on December 22, with results expected to be declared in the first or second week of February 2024. This scholarship program aims to motivate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their education by offering financial support and recognition for their merit.