With the aim of encouraging students to receive quality education, the central government has launched the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme. Under this scheme, eligible students in the eighth grade are awarded a scholarship of 12,000 rupees annually from ninth to twelfth grade. This scheme has proven to be a significant support, especially for students from economically weaker sections, and the scholarship exam held in December is currently a topic of discussion across the country.
A total of 90 questions are asked in the examination of this scheme, which test reasoning and logical ability under the educational aptitude test. These questions are based on subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, and both papers are conducted on the same day. Students who succeed in the examination receive assistance of a total of 48,000 rupees for four years, providing significant relief to students who might drop out after the eighth grade. In a state like Maharashtra, millions of students are preparing to take this exam, and special awareness campaigns are being conducted in schools in rural areas.
The eligibility criteria for the scholarship are also clear. Students must have obtained at least 55% marks in all subjects for the eighth grade, and the family annual income should not exceed 3.5 lakh rupees. Only students from recognized schools can apply, as stated by the central government. The application process is available online, and guidance is provided by the school and district education department. A large number of applications have been registered from various districts in Maharashtra, including Pune, Mumbai, Nashik, and Nagpur.
Through this scheme, the government is empowering the education of students from weaker sections, and once the results are announced after the examination, the selected students will receive the amount directly in their accounts. Preparation for this exam has now started vigorously in study groups and coaching centers, and there is enthusiasm among parents as well. Experts advise students to apply in time and start preparing so that this opportunity is not missed.