Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) exam for Class 8 students will be held on November 1, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm at centres in every district. The exam is conducted by Pariksha Niyamak Pradhikari (PNP), Uttar Pradesh, Prayagraj. Students who applied should download their admit card from entdata.co.in once it is released, and carry it to the exam centre.
Students who clear the exam get a central government scholarship of Rs 12,000 a year from Class 9 to Class 12. PNP’s website lists this cycle as the NMMS exam 2027-28. The online application window closed on September 29, 2026.
UP NMMS Exam 2026: Highlights
- Exam date: November 1, 2026
- Exam timing: 10 am to 1 pm (till 2 pm for divyang candidates)
- Conducting body: Pariksha Niyamak Pradhikari (PNP), Prayagraj
- Admit card: a few days before the exam, at entdata.co.in
- Papers: MAT and SAT, 90 questions each, no negative marking
- Scholarship: Rs 12,000 a year for Classes 9 to 12
UP NMMS 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application begins | August 18, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | September 29, 2026 |
| Correction window | September 30 to October 3, 2026 |
| Admit card release | A few days before the exam (expected) |
| Exam date | November 1, 2026 |
| Result | Expected by March 2027 |
UP NMMS Exam Pattern 2026
The exam has two parts, held in one sitting. All questions are multiple choice and carry one mark each. There is no negative marking.
| Paper | Questions | Subjects | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Mental Ability Test (MAT) | 90 | Reasoning and mental ability | 90 minutes |
| Part 2: Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) | 90 | Science (35), Social Science (35), Maths (20) | 90 minutes |
Divyang candidates get 120 minutes for each part. Under the central scheme norms, candidates are generally required to score at least 40% in MAT and SAT taken together to be considered for the merit list, and 32% for SC and ST candidates. Final selection is based on the state’s scholarship quota and category-wise merit.
How to Download UP NMMS Admit Card 2026
PNP says the admit card will be issued a few days before the exam. The exact release date has not been announced yet. Once it is out, follow these steps:
- Go to the PNP website, entdata.co.in.
- Open the NMMS 2027-28 link on the home page.
- Click on the admit card (pravesh patra) link.
- Enter your registration details as asked.
- Check your name, photo, roll number and exam centre.
- Download the admit card and take a printout.
Reach the centre at least 30 minutes before the exam. Use only a blue or black ball-point pen. Calculators and reference material are not allowed. For help, PNP lists the email [email protected]. Mention your registration ID, name and father’s name in the email.
NMMS Scholarship Amount and Eligibility
Selected students get Rs 12,000 a year, or Rs 1,000 a month, for four years from Class 9 to Class 12. The money is paid directly into the student’s bank account. To keep getting it, students must pass each class with the required marks. PNP’s notice mentions 60% marks in Class 10 for continuing the scholarship.
As per PNP’s instructions, students who could appear for the exam had to meet these conditions:
- Class: studying in Class 8 in a government, government-aided or local body school in UP.
- Class 7 marks: at least 55% in 2025-26, with 5% relaxation for SC and ST students.
- Family income: not more than Rs 3.5 lakh a year.
- Not eligible: students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, residential government schools and private schools.
After the Result: Apply on NSP
Clearing the exam alone does not release the money. Selected students must apply on the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) when the window opens, and renew the application every year till Class 12. Last year, PNP declared the UP NMMS result in March. Keep the final print of your online form safe, as it may be needed after selection.
UP NMMS Exam 2026 FAQs
When is the UP NMMS exam 2026?
The UP NMMS exam will be held on November 1, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm. Divyang candidates get time till 2 pm.
When will the UP NMMS admit card 2026 be released?
PNP says the admit card will be issued a few days before the exam. It will be available on entdata.co.in.
How many questions are there in the UP NMMS exam?
There are 180 questions in all. MAT has 90 questions and SAT has 90 questions. Each paper is 90 minutes long and there is no negative marking.
How much is the NMMS scholarship amount?
Selected students get Rs 12,000 a year, or Rs 1,000 a month, from Class 9 to Class 12.
What is the income limit for UP NMMS?
The annual family income must not be more than Rs 3.5 lakh.
Details are as reported from PNP’s NMMS notice and the central scheme guidelines. Students should confirm the admit card date and exam details on the official website, entdata.co.in.
