The Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship Scheme is a government program. It helps outstanding students from low-income families with financial support. This program aims to help students who do well in school but need financial support for college.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship Scheme can change from state to state and from year to year. However, the general eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Academic Merit: Students must have secured a certain percentage of marks in their previous qualifying examination.
- Family Income: The family income of the student must be below a specified limit.
- Category: The student may belong to a specific category such as SC, ST, OBC, or General category.
- Enrollment: The student must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution.
Also Read: INSPIRE Scholarship: Application Steps & Renewal
Required Documents
To apply for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship, you may need the following documents:
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
- Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate or 10th class mark sheet.
- Proof of Category (if applicable): Caste certificate or disability certificate.
- Income Certificate: Issued by a competent authority.
- Fee Receipts: Proof of fee payment.
- Academic Certificates: Mark sheets of previous examinations.
- Bank Account Details: For direct benefit transfer.
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph.
Note: The exact dates may vary from state to state and year to year. Please refer to the official website of your state government or the relevant department for the most accurate information.
Information Table
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Students pursuing professional/technical courses at recognized institutions in India |
| Academic Requirement | Minimum 50% in qualifying exams |
| Income Limit | Annual family income should not exceed INR 2.5 lakh |
| Reservation | Priority given to minority students (Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi) |
| Scholarship Amount | Up to INR 20,000 per annum |
| Maintenance Allowance | INR 1,000/month for hostellers; INR 500/month for day scholars |
| Application Process | Apply online through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Selection Criteria | Based on merit and financial need |
| Application Timeline | Typically open from July to September |
| Renewal Requirements | Maintain required academic performance and attendance for renewal |
| Document Requirements | Income certificate, academic records, minority certificate, bank account details, etc. |
| Application Link | National Scholarship Portal |
| Last Updated | November 4, 2025 |
How to Apply for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship
The application process for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship may vary slightly from state to state. However, the general process involves the following steps:
- Online Application: Visit the official website of the concerned department or portal.
- Registration: Create a new user account or log in to an existing account.
- Application Form: Fill in the application form with accurate personal, academic, and financial information.
- Document Upload: Upload the required documents as per the specified format and size.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee, if any, as per the prescribed guidelines.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed application form before the deadline.
Also Read: IIM Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide
Tips for Applying for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship
- Read the Notification Carefully: Understand the eligibility criteria, important dates, and required documents.
- Prepare Documents in Advance: Keep all necessary documents ready to avoid last-minute hassle.
- Fill the Application Form Accurately: Provide correct and complete information to avoid rejection.
- Double-Check the Application: Review the application form for any errors or omissions.
- Submit on Time: Ensure timely submission of the application to avoid missing the deadline.
- Keep Track of the Application Status: Check the portal regularly for updates and notifications.
- Contact the Helpdesk: If you face any issues, contact the helpline or helpdesk for assistance.
FAQs
- Who is eligible for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship?
- Students from economically weaker sections who have secured good marks in their previous examinations are eligible.
- How can I apply for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship?
- The application process involves online registration and document submission on the designated portal.
- What documents are required for the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship?Please refer to the aforementioned necessary documents.
- When will the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship be disbursed?
- scholarship amount is usually disbursed directly to the student’s bank account after verification.
- What is the process for renewal of the Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship?The renewal process may involve re-verification of eligibility and submission of updated documents.
Conclusion
The Merit-Cum-Means Scholarship Scheme is a valuable initiative that provides financial support to deserving students. Students can improve their chances of getting this scholarship by understanding the eligibility criteria. They should also learn about the application process.
Additionally, knowing some key tips can help them succeed in achieving their higher education goals. This is crucial to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines to ensure a smooth application process.