NMMS: syllabus, mock tests and practice

How the exam works

Mode: Pen-and-paper, multiple choice on an OMR sheet · Levels: Single state-level test in Class 8, in two parts: Part I Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Part II Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) · Duration: 90 minutes per paper; extra time for pupils with disabilities (Kerala: 30 extra minutes per paper) · Questions: MAT: 90 MCQs on verbal and non-verbal reasoning. SAT: 90 MCQs on Science, Social Studies and Mathematics as taught in Classes 7 and 8. Kerala 2026-27 split: Social Science 35, Basic Science 35, Basic Mathematics 20. · Marking: 1 mark per question, 90 per paper, 180 in total. The Kerala notice does not mention negative marking. To qualify: 40% aggregate across MAT and SAT (32% SC/ST), then merit within the state/district quota. · Language: Kerala: question papers in English, Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada (chosen on the application). Other states set their own media.

Who can apply

National rules (MoE revised guidelines, 2022): parental income from all sources no more than Rs 3,50,000 a year; at least 55% (or an equivalent grade) in the Class 7 exam, relaxed by 5% for SC/ST; a regular pupil in a government, government-aided or local-body school. Pupils in Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, government residential schools that provide boarding, and private schools are not eligible. To be selected, a pupil needs at least 40% across MAT and SAT together (32% for SC/ST), plus 55% in Class 8 at selection time (SC/ST 5% relaxation). Only one central scholarship can be held at a time. National renewal rule: clear promotion each year and at least 60% in Class 10 (SC/ST 55%). Kerala's 2026-27 notification adds: Class 7 grades are converted to a percentage (total grade points x 100/90). Documents needed are an income certificate, a caste certificate for SC/ST, a 40%+ disability medical board certificate for PwD, and a photo. Kerala has 3,473 scholarships a year, split by district, with SC 15%, ST 7.5% and PwD 4% reservation. Kerala's notice lists renewal as 55% in Class 9, 60% in Class 10 and 55% in Class 11 (SC/ST 5% lower). Ties are broken on MAT, then SAT Science, then Maths, then Social Science.

When it happens

Kerala's NMMSE 2026–27 exam is on 7 November 2026: MAT 10:00–11:30; SAT 13:30–15:00. Eligible PwD candidates get 30 extra minutes per paper. Registration was extended to 5 October 2026 at 17:00 and school-head verification to 7 October at 17:00; both are closed. The official homepage says admit cards have been published. Other States/UTs set their own dates: this is Kerala's schedule, not a national common exam date. Status checked 1 November 2026; times are IST.

• Kerala official notifications and extension
• 2026–27 official notification
• Candidate login/admit card

How to register

In Kerala, apply online at nmmse.kerala.gov.in, either yourself or through the school. Print the application and give it with the documents to the head teacher, who verifies it online before the deadline. Do not post anything to Pareeksha Bhavan. There is no fee. Selected pupils then apply (Class 9) and renew (Classes 10-12) on the National Scholarship Portal, scholarships.gov.in.

Official website, syllabus and sample papers

Links to the organiser's own pages. Past and sample papers are published there by the organiser.

• Kerala NMMSE portal (Pareeksha Bhavan) - apply, notifications, results
• Kerala NMMSE notifications list
• Kerala NMMSE 2026-27 notification (PDF, Malayalam)
• Kerala NMMSE how to apply
• Kerala NMMSE results
• Kerala NMMSE 2025 provisional answer key (MAT & SAT)
• SCERT Kerala - previous NMMSE (Class VIII) MAT/SAT papers 2015-2019
• SCERT Kerala NMMSS page
• MoE revised NMMSS guidelines (March 2022) on National Scholarship Portal
• National Scholarship Portal (apply/renew after selection)