What is in the NMMS Class 8 syllabus for 2026-27?

21 topics in Mental Ability Test (MAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Basic Science, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Social Science and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Basic Mathematics, laid out subject by subject on this page. On SkillStar your child can tick off each topic as they learn it.

Are there NMMS Class 8 mock tests on SkillStar?

Yes, 22 mock tests. Each one is marked the moment your child finishes, with a question-by-question review, and can be taken again as often as they like.

Can I download NMMS Class 8 papers?

Yes. The NMMS Downloads tab on SkillStar has 25 files for this class.

How does my child start NMMS Class 8 practice?

Sign up free as a parent, add your child with their class, and pick NMMS from the exam list. Every new family gets welcome credits, lots of content costs nothing, and anything paid shows its price in credits before you decide.

NMMS Class 8 syllabus

The NMMS Class 8 syllabus for 2026-27, subject by subject: 21 topics to work through. On SkillStar, Class 8 children also get 22 mock tests marked instantly and sample papers to download.

Class: Class 8 (Grade 8)
Syllabus years: 2026-27
Topics: 21
Mock tests: 22
Downloads: 25

NMMS Class 8 syllabus 2026-27

Mental Ability Test (MAT)

Analogy: Spot the relationship between one pair of words, numbers or figures and apply it to another.
Classification (odd one out): Find the item that doesn't belong with the rest of the group.
Number and letter series: Work out the rule in a sequence and find the next or missing term.
Pattern perception: Complete or continue visual patterns and figure sequences.
Hidden and embedded figures: Find a small shape hidden inside a bigger, more complex picture.
Coding-decoding: Crack how words or numbers are coded and use the same code.
Reasoning and critical thinking: Verbal and non-verbal puzzles testing logic, such as order, direction and relations.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Basic Science

Physics basics: Motion, force, light, sound, heat, electricity and magnetism from Class 7-8 science.
Chemistry basics: Matter, elements and compounds, acids-bases, and everyday chemical changes.
Biology basics: Cells, plants, animals, the human body, health and microorganisms.
Environment: Ecosystems, natural resources, pollution and conservation.
Higher-order application: Kerala states SAT also includes thinking questions linked to lower-class topics.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Social Science

History: Ancient to modern India, the freedom movement and Kerala's history from Class 7-8 texts.
Geography: Earth, maps, climate, resources, India's and the world's physical features.
Civics and political science: Constitution, government, democracy, rights and duties.
Economics: Basic ideas of production, money, resources and development.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Basic Mathematics

Numbers and arithmetic: Integers, fractions, decimals, ratio, percentage and their word problems.
Algebra: Simple expressions, identities and linear equations from Class 7-8.
Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles, quadrilaterals and constructions.
Mensuration: Perimeter, area and volume of common shapes.
Data handling: Read and interpret simple tables and graphs, averages and basic probability ideas.

About the NMMS exam

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.

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.

Everything about NMMS →

NMMS Class 8: questions parents ask

What is in the NMMS Class 8 syllabus for 2026-27?: 21 topics in Mental Ability Test (MAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Basic Science, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Social Science and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - Basic Mathematics, laid out subject by subject on this page. On SkillStar your child can tick off each topic as they learn it.
Are there NMMS Class 8 mock tests on SkillStar?: Yes, 22 mock tests. Each one is marked the moment your child finishes, with a question-by-question review, and can be taken again as often as they like.
Can I download NMMS Class 8 papers?: Yes. The NMMS Downloads tab on SkillStar has 25 files for this class.
How does my child start NMMS Class 8 practice?: Sign up free as a parent, add your child with their class, and pick NMMS from the exam list. Every new family gets welcome credits, lots of content costs nothing, and anything paid shows its price in credits before you decide.
Is SkillStar the official NMMS website?: No. SkillStar is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the organisers of these exams. Exam names belong to their respective owners. Check dates, fees and registration with the NMMS organisers.

SkillStar is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the organisers of these exams. Exam names belong to their respective owners.