NMMS Exam Pattern 2026 – Detailed Paper-Wise Marks, Subjects, and Qualifying Criteria
The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Exam 2026 will be conducted to identify and support meritorious students from economically weaker sections. To help students prepare effectively, here’s the complete NMMS Exam Pattern 2026, including subject-wise marks distribution, total duration, and qualifying percentage.
NMMS Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The NMMS 2026 examination consists of two papers:
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
Both papers will have Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), and each question carries one mark.
Paper Name
Total Questions
Total Marks
Duration
Negative Marking
Mental Ability Test (MAT)
90
90
180 minutes (combined)
No negative marking
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
90
90
180 minutes (combined)
No negative marking
NMMS Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Syllabus & Marks Distribution
The SAT paper tests students’ knowledge in subjects like Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics from Classes VII and VIII. The subject-wise marks allocation is as follows:
Subject
Marks
Physics
12
Chemistry
11
Biology
12
Mathematics
20
History
10
Geography
10
Political Science
10
Economics
5
Total
90 Marks
NMMS Exam Duration 2026
The total duration for both MAT and SAT combined is 180 minutes (3 hours).
Students should carefully manage their time between reasoning-based and subject-based questions.
NMMS Qualifying Marks 2026
To qualify in the NMMS Exam 2026, candidates must secure the minimum percentage as per their category in both tests (MAT and SAT) combined.
Category
Qualifying Percentage
Minimum Marks (Out of 90)
General, BC, PH
40%
36 marks
SC, ST
32%
29 marks
Note:
Students must qualify in both the MAT and SAT papers with the required aggregate percentage to be eligible for the NMMS scholarship.
Key Highlights of NMMS Exam Pattern 2026
Total Papers: 2 (MAT & SAT)
Total Marks: 180 (90 + 90)
Duration: 180 minutes (combined)
Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Negative Marking: No
Eligibility: Must pass both tests with the minimum required percentage
❓ FAQs on NMMS Exam Pattern 2026
Q1. How many papers are there in NMMS Exam 2026?
There are two papers – Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
Q2. What is the total duration of NMMS 2026 exam?
The total duration for both papers is 180 minutes (3 hours).
Q3. Is there any negative marking in NMMS 2026?
No, there is no negative marking in the NMMS examination.
Q4. What is the qualifying percentage for NMMS Exam 2026?
For General, BC, PH candidates – 40% (36 marks), and for SC/ST candidates – 32% (29 marks).
Q5. Which subjects are included in NMMS SAT paper?
The SAT paper includes Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Mathematics, History, Geography, Political Science, and Economics.
