Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme (CMMSS)

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme (CMMSS) is a merit-based scholarship scheme implemented by the Government of Jharkhand with the objective of providing financial assistance to eligible and meritorious students during their school education. The scheme is administered by the Directorate of Secondary Education under the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of Jharkhand. Under CMMSS, selected students receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year from Class 9 to Class 12, subject to the fulfilment of the prescribed academic and other conditions in subsequent academic years. This continued financial support enables meritorious students to pursue their higher secondary education without facing financial constraints and encourages them to maintain consistent academic performance.

Students are selected based on their academic performance as well as their performance in the prescribed competitive examination conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), Ranchi. The scheme provides for the selection of up to 5,000 students every year across the state, with a maximum of 400 students being selected from any single district. This district-wise ceiling ensures balanced representation from different parts of Jharkhand.

Under the CMMSS, Fresh and Renewal applications follow separate processes. Fresh applications are intended for students who are appearing in the selection process for the first time and wish to be considered for the scholarship. These applications are submitted online through the designated portal of the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC). On the other hand, students who have already been selected under the scheme are required to complete the renewal process each year for the continuation of their scholarship benefits. JAC issues separate Renewal Forms for different classes and academic years to facilitate this process.

In addition to CMMSS, the Government of Jharkhand also operates other scholarship schemes to support students at various levels of education. The Jharkhand Navothan Scholarship Scheme, which was approved through a Cabinet decision dated 14 October 2024, aims to provide encouragement and financial assistance specifically to orphan and disabled students. Another important scheme is the Jharkhand Manki Munda Scholarship Scheme, implemented by the Higher and Technical Education Department. This scheme provides scholarships to female students pursuing diploma and degree programmes in technical higher education institutions across Jharkhand, thereby promoting greater participation of girls in technical education.

Scheme Benefits

The major benefits available under the Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme (CMMSS) are as follows:

• Selected students receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year.
• The scholarship is provided from Class 9 to Class 12.
• Under normal circumstances, a student can receive a maximum of ₹48,000 over four years.
• Up to 5,000 students are selected at the state level every year.
• A maximum of 400 students can be selected from any one district.
• Under the revised provisions, there is no annual parental income limit.
• Selection is based on the prescribed merit/cut-off and performance in the competitive examination.
• The scheme aims to encourage academic competition among students and support their preparation for higher studies and competitive examinations.

Condition for Continuation of Scholarship

• Mere selection under the scheme is not sufficient. Students must fulfil the prescribed academic performance requirements for continuation of the scholarship in subsequent years.
• Securing the prescribed minimum of 60% marks in the annual examinations of Classes 9, 10 and 11 is an essential condition for continuation of the scholarship in the following year.

Eligibility Requirements

The main eligibility conditions for applying under the Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme are as follows:

• The student must be studying in an eligible school covered under the scheme in Jharkhand.
• The student must be studying in Class 8, as selection is made at the Class 8 level.
• The student must have secured the prescribed minimum marks in Class 7. For general-category students, the requirement is 55% marks.
• SC and ST students are provided a 5-percentage-point relaxation in the prescribed marks requirement.
• The student must obtain the prescribed minimum marks in the Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Selection Examination conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC).
• Students studying in the following types of schools are eligible to apply:
  • Government schools
  • Government-aided / recognised government schools
  • Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas
  • Model schools
  • Project schools
  • Minority schools
  • Unaided schools
  • Aided schools
• Under the current revised provision, there is no annual parental income limit.
• Final selection is made on the basis of the prescribed merit/cut-off and the number of available scholarship seats.

Minimum Qualifying Marks in the Examination

Students must secure the prescribed minimum marks in each section of the examination as follows:

• General-category students are required to obtain a minimum of 40% marks in each section.
• SC/ST students are provided relaxation in the prescribed minimum qualifying marks.
• For the combined examination, the minimum qualifying requirement is 60% for general-category students and 35% for SC/ST students.
• Final selection is based on the available number of scholarships and the prescribed merit/cut-off.

Documents Required

The following documents may be required while applying for the Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme:

• Aadhaar Card
• Proof of residence / Permanent Residence Certificate
• Bank account details
• Passport-size photograph
• School Identity Card
• Mark sheet of the previous class
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Mobile number

Steps to Apply

• Visit the official website of the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC).
• Scroll down to the “Recent Announcements” section and click on the CM Merit Scholarship Portal link.
• On the portal, select the “Application” option and enter your Class 8 JAC Roll Number to proceed.
• After entering the roll number, the available personal and academic details will appear on the screen. Carefully verify all the information.
• Fill in all the required fields in the application form correctly.
• If the Correspondence Address and Permanent Address are the same, select the relevant option.
• After filling the form, carefully review the complete application in the Preview section, as changes may not be possible after final submission.
• If all the information is correct, save the application and upload/update the photograph and signature as required.
• Finally, click on “Final Submit & Print Checklist” to submit the application.
• After successful submission, download and keep a printout of the application/checklist safely for future reference.

Renewal Process

• A renewal system is available for selected students to continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years.
• In 2026, JAC issued separate Renewal Forms for the First Year, Second Year, Third Year and Fourth Year.
• The renewal form requires the student's academic information and other prescribed details.
• Students must follow the relevant JAC notification and use the specific renewal form applicable to their year for continuation of the scholarship.

Relevant Links

• Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme Online Application Form
• Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi Portal
• Jharkhand School Education and Literacy Department Portal
• Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme Guidelines

Contact Information

• Jharkhand School Education and Literacy Department Contact Details
• Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi Helpline Number: 0651-2261181
• Jharkhand Academic Council, Ranchi Helpdesk Email: [email protected]