A Beginner’s Guide to NMMS Exam Preparation

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) is a centrally sponsored scholarship scheme for students studying in class 8th. It aims to provide financial assistance to meritorious students who come from economically weaker sections of the society, to continue their education at secondary stage. The exam is conducted by the State/UT Governments, and students who qualify for the exam can get a scholarship of Rs. 12,000 per annum for the remaining four years of their secondary education.

Preparing for the NMMS exam can be a daunting task, especially for beginners who are not familiar with the exam pattern and syllabus. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide for beginners to help them prepare for the NMMS exam.

1. Know the Exam Pattern: The NMMS exam is conducted in two stages – Stage I and Stage II. Stage I is conducted by the State/UT Governments, and it is a state-level exam. Students who qualify in Stage I are eligible to appear for Stage II, which is conducted by the NCERT. The exam pattern for both the stages is as follows:

Stage I:

• Mental Ability Test (MAT): 90 questions for 90 marks
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 90 questions for 90 marks

Stage II:

• Mental Ability Test (MAT): 90 questions for 90 marks
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): 90 questions for 90 marks

2. Know the Syllabus: It is essential to know the syllabus for the NMMS exam to prepare effectively. The syllabus for both Stage I and Stage II is as follows:

• Mental Ability Test (MAT): Analogies, Classification, Series, Pattern Perception, Hidden Figures, Coding-Decoding, Problem Solving, etc.
• Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT): Science, Mathematics, Social Science, English, etc.

3. Make a Study Plan: A study plan is crucial for effective preparation. Make a timetable that suits your schedule and stick to it. Allocate enough time for each subject and topic.
4. Study Material: Get the right study material. NCERT textbooks are a great source of information for the SAT portion of the exam. There are also various reference books available in the market for both MAT and SAT.
5. Practice: Practice is the key to success in any exam. Solve as many sample papers, previous year papers, and mock tests as possible. It will help you get familiar with the exam pattern and also improve your speed and accuracy.
6. Time Management: Time management is essential while attempting the exam. During the exam, try to allocate your time wisely between the two sections. Do not spend too much time on one question; move on to the next one if you get stuck.
7. Revision: Revision is essential for retaining what you have learned. Revise the topics regularly, especially the ones you find difficult.
8. Stay Motivated: Finally, stay motivated throughout the preparation. Keep a positive attitude, and do not get disheartened by setbacks. Take breaks to avoid burnout and keep yourself refreshed.

9. Understand the Exam Format: Understanding the exam format is crucial for effective preparation. The exam comprises objective-type questions with multiple choices. There is no negative marking, so attempt all the questions.
10. Improve Vocabulary: To score well in the English section, it is essential to have good vocabulary. Read newspapers, novels, and magazines to improve your vocabulary.
11. Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers is an excellent way to prepare for the exam. It will help you get familiar with the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked in the exam.
12. Take Breaks: Taking breaks in between the study sessions is essential to avoid burnout. Take short breaks after every hour of study and indulge in activities that refresh your mind, like listening to music, taking a walk, or playing a game.
13. Stay Healthy: A healthy body and mind are essential for effective preparation. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet.
14. Seek Guidance: If you are stuck on a topic or have doubts, do not hesitate to seek guidance from your teachers or mentors. They can help you understand the topic better and clear your doubts.
15. Stay Calm: Finally, staying calm and composed during the exam is essential. Do not panic if you do not know the answer to a question. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and attempt the next question.

In conclusion, the NMMS exam is an excellent opportunity for students to continue their education without financial constraints. Effective preparation is essential to qualify for the exam and avail of the scholarship. Following the above tips will help beginners prepare effectively for the NMMS exam.