Introduction Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme (CMMSS) is a merit-based scholarship program implemented by the School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand to encourage academically talented students and support their secondary and higher secondary education. The scheme provides financial assistance to deserving students studying in Classes 9 to 12, helping them continue their education without financial barriers. Selection under the scheme is made through the Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Examination conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), Ranchi. Every year, up to 5,000 students across the state are selected based on merit, with a district-wise limit to ensure balanced representation. Students who qualify receive a scholarship of ₹12,000 per year from Class 9 onwards, subject to fulfillment of renewal conditions. The scheme covers students from various categories of schools, including government, aided, minority, project, model, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, and recognized educational institutions. Unlike many scholarship schemes, there is currently no parental income restriction, allowing deserving students to compete purely on academic merit. To continue receiving benefits until Class 12, scholarship holders must maintain the prescribed academic performance in each academic year. Through regular financial support and recognition of merit, the scheme aims to motivate students toward higher education and competitive examinations while promoting academic excellence across Jharkhand. Benefits Scholarship assistance of ₹12,000 per year. Financial support from Class 9 to Class 12. Total scholarship benefit of up to ₹48,000 over four years. Up to 5,000 students selected annually across Jharkhand. No parental income limit under the revised provisions. Selection based on merit and scholarship examination performance. Supports continuation of secondary and higher secondary education. Encourages academic excellence and healthy competition among students. Available to students from multiple categories of recognized schools. Renewal facility available subject to academic performance requirements. Eligibility Applicant must be studying in an eligible school located in Jharkhand. Student should be studying in Class 8 at the time of application. General category students must have secured at least 55% marks in Class 7. SC/ST students are eligible for relaxation in minimum qualifying marks. Applicant must appear in the Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Examination conducted by JAC. Student must secure the prescribed qualifying and merit marks in the examination. Students from government, aided, minority, model, project, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, and recognized schools are eligible. No annual family income limit is applicable. For scholarship renewal, students must secure at least 60% marks in annual examinations of subsequent classes. Documents Aadhaar Card. Passport-size Photograph. Residence Certificate. School Identity Card. Previous Class Marksheet. Bank Account Details/Passbook. Caste Certificate (if applicable). Disability Certificate (if applicable). Mobile Number. Any other document required by JAC or the department. Process to Apply Visit the official Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) Portal. Open the Chief Minister Merit Scholarship application link. Enter the Class 8 JAC Roll Number and proceed. Verify the pre-filled academic and personal details. Fill in the remaining required information. Upload photograph and other required details. Review the application carefully before submission. Submit the application online. Download and print the application acknowledgement for future reference. Selected students must complete renewal formalities every year to continue receiving the scholarship. Important Links and Contact CMMSS Online Application Portal Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) School Education and Literacy Department, Jharkhand Department Contact Details Helpline Number: 0651-2261181 Email: secretary.jac2003@gmail.com Department: Directorate of Secondary Education, School Education and Literacy Department, Government of Jharkhand FAQs Q1. What is the Jharkhand Chief Minister Merit Scholarship Scheme?It is a merit-based scholarship scheme that provides financial assistance to selected students from Class 9 to Class 12. Q2. How much scholarship is provided under the scheme?Selected students receive ₹12,000 per year. Q3. Who conducts the scholarship examination?The examination is conducted by the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), Ranchi. Q4. How many students are selected every year?Up to 5,000 students are selected annually across the state. Q5. Is there any parental income limit?No, there is currently no parental income restriction under the scheme. Q6. Which class students can apply?Students studying in Class 8 can apply for the scholarship examination. Q7. What is the minimum Class 7 marks requirement?General category students must secure at least 55% marks, while relaxation is available for SC/ST students. Q8. Can students receive the scholarship until Class 12?Yes, subject to fulfillment of renewal and academic performance conditions. Q9. What marks are required for scholarship continuation?Students must obtain at least 60% marks in annual examinations of Classes 9, 10, and 11 for renewal. Q10. How can students apply for the scheme?Applications can be submitted online through the official CMMSS portal notified by JAC.