NMMS Exam Syllabus 2026 – Class-wise & Subject-wise Guide for Students

Every year, thousands of students across India, especially in Kerala aim to qualify for the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Exam 2026 that rewards academic excellence and financial need.

We’ll explore everything you need to know about the NMMS syllabus 2026 Kerala, how to access and download the NMMS exam syllabus PDF, and what the NMMS exam subjects actually include. Whether you’re looking for the exact topics to study, preparation tips, or state-specific details this article will guide you step by step.

NMMS Syllabus 2026 – Overview

The NMMS exam typically has two main papers: the Mental Ability Test (MAT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

Each state, including Kerala implements its version of the syllabus in line with these two papers.

• Paper 1: MAT – tests reasoning, patterns, and logic.
• Paper 2: SAT – tests scholastic subjects: Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies (or Social Science) for classes ~7/8.
• While there’s no fixed statewide syllabus document for every topic, students are advised to cover the Class 7 & Class 8 school syllabus well.

In Kerala, the state body State Council of Educational Research and Training, Kerala (SCERT) handles the NMMS exam details. 

Hence, for the 2026 exam, students should study their school syllabus up to Class 8 thoroughly and practice reasoning for MAT.

Know more,

NMMS Exam Syllabus PDF – How to Get It

• Many states publish a PDF of the question paper or syllabus. For Kerala, you can access previous years’ PDFs through SCERT Kerala’s website.
• Search terms like “nmms exam syllabus pdf” + “Kerala” will help you find downloadable materials.
• Always check the official state website for Kerala, nmmse.kerala.gov.in, or the SCERT Kerala site for the latest updates
• It’s wise to save the PDF and print relevant parts (subject-wise topics) for easy revision.

Know more,

Also know about NMMS Application form,

NMMS Exam Subjects – What Are They?

Here is a table listing the core subjects you’ll face in the SAT paper, and the topic-types in the MAT.

For the SAT subjects you’ll cover:

• Mathematics – topics from Class 7 and 8 syllabus (algebra, geometry, mensuration, data handling, etc.)
• Science – from Class 7 & 8: living things, materials, physical phenomena, environment etc.
• Social Studies / Social Science – history, geography, civics from Class 7 & 8 levels.

Here’s how to structure your preparation by class. Though the actual exam is for students around Class 8 level, covering Class 7 content strengthens your base.

For Class 7 (Foundation)

Even if the exam is for Class 8, many topics from Class 7 are included. Covering them ensures you are well-prepared. Important topics to cover:

• Science: Nutrition in Plants, Nutrition in Animals, Fibre to Fabric, Heat, Winds/Storms etc.
• Mathematics: Basics of numbers, algebraic expressions, data handling, geometry introduction.
• Social Studies: Basic civics, geography, environment, resources.
• MAT: Start practising reasoning, patterns, analogies.

For Class 8 (Main focus)

This is where the bulk of your NMMS exam syllabus lies. Below is a table of core topics you should cover in each subject.

Why class-wise matters

By structuring your study by class, you’re ensuring that you haven’t missed any foundational topic (Class 7) and you’ve mastered the main content (Class 8). Parents and students at intervaledu.com can use this to map a weekly study plan.

NMMS Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise Deep Dive

Let’s now go deeper into each subject area, with point-wise lists you can tick off.

Mathematics

• Rational numbers, operations and properties
• Squares, square roots, cubes, cube roots
• Data handling: collection, representation (graphs/charts)
• Algebraic expressions and identities
• Exponents & powers
• Linear equations in one variable
• Mensuration: area & volume of practical shapes
• Practical geometry: constructions, quadrilaterals
• Visualising solid shapes: cubes, cuboids, cylinders
• Introduction to graphs and comparing quantities

Science

• Materials: Metals, non-metals, their properties, and uses
• Combustion and flame, chemical changes
• Chemical effects of electric current
• Cell—Structure and functions, reproduction in animals/plants
• Force and pressure, sound, stars and solar system
• Conservation of plants and animals, environment
• Weather, climate, adaptation of animals
• Physical and chemical changes
• Water as a resource, pollution of air and water

Social Studies / Social Science

• Indian Constitution & secularism
• Parliament, making of laws, judiciary
• Social justice, marginalised communities
• Economy: markets, government’s role
• Geography: land, soil, water resources, natural vegetation
• History: colonialism, changes in art & culture
• Visual arts, women, caste, reform movements

Mental Ability Test (MAT)

• Analogy (verbal & non-verbal)
• Classification (grouping, sorting)
• Numerical series (find next number)
• Pattern perception (visual patterns)
• Hidden figures (identify shapes hidden)
• Verbal reasoning: maybe English/Hindi proficiency (in some states)

NMMS Exam Pattern 2026 (Kerala)

Here is a simplified table for the exam pattern you can share with your child or keep as a reference.

Since Kerala follows the state body guidelines, students should check the official notification from SCERT Kerala for exact scheduling and pattern.

Here are actionable tips for parents and students at intervaledu.com to follow:

• Begin early: Start with Class 7 topics to build strength, then move on to Class 8.
• Create a weekly schedule: Dedicate days to MAT practice (reasoning) and days to SAT subjects.
• Use the syllabus tables above to tick off topics as they are completed.
• Download the NMMS syllabus PDF for Kerala and refer regularly.
• Practice previous year question papers (especially for Kerala) to become familiar with format.
• Focus on weaker areas early (e.g., if Math is weak, give extra time).
• Encourage regular breaks, healthy sleep, and consistency—not last minute rush.
• Use simple language materials (that’s why this blog is in user-friendly style) so students don’t feel overwhelmed.
• Parents should monitor progress, help remove distractions, and keep morale high.

Why This Syllabus Guide Matters

Because many students and parents struggle because the syllabus information is scattered. By having a class-wise & subject-wise guide clearly laid out:

• You reduce confusion.
• You have a roadmap instead of guess-work.
• You can track progress easily.
• And you build confidence that you are covering everything needed for the NMMS exam.

At interval Learning, our goal is to make this journey smoother by giving you the knowledge and the structure.

Give Your Child the Right Guidance for NMMS 2026 with Interval Learning

The NMMS Exam Syllabus 2026 – especially in Kerala – is entirely manageable if you approach it in a structured way. With the breakdown of nmms syllabus 2026 kerala, access to nmms exam syllabus pdf, and clear list of nmms exam subjects, students can prepare smartly.

At Interval Learning we offer dedicated NMMS Crash Course, revision modules, previous year question and one-to-one guidance personalized to NMMS and other scholarship exams. 

Contact us now at intervaledu.com to learn about our NMMS Crash Course.

Let’s start together and make sure you cross the finish line strongly.