Scholarships for Kerala School Students — LSS, USS, NMMS, INSPIRE and More

Kerala students can win several scholarships during their school years and after Plus Two, some through exams (LSS, USS, NMMS) and some based on marks or family circumstances. Knowing them early helps you plan and not miss deadlines.

This guide gives an overview with amounts and where to apply. Amounts and rules can change each year, so always check the official notification before applying.

LSS and USS (CM Kids) — Class 4 and Class 7

LSS is the exam for Class 4 students (now called CM Kids LP). Qualifiers have received ₹1,000 a year in Classes 5, 6 and 7.
USS is the exam for Class 7 students (CM Kids UP). Qualifiers have received ₹1,500 a year in Classes 8, 9 and 10.
Both are conducted by Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan. See our LSS, USS and CM Kids exam guides.

NMMS — Class 8

The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship gives ₹12,000 a year from Class 9 to Class 12 to students selected through an exam in Class 8.
It is for students in government, aided and local body schools with family income up to ₹3.5 lakh a year. Selected students apply and renew on the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
See our NMMS exam guide.

INSPIRE-SHE — after Plus Two, for science students

The Government of India’s INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education supports students who choose basic and natural science degrees (such as B.Sc. or integrated M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology).
Students in the top 1% of their Class 12 board are eligible (there are also routes through JEE/NEET and some other exams). It gives ₹80,000 a year: ₹60,000 as scholarship and ₹20,000 for a summer research project.
Applications are on online-inspire.gov.in after the Plus Two results. A strong Plus Two score can therefore pay for your degree. About 12,000 INSPIRE-SHE scholarships are offered each year, and top-1% students in the integrated MS at IISERs and NISER also qualify (official SHE FAQs); see our IISER and NEST guide.

e-Grantz — Kerala post-matric support

e-Grantz is the Kerala government portal for post-matric scholarships and fee support for students from SC, ST, OBC, OEC and other eligible communities, for courses after Class 10.
SC and ST students are supported without an income limit; for OBC and OEC students income limits apply. Applications usually go through the school or college, with digital caste and income certificates.
Check eligibility and dates on egrantz.kerala.gov.in or with your institution.

Tips for parents

Keep the child’s Aadhaar, bank account, income certificate and caste certificate (where relevant) up to date; most scholarships need them.
Note the exam months: LSS and USS are usually held in February, NMMS around November, and INSPIRE applications open after the Plus Two results.
Watch the official websites, not social media forwards, for dates and rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarships can Kerala school students get?

The main ones are LSS (Class 4) and USS (Class 7), now called CM Kids LP and UP; NMMS (Class 8, ₹12,000 a year from Class 9 to 12); INSPIRE-SHE for top Plus Two science students who take basic science degrees; and e-Grantz post-matric support for eligible communities.

What is the LSS and USS scholarship amount?

LSS (CM Kids LP) qualifiers have received ₹1,000 a year in Classes 5, 6 and 7, and USS (CM Kids UP) qualifiers ₹1,500 a year in Classes 8, 9 and 10. Check the current notification for each year.

Who can get the INSPIRE scholarship after Plus Two?

Students in the top 1% of their Class 12 board (and some other routes such as JEE/NEET ranks) who join a basic or natural science degree can apply. It gives ₹80,000 a year: ₹60,000 scholarship and ₹20,000 for a summer research project.

What is e-Grantz in Kerala?

e-Grantz is the Kerala government portal for post-matric scholarships and fee support for SC, ST, OBC, OEC and other eligible students. SC and ST students have no income limit; OBC and OEC students have income limits. Apply through your institution and check egrantz.kerala.gov.in.

Does WonderZ help students prepare for scholarship exams?

Yes. WonderZ Learning offers online preparation for LSS, USS (CM Kids) and NMMS with practice tests, and Plus Two tuition for students aiming for top board scores. Fees are flexible and negotiable, and you can book a free demo class.

Learn With WonderZ

WonderZ Learning offers 1-on-1, small batch and WonderZ App live + recorded classes for Kerala syllabus and CBSE students. Fees are flexible and negotiable, and every family can start with a free demo class.

Book a Free Demo Class · WhatsApp +91 62381 41038