NMSQT Cutoff: What You Need to Know About Scores and Qualifying Limits

When you take the NMSQT, the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, a standardized exam used in the U.S. to identify top-performing high school students for scholarships and academic recognition. It's also known as the PSAT/NMSQT, and while it's designed for U.S. students, Indian students taking it through international schools or authorized centers can qualify too. The NMSQT cutoff isn't a single number—it changes every year based on how students perform nationally. For Indian students, the cutoff is usually higher than in the U.S. because competition is intense among a smaller pool of participants.

The cutoff is determined by your Selection Index score, which combines your Math, Reading, and Writing scores into one number. In recent years, the cutoff for Indian students has hovered around 215–220 out of 228. That’s not just a good score—it’s top 1% territory. Schools like The American School in Mumbai, Vasant Valley in Delhi, and The British School in New Delhi often have multiple students qualifying, but the bar is set high. What matters isn’t just your score—it’s how it stacks up against others in your state or region. The NMSQT doesn’t just measure knowledge; it measures relative performance. If you’re aiming for this, you’re not just studying for a test—you’re competing for a scholarship that can cover full tuition at top U.S. universities.

Related entities like PSAT, the Preliminary SAT, which serves as the test format for NMSQT and is used for practice and qualification and National Merit Scholarship, a prestigious award given to top scorers that can lead to full-ride scholarships and university admissions advantages are tightly linked. The NMSQT cutoff is the gatekeeper. Miss it by a point, and you’re still a high achiever—but you won’t get the recognition. Pass it, and you open doors to scholarships, college applications, and academic credibility that few students worldwide achieve. Many Indian students preparing for JEE or NEET also take the NMSQT to diversify their profile. It’s not just about money—it’s about being seen by top global universities.

If you’re wondering whether your PSAT score is enough, check last year’s cutoff for your region. Look at your Selection Index, not just your individual section scores. Practice tests from College Board are your best tool. And remember—this isn’t a test you cram for. It’s a test you prepare for over months, with real reading, critical thinking, and math fluency. The posts below cover everything from how to study for the NMSQT, to how it compares to other exams like SAT and ACT, to real stories from Indian students who made the cutoff—and what they did differently.