Meritorious students who scored 80 per cent or above in the 2025 Higher Secondary Final Examination were recently awarded scooters under the Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award scheme. This year, a total of 11,250 students benefited from the initiative.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who attended the programme, described the initiative on social media as a sincere effort to encourage the younger generation in their pursuit of dreams.
“The Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award, which was initially introduced as a reward for academic excellence, has today evolved into a trusted companion for the bright and sharp young minds of Assam, inspiring educational excellence and holistic development,” the Chief Minister said.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said the merit award, instituted in memory of eminent linguist and literary scholar Banikanta Kakati, has benefited 1,85,442 students since the academic year 2017–18. He added that the State Government has so far spent ₹1,043 cr on the scheme.
The merit award continues to be one of the flagship initiatives of the Assam government, aimed at promoting academic excellence and motivating students to pursue higher education with confidence and ambition.
