<h3>Introduction</h3> <ul> <li><img style="max-width: 100%; height: 271px; float: right;" src="https://static.vikaspedia.in/mediastorage/filestorage/20260119153217_Dr.BanikantaKakatiMeritAwardScheme.webp" alt="Uploaded Image" width="252">The Assam government has been actively promoting student welfare through various initiatives. One of its flagship programs is the Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award Scheme.</li> <li>Launched in 2022 it seeks to recognize top-performing students in the Higher Secondary examinations.</li> <li>Under this scheme, meritorious students are awarded a free scooter or scooty as a reward for their exceptional academic performance.</li> <li>The aim is to motivate students to excel in higher education and instill a spirit of healthy competition.</li> <li>Both boys and girls are eligible for the award, making it more inclusive compared to other schemes like the Pragyan Bharati Scheme, which is limited to female students.</li> <li>Students securing at least 80% or more in their HSSLC exams qualify for the benefit.</li> <li>The selection process is automatic, students need not submit an application.</li> <li>The merit list is published online by the Higher Education Department of Assam, the nodal authority for this program.</li> </ul> <h3>Benefits</h3> <ul> <li>Eligible students receive :- <ul> <li>One free scooter or scooty provided entirely at government expense.</li> <li>Registration, insurance, or additional costs borne by the Government.</li> </ul> </li> <li>This award helps students travel independently to pursue higher education while also recognizing their academic achievements.</li> </ul> <h3>Eligibility</h3> <ul> <li>To qualify for the scheme :- <ul> <li>Students must be permanent residents of Assam.</li> <li>Both male and female students are eligible.</li> <li>Must have passed the Higher Secondary Examination conducted by AHSEC.</li> <li>Student should have secure 80% or more marks.</li> <li>Students should be enrolled or applying for higher education</li> </ul> </li> <li>Only students meeting all criteria are included in the official merit list.</li> </ul> <h3>Ineligibility</h3> <ul> <li>Certain categories of students are excluded from this scheme :- <ul> <li>Those appearing under betterment or reappearance categories.</li> <li>Dropout students who are not pursuing further education.</li> </ul> </li> <li>These students, even if they meet the percentage requirement, are not eligible for the award.</li> </ul> <h3>Documents</h3> <ul> <li>Although no application is required, shortlisted students should have the following documents for verification :- <ul> <li>Identity proof.</li> <li>School ID.</li> <li>Proof of residence.</li> <li>HSSLC marksheet and passing certificate.</li> <li>Appreciation letter from the school principal.</li> <li>Recent passport-size photograph.</li> </ul> </li> <li>These documents are necessary during the scooter collection process.</li> </ul> <h3>Process to Apply</h3> <ul> <li>The scheme does not require students to apply.</li> <li>The selection process of students under this scheme is as follows :- <ul> <li>The merit list is prepared based on HSSLC results and uploaded on the Assam Higher Education Department portal.</li> <li>Shortlisted students receive an appreciation letter from their school principal.</li> <li>Students submit this letter to the authorised dealer mentioned in it.</li> <li>The dealer receives the scooter amount from the authorities.</li> <li>Students collect their scooters once all formalities are completed.</li> </ul> </li> <li>In case of difficulties, students may contact their school authorities.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Links</h3> <ul> <li><a title="External website that opens in new window" href="https://directorateofhighereducation.assam.gov.in/sites/default/files/swf_utility_folder/departments/dhe_medhassu_in_oid_4/menu/document/scooty_guideline_1_1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award Scheme Guidelines.</a></li> <li><a title="External website that opens in new window" href="https://highereducation.assam.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Assam Higher Education Department.</a></li> </ul> <h3>Contact</h3> <ul> <li>Assam Higher Education Department Helpdesk Email :- dhe-asm@nic.in</li> </ul>