Shillong, June 13: The USTM has felicitated Meghalaya’s meritorious students through scholarships and other initiatives.
Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere joined state leaders in felicitating the MBoSE toppers.
The USTM) felicitated 86 Meghalaya Board toppers of the SSLC and HSSLC Examinations 2026 at the State Convention Centre, Shillong. The event celebrated the remarkable academic achievements of the state’s brightest students and reaffirmed the collective commitment towards fostering educational excellence in Meghalaya.
Besides Chief Justice, Padma Shri Manas Chaudhuri, Managing Director of The Shillong Times and former Cabinet Minister of Meghalaya; Mayralborn Syem, MLA, Nongpoh (Ri-Bhoi), CP. Marak, Chairman, Meghalaya Lokayukta, along with educationists, academicians etc.
The toppers from across Meghalaya were honoured with certificates, mementoes and cash awards amounting to Rs. 5 lakh in recognition of their outstanding academic performance. The event served as a platform to acknowledge the dedication, perseverance and hard work of students who have brought laurels to the state.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Revati Mohite Dere congratulated the toppers and encouraged them to pursue their dreams with integrity, determination and a strong sense of social responsibility.
During the address, Mahbubul Hoque, Chancellor of USTM, reiterated the university’s unwavering commitment to supporting meritorious students of Meghalaya through a range of scholarships and innovative educational initiatives.
Payback policy
Highlighting the growing success of Meghalaya’s youth in competitive examinations, the Chancellor spoke about USTM’s unique Payback Policy, under which students who successfully clear prestigious competitive examinations and achieve notable career milestones are rewarded through fee reimbursement and other academic benefits. He noted that several students from Meghalaya have excelled under this initiative, reflecting the state’s growing academic potential and competitive spirit.
BAAG initiative
The Chancellor further announced that Board toppers would be offered free admission to the four-year BAAG (Bachelor of Arts in Administration and Governance) Programme under the USTM IAS Academy. Designed for students aspiring to join the Civil Services and leadership roles in governance, the programme integrates multidisciplinary undergraduate education with structured coaching and mentorship for UPSC and other competitive examinations. The curriculum has been developed by an expert panel comprising former UPSC officials and senior administrators to equip students with the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities required for public service and nation-building . The Chancellor also announced various scholarship schemes and financial assistance programmes available at USTM for deserving and meritorious students, reaffirming the university’s mission of ensuring that no talented student is deprived of quality education due to financial constraints.
