Scholarship Drive: USTM Empowers Northeast India
The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) launches a comprehensive scholarship programme for 500 students from Northeast India for the 2025–26 academic year, supporting merit, sports, culture, underprivileged groups, and conflict-affected children.
In a move that’s bound to make waves across the seven sisters and beyond, the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has thrown its academic hat into the ring with a generous new scholarship programme, set to benefit 500 bright sparks from the Northeast for the 2025–26 academic year. This scheme is as inclusive as they come, with something in the pot for a wide range of deserving students.
The scholarships are neatly categorised, ensuring a fair shake for talents from all walks of life. There are 250 merit-based slots up for grabs, with an additional 50 each for sporting and cultural achievements. But that’s not where the cookie crumbles. USTM is also championing social equity by earmarking scholarships for children of tea garden workers (50), residents of flood-prone regions like Majuli and Dhemaji (20), children of media personnel (20), and those from families of freedom fighters or martyrs (20). The university has even extended support to children affected by conflict or violence (20), and, in a heartening gesture, to orphans or single girl children (20).
Speaking to the press, the Director of Admissions & the Training and Placement Division was all smiles as he laid it out plain and simple: “We’re not just ticking boxes. We’re here to ensure no deserving student is left out in the cold.” To that end, state board toppers from Northeast India will be offered a full ride—100% scholarships to cover the lot.
But it’s not just top scorers who stand a chance. Students who’ve managed to chalk up a commendable 85% and above in their qualifying exams can bag themselves a 30% scholarship. Those from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) can look forward to support of up to 50% under a merit-cum-means model, which is rather a feather in the cap for the university’s outreach efforts.
And it doesn’t stop there. USTM is casting its net wide, with scholarships also available to students scoring above the 60th percentile in national-level exams such as JEE (Mains), GATE, CAT, MAT, and XAT. Aspiring engineers and management buffs, take note!
Not to be left behind, sports and culture aficionados with accolades recognised by national bodies like the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Indian Olympic Association (IOA), FISU, SGFI, or the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, can also find their ticket to higher education subsidised. Meanwhile, students with physical disabilities are eligible for a 30% scholarship, while those from violence-affected regions may receive a special 15% concession.
All in all, USTM’s scholarship scheme is more than just a helping hand—it’s a statement of intent. The university has set the ball rolling, and in no uncertain terms, is telling the youth of Northeast India: “We see you. We believe in you. And we’re here to back you.”
So if you’re a student from the Northeast dreaming big but watching your pennies, don’t dither—this could be your golden ticket. Time to polish up those certificates, get your forms in, and show the world what you’re made of. As the old saying goes, “fortune favours the brave,” and at USTM, it seems it also favours the bold, the talented, and the determined.
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