Assam Education Schemes
Anundoram Borooah Laptop Award Scheme (ARBAS)
Launching date/time of Anundoram Borooah Laptop Award Scheme (ARBAS)
Launched in 2005 by the Government of Assam to honor Late Anundoram Borooah, the first Assamese to join the Indian Civil Service.
Objective of Anundoram Borooah Laptop Award Scheme
Motivate and inspire students for better academic performance.
Promote healthy competition among students at the secondary level.
Encourage IT literacy and provide first-hand experience with Information and Communication Technology.
Support higher education by rewarding meritorious students.
Features of Anundoram Borooah Laptop Award Scheme
- Award: Eligible students receive either a laptop or a cash award (recently, ₹15,000).
Eligibility: Students must secure Star Marks or at least 75% in the HSLC (10th standard) or High Madrassa examinations conducted by SEBA or equivalent boards in Assam.
Additional Benefits (earlier years): Laptops came with 2 years of internet connectivity, digital content, and NCERT books in PDF format.
Application Process: Online application through the official ARBAS portal; selection is based on exam results and verification.
Implementing Agency: Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (AMTRON) under the guidance of the Secondary Education Department.
Beneficiaries of Anundoram Borooah Laptop Award Scheme
Students of Assam who pass the HSLC or High Madrassa exams with Star Marks (typically 75% or above).
Boards covered: SEBA, State Madrassa Education Board, and Sanskrit Board Assam.
All eligible students in a given year receive the award; in recent years, tens of thousands of students have benefited annually
Abhinandan Education Loan Subsidy Scheme
Launching date/time of Abhinandan Education Loan Subsidy Scheme
Launched on 26 December 2019.
Objective of Abhinandan Education Loan Subsidy Scheme
To encourage students to pursue higher education by providing financial relief through a one-time subsidy on education loans.
To reduce the financial burden on families and help students continue their studies without interruption due to loan repayment pressures.
Features of Abhinandan Education Loan Subsidy Scheme
One-time subsidy of ₹50,000 on education loans sanctioned for higher education.
Applicable to loans availed from any Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank recognized by RBI within Assam, including banks like HDFC, Federal Bank, and Assam Gramin Vikash Bank.
Eligibility requires the student to have repaid at least 25% of the sanctioned loan amount before applying for the subsidy.
Minimum loan amount: The education loan must be at least ₹1,00,000.
Application process: Both online and offline modes are available. Applicants must provide proof of loan, address, PAN, and other supporting documents.
Subsidy is credited directly to the loan account to reduce the outstanding principal.
Loans sanctioned between 01/04/2020 and 31/03/2024 are eligible for the current phase of the scheme.
Beneficiaries of Abhinandan Education Loan Subsidy Scheme
Permanent residents of Assam who have availed education loans from eligible banks for higher studies.
Students who have taken education loans of ₹1 lakh or more.
The scheme is not restricted by family income, making it widely accessible to all eligible students.
Every year, up to 5,000 students are selected to receive the subsidy
Assam Fee Waiver Scheme
Launching date/time of Assam Fee Waiver Scheme
The Assam Fee Waiver Scheme for higher education continues for the academic session 2025-26. The scheme has been in operation for several years and is extended annually.
Objective of Assam Fee Waiver Scheme
The primary objective is to provide access to higher education for economically disadvantaged students in Assam by waiving admission and tuition fees, thereby reducing financial barriers to education.
Features of Assam Fee Waiver Scheme
Covers admission and tuition fees for eligible students in Higher Secondary (HS), undergraduate (BA/BSc/BCom), and postgraduate (MA/MSc/MCom) courses.
Applicable only in government and provincialized colleges and universities in Assam. Private and central universities, private colleges, and self-financing courses are excluded.
Income criteria: Parental annual income must be less than ₹4 lakh from all sources.
Attendance and academic performance: Regular students with at least 75% attendance and no back papers in the previous examination are eligible for continued benefits.
Exclusion: Students whose parents work in State/Central Government, semi-government, or government undertakings are not eligible.
Required documents: Income Certificate from local revenue authority and/or Ration Card; a declaration about parental employment status.
Verification: Institutes must verify submitted documents and upload beneficiary details on the SAMARTH portal. Mark sheets of beneficiaries are stamped to prevent multiple claims.
Renewal: Benefits continue in subsequent years if eligibility is maintained (for HS and UG: up to 2nd and 3rd year; for PG: final year).
Beneficiaries of Assam Fee Waiver Scheme
Economically weaker students (parental income below ₹4 lakh/year) seeking admission to HS, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in eligible government and provincialized institutions in Assam.
Regular students meeting attendance and academic criteria.
Excludes students with parents employed in government or government undertakings, and those in private or self-financing institutions/courses
Silpi Sambardhana Scheme
Launching date/time of Silpi Sambardhana Scheme
The scheme was first announced in December 2019.
Implementation and beneficiary selection began from December 1, 2020.
Objective of Silpi Sambardhana Scheme
To provide financial support and recognition to artists and technicians in Assam for their contributions to the state’s art and culture.
To encourage continued creative engagement and improve the livelihood of artists and technicians facing financial hardship.
Features of Silpi Sambardhana Scheme
One-time financial grant of ₹50,000 is provided to each selected beneficiary.
The scheme aims to cover 2,000 artists and technicians across Assam.
The grant is a direct benefit, not a loan or recurring pension.
Selection is based on outstanding contribution to art, culture, and technical fields related to performance and creative arts.
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Assam.
Special provisions exist for bed-ridden or differently-abled artists to facilitate their application process.
Beneficiaries of Silpi Sambardhana Scheme
Artists and technicians from Assam who have made significant contributions to the state’s art and cultural landscape.
Includes those involved in fields like theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and technical support for performances.
Both living artists/technicians and, in some cases, families of deceased artists are eligible for support.
The scheme targets those facing financial hardship or lacking adequate recognition
Pragyan Bharati Scheme
Launching date/time of Pragyan Bharati Scheme
- 2020
Objective of Pragyan Bharati Scheme
- Enhance access to higher education for poor students in Assam.
Provide financial support and essential educational resources.
Encourage youth, particularly girls, to pursue higher education.
Features of Pragyan Bharati Scheme
- Textbook & Uniform Support: Free textbooks and uniforms for beneficiaries.
Financial Incentives:
₹1,000 for textbooks for 1 lakh students.
₹1,500 – ₹2,000 incentive for graduate and post-graduate students.
₹1,000 per month for students towards mess dues.
One-Time Education Loan Subsidy: ₹50,000 provided.
Scooty for Meritorious Students: Scooters for female students in Class 12 (extended to male students in 2024).
Free College Admission: Government bears admission fees for students whose parents’ income is less than ₹2 lakh.
Eligibility Criteria for Free Admission: Parents should not be employed by the government or affiliated bodies; an income certificate is required (family identity card/ration card accepted in the absence of income proof).
Beneficiaries of Pragyan Bharati Scheme
- Primary Beneficiaries: Poor students in Assam, including those seeking higher education.
Specific Focus: Meritorious female students in Class 12 and students from families with an annual income below ₹2 lakh.
Scooty Scheme Eligibility: Permanent residents of Assam; girls with 60% marks or more in HS exams, boys with 75% marks or more.
Arohan Scheme
Launching date/time of Arohan Scheme
- 2022-2023
Objective of Arohan Scheme
- Enhance literacy rates across Assam.
Provide financial assistance to government school students.
Offer comprehensive career guidance and mentorship (using mentor-mentee guidance program).
Support meritorious students for better educational outcomes.
Features of Arohan Scheme
- Target Group: Meritorious students aged 13–18 (Classes IX to XII) in government schools.
Mentor-Mentee Model:
Career guidance through mentorship.
Progression support and incentives.
Benefits:
Rs. 1,000 book grant via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Interactive sessions with prominent figures (IAS officers, SPs, DCs).
Exposure to diverse career fields and opportunities.
Beneficiaries of Arohan Scheme
Meritorious students aged 13–18 in government schools across Assam.
Students in Classes IX to XII requiring career guidance and financial support.
Saptadhara Scheme
Launching date/time of Saptadhara Scheme
- 2025
Objective of Saptadhara Scheme
- Provide opportunities for young people to explore global knowledge.
Use innovative teaching and learning methods.
Focus on education, art, and knowledge development for youth.
Features of Saptadhara Scheme
Implementation:
Operates in 324 Higher Secondary Schools and 51 Junior Colleges.
Key Components (Bands):
Gyan Dhara: Knowledge Band.
Sarjanatmak Abhivyakti Dhara: Creative Expression Band.
Rang, Kala ane Kaushalya Dhara: Fine Arts Band.
Naatya Dhara: Theatre Band.
Geet Sangeeta ane Nrutya Dhara: Music and Dance Band.
Yog Vyayam ane Khelkud Dhara: Yoga and Sports Band.
Beneficiaries of Saptadhara Scheme
Students in Higher Secondary Schools and Junior Colleges in Assam.
Young individuals seeking growth in education, arts, and physical activities.
Shiksha Setu Scheme
Launching date/time of Shiksha Setu Scheme
- 2023
Objective of Shiksha Setu Scheme
Ensure timely receipt of free textbooks for students in government and provincialized schools.
Provide a robust database for managing school-related information.
Features of Shiksha Setu Scheme
Free Textbooks Provision:
Additional textbooks to be printed to meet increased demand due to rising enrollment in government schools.
Class XI textbooks ready for dispatch.
Shiksha Setu App Updates:
New feature to allow schools to request additional textbooks directly through the app.
Aims to streamline textbook distribution and address issues promptly.
Database Creation:
Comprehensive student data, including profiles, academic achievements, attendance, and enrollment records.
Enables parents and students to monitor attendance and academic progress.
Administrative Simplification:
Helps teachers and administrators focus on quality education by reducing administrative burdens.
Beneficiaries of Shiksha Setu Scheme
Students:
Guaranteed access to free textbooks under the government scheme.
Better academic support through efficient management of resources.
Teachers:
Simplified administrative tasks with the Shiksha Setu app.
School Authorities:
Access to tools for requesting additional textbooks and managing school operations.
Parents:
Improved access to information about their children’s attendance and academic progress.
100 New Schools in Tea Garden Areas
Launching date
- 2023
Objectives
- Facilitate completion of school education in tea garden areas.
- Reduce dropout rates by providing access to high schools.
Features
Number of Schools: Establishment of 100 new schools.
Upgradation: Existing LP and UP schools upgraded to High Schools up to Class X.
Mode of Operation: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode with experienced non-government societies.
Announcement: Introduced in the 2017-18 Budget by the Hon’ble Finance Minister.
Beneficiaries
- Students in Tea Garden Areas:
– Access to high school education.
– Reduced dropout rates. - Community in Tea Garden Areas:
– Enhanced educational infrastructure.
– Improved opportunities for higher education.
- Students in Tea Garden Areas:
Gunotsav
Launching date/time of Gunotsav
2005.
- Implemented in Govt/Provincialized High and High Madrassa schools.
Objective of Gunotsav
Evaluate academic and co-curricular activities in schools.
Identify infrastructure needs through the program.
Features of Gunotsav
- Evaluation Types:
– Academic evaluation of core subjects: English, Science, and Mathematics.
– Assessment of co-curricular activities. - Proposed Activities:
– Tree plantation in schools.
– Responsibility initiatives by schools.
– School week celebrations.
– Establishment of book banks.
– Teacher involvement in organizing debates, music, and dance competitions.
– Linkage with primary and upper primary schools. - External Evaluation:
– College teachers (district-wise) to serve as external evaluators.
- Evaluation Types:
Beneficiaries of Gunotsav
- Students:
– Improved focus on academics and co-curricular development. - Schools:
– Identification of infrastructure needs.
– Enhanced community and inter-school linkages. - Teachers:
– Opportunities to engage in diverse activities and assessments.
- Students: