Education (S) Department Felicitates Outstanding Government School Students, 2025

The Department of Education (Schools), Manipur, in association with Samagra Shiksha Manipur, organised the 2025 award ceremony for the “Incentive to Government School Students who Excel in HSLCE and HSE” at the SCERT Multipurpose Hall in Lamphelpat, Imphal. The initiative, introduced in 2018, was designed to encourage a culture of healthy competition among Government school students appearing for the High School Leaving Certificate Examination (HSLCE) and the Higher Secondary Examination (HSE), while also extending financial assistance to academically brilliant students from economically weaker families to support their higher education.

Due to the implementation of the grading system in HSLCE from 2024, no HSLC-related awards were distributed this year. Under the scheme, awards are categorised at both the State and district levels, with State-level honours given to the overall toppers of HSLCE and HSE, and district-level awards reserved for district toppers who secure at least 70 percent marks. This minimum benchmark remained unchanged, and four districts—Chandel, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi and Senapati—did not qualify this year as no student met the required criteria.

The number of awardees has gradually increased since the scheme began, reflecting improved academic performance in Government schools over the years. While 37 students were honoured in 2018, the number rose to 55 in 2019, 58 in 2020, and 63 in 2022, with the highest so far being 70 awardees in 2023. In 2024, the figure stood at 63 awardees, and in 2025, a total of 50 students were recognised, though in both years there were no HSLC awardees owing to the grading system.

The incentive amounts under the scheme range from ₹5 lakh for the State topper to ₹1 lakh for those ranked fourth and onwards at the State level, while district-level toppers receive ₹50,000 and second position holders receive ₹25,000, provided they meet the 70 percent benchmark.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ng. Bhogendra Meitei, MCS, Director of Education (Schools), Manipur, emphasised the importance of striving for excellence and urged students to continue working diligently to build a bright and promising future.