Pragyan Bharati Scheme 2026 - Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award

Assam Pragyan Bharati Free Scooty Scheme 2026

The Department of Higher Education, Government of Assam, has announced the online application process for the prestigious Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award under the Pragyan Bharati Scheme for the year 2026. This welfare initiative aims to reward meritorious students who have passed their Higher Secondary (HS) Final Examination with outstanding academic results. Eligible students who secured 80% or higher marks in the ASSEB Board examinations can apply online to receive a free petrol or electric-driven scooter along with a complimentary safety helmet.

Quick Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: Pragyan Bharati Scheme 2026
• Award Name: Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award
• Department: Higher Education Department, Assam
• Total Beneficiaries: Approx. 18,000 students
• Eligibility: Minimum 80% marks in HS Final Exam 2026
• Application Dates: 29th July 2026 to 21st August 2026

Recruitment Details

The Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award is designed to foster healthy academic competition, encourage higher education enrollment, and enhance student mobility across the state. Under the 2026 session, the Assam Government covers the cost of the scooter, basic vehicle insurance, and mandatory registration fees. Students will not be required to pay any dealer charges.

Vacancy & Beneficiary Details

Around 18,000 eligible boys and girls across Arts, Science, and Commerce streams who meet the cut-off marks will be awarded scooters this year. Please note that the state government has announced the phase-out of this free scooter distribution scheme from the next academic session to redirect funds toward broader educational support initiatives.

Eligibility Conditions

• Domicile: Candidate must be a permanent resident of Assam.
• Academic Record: Passed the HS Final Examination 2026 from the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB) securing 80% or more aggregate marks.
• Exclusions: Students under the improvement or reappearance categories are not eligible.
• Out-of-State Students: Students pursuing higher studies outside Assam remain eligible if they possess a valid Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) of Assam.

Documents Required

• Class 12 (HS) Admit Card, Marksheet, and Pass Certificate
• Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) or Assam Domicile proof
• Passport-size Photograph
• Active Mobile Number and Email ID

How to Apply

1. Visit the official portal of the Directorate of Higher Education, Assam.
2. Navigate to the online registration link for the Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award 2026.
3. Enter your HS 2026 Roll Number, Registration Number, and active Phone Number to complete basic registration.
4. Log in and fill out the detailed application form.
5. Upload scanned copies of the required educational and identity documents.
6. Submit the completed application form and retain a printed acknowledgement copy for future reference.

Important Dates

• Starting Date of Online Application: 29th July 2026 (2:00 PM)
• Closing Date of Online Application: 21st August 2026 (6:00 PM)
• Provisional Merit List Release: 25th August 2026
• Objection Submission Period: 25th to 30th August 2026

Important Links

• Official Directorate Website: https://directorateofhighereducation.assam.gov.in/

FAQs

1. What is the minimum mark required to get a scooty under the Pragyan Bharati Scheme in 2026? Students must score 80% or higher in the HS Final Examination 2026 conducted by ASSEB.

2. Do students need to pay for insurance or registration of the scooty? No, the Government of Assam covers the full cost of scooter registration and initial insurance.

3. Are male students eligible for the free scooty scheme? Yes, starting from recent updates, both male and female meritorious students fulfilling the cut-off marks are eligible for the award.