The University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has unveiled an ambitious scholarship initiative for the 2025–26 academic session, offering 500 scholarships to students from Northeast India. This program underscores USTM’s commitment to inclusive and accessible higher education, aiming to support students from diverse backgrounds and promote academic excellence.
USTM Scholarship 2025 – Categories
The 500 scholarships are distributed across various categories to cater to a wide range of students:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: 250 scholarships for students demonstrating outstanding academic performance.
- Sports Achievements: 50 scholarships for students excelling in sports.
- Cultural Achievements: 50 scholarships for students with notable cultural accomplishments.
- Children of Tea Garden Workers: 50 scholarships aimed at supporting students from tea garden worker families.
- Residents of Majuli & Dhemaji: 20 scholarships for students hailing from these specific regions.
- Families of Freedom Fighters or Martyrs: 20 scholarships honoring the descendants of national heroes.
- Children Affected by Violence and Conflict: 20 scholarships for students impacted by regional unrest.
- Children of Media Personnel: 20 scholarships supporting the families of media professionals.
- Orphan or Single Girl Child: 20 scholarships dedicated to orphaned students or single girl children.
Eligibility and Benefits
USTM Scholarship 2025 program is designed to recognize and support students based on merit, socioeconomic background, and special circumstances.
- State Board Toppers: Students who top their respective state boards in Northeast India are eligible for a 100% scholarship.
- High Academic Achievers: Students scoring 85% and above in their qualifying examinations can avail a 30% scholarship.
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): Students from EWS backgrounds may receive up to a 50% scholarship under a merit-cum-means model.
- National Exam Performers: Students scoring above the 60th percentile in national exams such as JEE (Mains), GATE, CAT, MAT, and XAT are eligible for scholarships.
- Sports and Cultural Excellence: Students recognized by bodies like SAI, IOA, FISU, SGFI, or the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for their achievements are eligible.
- Students with Physical Disabilities: Eligible for a 30% scholarship.
- Students from Violence-Affected Areas: Eligible for a 15% special scholarship.
Additional Support Initiatives
Beyond the primary scholarship program, USTM offers several other support mechanisms:
- Freeship Policy: USTM provides free education and scholarships in various forms to exceptionally meritorious students from financially weak backgrounds. This includes free and concessional admissions, Ph.D. fellowships, merit scholarships, and more.
- Payback Policy: A unique initiative where students who qualify for national-level competitive exams like NET, GATE, SLET, or Civil Services receive a refund of their entire course fees. This policy has already seen Rs 1.3 crore disbursed to successful students.
- Special Relaxations: Fee concessions are provided to exceptionally meritorious students from backward minority and tribal communities in the Northeast region.
- 33% Reservation for Girl Students: To promote higher education among girls, 33% of seats in all branches are reserved for female students, with special preference given to those from underprivileged sections.
Also Read: BPCL Sports Scholarship Scheme 2025
Application Process
Interested students can apply for the scholarships through USTM’s official website. Detailed information about eligibility criteria, required documents, and application deadlines is available on the site. Additionally, USTM regularly updates its social media platforms and notice boards with announcements related to scholarships and admissions.
USTM’s Commitment to Excellence
USTM’s initiatives reflect its dedication to fostering an environment where education is accessible to all, regardless of financial or social barriers. By recognizing and supporting talent across various domains—academic, sports, cultural, and more—the university aims to nurture well-rounded individuals poised to contribute meaningfully to society.
