On September 2, 2025, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment felicitated 1,490 Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students at the Dr Ambedkar National Merit Awards Ceremony 2025 in New Delhi. These students, toppers in Class 10 and Class 12 examinations conducted by 29 state and central boards during the academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23, received cash prizes ranging from Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000. The ceremony, organized by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation, highlighted the transformative power of education for marginalized communities, aligning with Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of social upliftment through knowledge.
Key Points:
- 1,490 students were honored for academic excellence across two academic years.
- The awards were presented by Union Minister Virendra Kumar, Chairman of the Dr Ambedkar Foundation.
- Cash prizes: Rs 60,000 (1st position), Rs 50,000 (2nd position), Rs 40,000 (3rd position), and Rs 60,000 for the highest-scoring girl if not in the top three.
Award Distribution and Impact
The Dr Ambedkar National Merit Award Scheme, implemented by the Dr Ambedkar Foundation under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, recognizes meritorious SC and ST students who secure top positions in secondary (Class 10) and senior secondary (Class 12) examinations. For the 2021-22 academic year, 367 Class 10 and 563 Class 12 students were awarded, including 71 toppers. For 2022-23, 198 Class 10 and 362 Class 12 students were honored, with 46 toppers recognized.
Key Points:
- The scheme covers 29 recognized boards, including CBSE, CISCE, and state boards.
- A special award ensures recognition of the highest-scoring girl student per board, promoting gender equity.
- The awards provide financial support and motivation for higher education, with a total annual budget of approximately Rs 276.66 lakh for 696 students nationwide.
Voices of Inspiration
Union Minister Virendra Kumar emphasized education’s role in Dr. Ambedkar’s vision, stating, “Babasaheb gave the oppressed communities the strength to rise through knowledge. The government remains committed to empowering Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other disadvantaged groups through scholarships, fellowships, and targeted welfare schemes.” Ministers of State Ramdas Athawale and B L Verma also praised the awardees, calling them “torchbearers of Babasaheb’s ideals” and urging them to uphold values of equality, fraternity, dignity, and social justice.
Key Points:
- Ministers highlighted the scheme’s alignment with Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy of social transformation.
- Ramdas Athawale encouraged students to pursue entrepreneurship, citing the Ministry’s Venture Capital Fund for SCs.
- The ceremony reinforced the government’s commitment to inclusive education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Scheme Details and Eligibility
The Dr Ambedkar National Merit Award Scheme, established in 1992, provides one-time cash awards to SC and ST students scoring the highest marks in Class 10 and Class 12 exams. For Class 10, awards are given to the top three students (SC and ST separately) per board, with a special award for the highest-scoring girl if not in the top three. For Class 12, 12 awards per board are given across four streams (Arts, Science with Maths, Science with Biology/Maths & Biology, Commerce). Students must score at least 50% marks in Class 10 or Class 12, and the family income limit is Rs 1 lakh per annum.
Key Points:
- Number of Awards: Approximately 116 awards for SC and 116 for ST in Class 10, and 348 awards for SC in Class 12 across 29 boards.
- Special Merit Awards: 250 additional awards of Rs 10,000 each for next-highest scorers, based on the 1991 census.
- Boards send student details directly to the Dr Ambedkar Foundation within 15 days of result announcements.
How Awardees Are Selected and Honored
The selection process is streamlined to ensure transparency:
- Boards/Councils submit details of top-scoring SC/ST students (name, address, marks, school, bank details) to the Dr Ambedkar Foundation.
- Awardees are either invited to New Delhi for a felicitation ceremony or receive awards through District Magistrates/Deputy Commissioners.
- For in-person ceremonies, awardees and one escort receive sleeper-class train/bus fare reimbursement (average Rs 3,000 per awardee).
Key Points:
- The 2025 ceremony was held in New Delhi, attended by 1,490 students from across India.
- The scheme’s annual financial implication is approximately Rs 276.66 lakh, benefiting 696 students directly and inspiring others indirectly.
- The Foundation ensures fairness, with disputes resolved by its final decision.
