The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has announced 50 scholarships exclusively for students from Nagaland as part of its continued efforts to promote quality higher education and support deserving students from the Northeast.
The announcement was made by USTM Chancellor, Mahbubul Hoque during a press conference at Hotel Saramati here on Friday. He was accompanied by USTM Vice Chancellor Prof. GD Sharma, former President of the Association of Indian Universities and founding Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University, along with senior faculty members from Nagaland and officials of the university.
Hoque said USTM has been steadily expanding its educational outreach across the Northeastern region and has placed special emphasis on Nagaland through scholarships, fellowships and academic collaborations. He noted that the university’s mission is to ensure that students from all sections of society, particularly those from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to quality education.
Announcing the scholarship programme, Hoque said that out of the 50 scholarships reserved for Nagaland students, 10 would be awarded as full free-ships to meritorious students who have excelled in their Class XII or graduation examinations. These students would not be required to pay any course fee for their studies at USTM, except for programmes governed by statutory bodies such as MBBS and certain other professional courses.
In addition, 15 students would receive a 50 per cent concession on tuition fees, while another 25 students would be provided a monthly cash award of Rs 2,000 to help meet their educational and personal expenses. Selection would be based on academic merit as well as the economic background of applicants, he added.
Hoque said the University has followed a policy of supporting meritorious and underprivileged students since its inception and believes that private educational institutions should play a greater role in ensuring that talented students are not denied opportunities because of financial constraints.
He highlighted that nearly 85 per cent of USTM students come from rural backgrounds and described the institution as one of the most diverse universities in the Northeast, with students from all eight Northeastern states. According to him, students from Nagaland constitute one of the largest groups after Assam and Meghalaya.
The Chancellor also pointed to the University’s strong emphasis on science and technology education, stating that USTM’s NEET and JEE coaching programmes are supported by a team that includes eight IIT alumni. He said the institution is committed to preparing students for careers in medicine, engineering, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
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Speaking about recent achievements, Hoque said two USTM scientists from the departments of Biotechnology and Chemistry were recently recognised among the world’s top five per cent scientists in an international ranking, reflecting the university’s growing academic and research credentials.
He further informed that USTM would organise a programme on the National Education Policy (NEP) in Dimapur on June 20. The event is expected to be attended by prominent academicians, scientists and educational leaders, including Nagaland’s School Education and SCERT Minister. Discussions will focus on educational reforms, future opportunities and the implementation of the NEP in the region.
Meanwhile, Institutional Excellence Award 2026, a flagship academic initiative of USTM that seeks to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of education, would be conferred to some of the educational institutions of Nagaland. The event would also feature the felicitation of NBSE HSSLC toppers, honouring the academic accomplishments of Nagaland’s brightest young minds.
The programme would be graced by Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along.
