In a major boost to support Government school students passing out of matriculation, Nagaland signed MoU with Sarojini Damodaran Foundation to implement Vidyadhan Scholarship.  The initiative, implemented in partnership with the SDG targets students from low-income families and combines scholarships with mentoring, career guidance, and skill development.

With applications now open for 2026, the programme is expected to significantly expand access to higher education and long-term opportunities for students across the state.

Advisor for School Education, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome informed that the initiative is aimed primarily at students graduating from matriculation, whose results were declared recently. He described the timing as “opportune,” noting that the scheme is designed to support students at a crucial transition stage in their academic journey.

Dr Yhome highlighted that the scholarship is not intended to be limited to school-level assistance but will extend support through higher education, including professional courses such as medical sciences and engineering.

“We hope this initiative will foster students even at the graduation level,” he said, adding that it reflects a broader vision to strengthen educational opportunities in the state.

Emphasizing the unique socio-economic context of Nagaland, Dr Yhome pointed out that the largely agrarian and geographically dispersed population often faces challenges in accessing sustained educational support. He expressed optimism that even modest interventions could significantly impact the lives of students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds studying in government schools.

The Advisor also underscored the importance of partnerships in building the state’s educational ecosystem. He noted that alongside government efforts, collaborations with philanthropic foundations and the corporate sector are being explored to enhance educational outcomes. In this regard, he welcomed representatives from supporting organizations and expressed hope for future agreements to further strengthen such initiatives.

Reflecting on the state’s education landscape, Dr Yhome stated that Nagaland has made progress through contributions from central schools, private institutions, and government schools, the latter serving a majority of students in rural areas. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, especially among students who struggle to complete matriculation.

Citing a study conducted in Mokokchung district, he revealed that 555 students failed to pass matriculation over the past decade.

“It is disheartening that when students fail at this stage, they are often left without direction,” he said. To address this, the department is working toward tracking not only academic performance but also the broader needs of students, including those with limited capabilities.

Dr Yhome further noted that both the state and central governments are investing in vocational education and training to provide alternative pathways for students. The upcoming scholarship scheme, he said, is part of a more inclusive approach to ensure that no student is left behind.

“We want to promote government school children, understanding that they come from sections of society that face greater challenges,” he added. “This initiative is a step toward giving them hope and opportunities beyond perceived limitations.”

Addressing the gathering, Commissioner & Secretary for School Education & SCERT, Kevileno Angami stated that the MoU marks the formal launch of a scholarship initiative that operates outside the ambit of existing government schemes. The programme, known as the Vidyadhan Scholarship Program, is aimed at transforming lives through education by supporting deserving students financially and academically.

She informed that the programme is already being implemented in approximately 18 to 19 states across India, and with this agreement, Nagaland would now be included among its beneficiaries.

Highlighting the operational framework, Angami noted that the scholarship would follow specific eligibility criteria and conditions. The selection process would be conducted online to ensure transparency and accessibility for students across the state.

To facilitate awareness and participation, brochures detailing the programme would be distributed to all schools and students. The dissemination of information would be carried out through district education officers and school heads, ensuring that even students in remote areas are informed about the opportunity.

“These brochures will clearly outline the modalities for application, along with the criteria required for selection,” Angami said, adding that the department is committed to ensuring that eligible students are able to apply without difficulty.

The introduction of the Vidyadhan Scholarship Programme is expected to provide a significant boost to students from economically weaker sections, offering them opportunities to pursue higher education and achieve their academic aspirations.

Principal Consultant, Sarojini Damodaran Foundation,  Pankaj Tripathi shared that the programme was launched in 1999 from a school in Kerala and has since expanded across 22 states and Union Territories in India. Over the years, more than 78,000 scholarships have been awarded, benefiting over 15,000 students.

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“It is not just a scholarship programme,” Tripathi said, adding that the initiative also includes mentoring, career counselling, soft skills development, and internship opportunities. He noted that the programme operates on a transparent and scalable IT platform, allowing both individual and corporate sponsors to support students while monitoring their progress.

He further explained that the financial assistance is designed as a long-term commitment, spanning five to seven years—from Class 11 through graduation, and in some cases even beyond. Illustrating how the model would function in Nagaland, Tripathi said new batches of students would be inducted annually, creating a continuous pipeline of beneficiaries over time.

“This is not a short-term intervention but a sustained effort, and we are here for a long-term partnership with the Government of Nagaland,” he added.

Meanwhile, Manager (Operations), Jacob Sukumar, highlighted the programme’s transparent funding mechanism. He stated that contributions from sponsors are transferred directly to students without any administrative deductions.

“The entire amount sponsored goes directly to the student’s bank account,” Sukumar said.

He also elaborated on the programme’s emphasis on holistic development through structured training. Selected students will participate in a four-day residential training programme focusing on career guidance, motivation, and soft skills, with sessions led by experienced professionals and motivational speakers.

In addition, students pursuing graduation would undergo further training aimed at enhancing employability, including mock interviews and career-readiness workshops. These sessions are designed to help students make informed academic choices at the higher secondary level and prepare effectively for the job market during their degree years.

The scholarship, implemented by the Sarojini Damodaran Foundation, is a pan-India higher education initiative established by Kumari Shibulal, Managing Trustee, and SD Shibulal, Co-founder and former CEO of Infosys. Since its inception in 1999, the programme has awarded over 78,000 scholarships and currently supports more than 15,000 students across multiple states and Union Territories in India.

The Vidyadhan Scholarship aims to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing higher education. Eligible students from Nagaland who have passed Class 10 in 2026 can now apply for the programme.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Annual family income below Rs. 3 lakh
• Students who passed Class 10 in 2026
• Minimum 75% marks (60% for students with disabilities)

Scholarship Benefits:

• 10,000 per year for Classes 11 and 12
• Continued support for degree courses based on merit
• Degree-level scholarships ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 75,000 per year depending on the course

Applicants are required to submit a photograph, Class 10 marksheet, and income certificate during the application process.

Officials informed that the application process is completely free, and no external agencies have been authorized for student selection. Interested candidates can apply online through the official Vidyadhan website or via the “SDF Vidya” mobile application available on the Google Play Store.

The last date for submission of applications is July 31, 2026.

For further information, students can contact the programme via email at vidyadhan.nagaland@sdfoundationindia.com or through the helpline numbers provided by the foundation.

The introduction of the Vidyadhan Scholarship in Nagaland is expected to significantly enhance access to higher education for students from low-income families, supporting them from higher secondary through graduation.