Assam Launches ₹25,000 Monthly Support Scheme for Research Scholars

In a major boost to higher education and research, the Assam government has announced a new financial assistance scheme for research scholars. The initiative aims to ease financial stress, promote innovation, and build a strong academic ecosystem, positioning Assam as a growing hub of knowledge and research-driven development.

Why in News?

The government of Assam has announced a monthly financial assistance scheme for research scholars under the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam programme, to be launched on February 11, 2026.

Atal Vichal Agragami Assam Scheme

The newly announced scheme is designed to directly support scholars engaged in research activities.

• Monthly assistance of ₹25,000 for regular research scholars.
• Enhanced support of ₹40,000 per month for Divyang research scholars.
• Applicable to scholars enrolled in universities and higher education institutions across Assam.

The scheme aims to reduce financial barriers and allow scholars to focus on quality research and academic excellence.

Government’s Vision Behind the Initiative

The announcement was made by Himanta Biswa Sarma, who described the scheme as a transformative step for Assam’s academic ecosystem.

• Focus on empowering young talent.
• Encouragement for high-quality and interdisciplinary research.
• Strengthening Assam’s position as a knowledge-driven economy.

The initiative reflects the state’s long-term investment in human capital and innovation capacity.

Support for Inclusive and Equitable Research

A notable feature of the scheme is its emphasis on inclusion.

• Higher financial support for Divyang scholars highlights inclusive policymaking.
• Ensures equal opportunities in research and higher education.
• Aligns with national goals of inclusive growth and social justice.

This approach ensures that physical challenges do not limit academic and research potential.

Expected Benefits for Research Scholars

The financial assistance is expected to address practical challenges faced by scholars.

• Helps cover research materials, fieldwork, and data collection costs.
• Supports living expenses during the research period.
• Encourages scholars to pursue long-term and in-depth research projects.

Academic circles have welcomed the move as a timely intervention to boost research productivity.

Part of Assam’s Broader Education

The scheme is part of a wider reform agenda in Assam’s education sector.

• Complements initiatives in skill development and industry-academia collaboration.
• Supports national priorities of research, innovation, and self-reliance.
• Aims to attract and retain young research talent within the state.

Over recent years, Assam has steadily expanded investments in higher education infrastructure.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Under the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam scheme, regular research scholars will receive:

A) ₹15,000 per month
B) ₹20,000 per month
C) ₹25,000 per month
D) ₹40,000 per month