The Government of Assam has announced a pioneering financial support programme for research scholars aimed at strengthening the state’s academic ecosystem and promoting high-quality research and innovation. Under the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam Scheme, the Assam government will provide ₹25,000 per month to regular research scholars and ₹40,000 per month to Divyang (differently-abled) research scholars, starting from February 11, 2026.
The initiative was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on social media and will be formally launched in early 2026. This scheme is designed to ensure that research scholars across universities and higher education institutions in Assam can focus on their academic pursuits without financial stress.
The government has outlined that the financial aid will help scholars meet essential academic expenses — including research material, fieldwork, data collection, and living costs — which often pose significant challenges to students engaged in long-term research projects.
A notable feature of the scheme is the enhanced support for Divyang research scholars, who will receive ₹40,000 monthly — substantially higher than the amount for regular scholars. This differentiated approach highlights Assam’s commitment to inclusive higher education policies.
Officials have emphasized that the programme reflects a broader strategy to transform Assam into a knowledge-driven economy by strengthening human capital and research infrastructure. Encouraging research and innovation is expected to generate skilled professionals who can contribute to academia, industry, and society.
The scheme has been widely welcomed by academic communities and scholars alike. It is expected to reduce financial barriers, retain talent within the state, encourage interdisciplinary research, and enhance overall research productivity in Assam’s universities and colleges.
By empowering research students with financial stability, the state government hopes to lay the foundation for a vibrant research culture that supports innovation ecosystems and prepares young scholars for future leadership in science, technology, and social sciences.
The introduction of the Atal Vichal Agragami Assam Scheme marks a major step in promoting research and development in the state of Assam. Such a scheme directly addresses one of the long-standing challenges faced by research scholars — financial insecurity. By providing substantial monthly support, the government enables students to devote themselves fully to research without worrying about basic expenses. This is especially significant for students pursuing advanced degrees who often struggle with funding for fieldwork, materials, travel, and living costs.
This initiative also highlights Assam’s commitment to inclusive higher education. By offering higher monthly support to Divyang scholars, the scheme recognizes the additional barriers faced by differently-abled students and ensures that they have equitable access to research opportunities. Schemes targeting inclusivity are crucial for creating a fair academic ecosystem and encouraging participation from diverse backgrounds.
In the context of national priorities like innovation, skill development, and self-reliance, this financial support aligns with the broader national agenda of empowering the youth and strengthening India’s research output. Scholars supported through this programme are likely to contribute to research excellence that not only benefits Assam but also supports the country’s growth in higher education rankings and research competencies.
Historically, Assam has introduced several educational and research support schemes aimed at strengthening academic participation. The Mukhya Mantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme, launched in 2025, previously provided a one-time financial grant to research scholars, which marked an initial attempt to support academic work in the state.
Despite these efforts, ongoing research scholars often faced financial constraints that affected their ability to focus on higher studies. This gap in continuous financial support was recognized by policymakers, leading to the development of a more structured monthly assistance framework.
The new Atal Vichal Agragami Assam Scheme expands upon past initiatives by shifting from one-time grants to sustained monthly stipends. This shift acknowledges the long duration of doctoral and research programmes and the need for consistent financial backing throughout scholars’ academic journeys.
Inclusion has become a central theme in Assam’s education policy, as seen in differentiated support for Divyang researchers. This reflects a broader trend across India where educational policies are increasingly designed to support marginalized and differently-abled students through financial and structural interventions.
The Atal Vichal Agragami Assam Scheme is a financial support programme launched by the Assam government to provide monthly stipends to research scholars, enabling them to focus on their academic research without financial constraints.
Regular research scholars under this scheme receive ₹25,000 per month to cover living and research-related expenses.
Divyang research scholars receive ₹40,000 per month, recognizing additional challenges and promoting inclusivity in higher education.
The scheme is scheduled for formal launch on February 11, 2026 across Assam.
The scheme was announced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aiming to strengthen research and innovation in the state.
It reduces financial barriers, promotes academic research, encourages interdisciplinary innovation, and helps retain talent within Assam’s academic ecosystem.
All full-time research scholars enrolled in recognized universities or higher education institutions in Assam are eligible.
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