Gangtok, Sep 5: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Saturday unveiled a state initiative to provide free coaching for engineering and medical entrance aspirants from disadvantaged backgrounds and a one‑time financial assistance scheme for those preparing for central government and PSU recruitment tests, officials said.
What the new programmes are
At a Teachers’ Day function in Gangtok, the Chief Minister launched the CM‑SAATHI initiative, designed to offer a two‑month crash course for students from poor socio‑economic backgrounds preparing for JEE and NEET. The programme was announced as a collaboration with IIT Kanpur, and cabinet approval for the proposal was reported to have been granted the day before.
Alongside CM‑SAATHI, the state government announced a Launch Pad scheme to provide one‑time financial assistance of up to ₹10,000 to economically weaker students, persons with disabilities and orphaned youth who are preparing for central government and public sector undertaking (PSU) examinations. The grant is intended to cover study material, travel and other necessary expenses, officials said.
“There are many students from poor backgrounds who aspire to compete for JEE and NEET, but they can’t afford the cost of proper coaching centres,” the Chief Minister said.
Why the measures matter in Sikkim
Education and competitive exam coaching are significant expenses for families in the Northeast, where access to high‑quality coaching centres is limited and travel costs to larger cities add to the burden. By partnering with an institution such as IIT Kanpur for curriculum or faculty support, the state aims to raise the standard of preparatory training available locally.
Officials framed the Launch Pad assistance as a targeted measure to reduce upfront costs for aspirants attempting central and PSU recruitment tests. The state said the assistance would include support for travel and study materials, which are commonly cited barriers for rural and marginalised candidates.
Programme components and intended beneficiaries
- CM‑SAATHI: Two‑month crash course for JEE and NEET aspirants from poor socio‑economic backgrounds, launched in collaboration with IIT Kanpur.
- Launch Pad scheme: One‑time assistance of up to ₹10,000 for economically weaker students, persons with disabilities and orphaned youth preparing for central/PSU exams.
- Health and fitness drive: Annual state‑level Teachers’ Run and Inter‑School & College Run to promote fitness among students and teachers.
The state has presented these measures as part of a broader emphasis on education. Mr Tamang reiterated his administration’s stance that education is an investment, noting that about 15 per cent of the state’s total expenditure in 2025–26 was allocated to education, according to figures cited at the event.
Practical information aspirants should note
While the Chief Minister announced the schemes and said cabinet approval had been obtained, details such as application procedures, eligibility certificates, selection criteria for the CM‑SAATHI coaching and timelines for disbursal of the Launch Pad grant were not released at the function.
Prospective beneficiaries should watch for formal notifications from the state education department and the nodal implementing agency. Typical requirements for similar state schemes include residence proof, income certificate and documentation for disability or orphan status; applicants are advised to keep these documents ready. The mode of coaching delivery—whether through centralised physical classes, satellite centres or online modules in partnership with IIT Kanpur—has not been specified.
Local reaction and context
The Chief Minister, a former teacher, paid tribute to educators at the event and said their dedication shaped the state’s educational progress.
“Their unwavering faith in education continues to inspire us, and today’s teachers are the proud custodians of that legacy of sacrifice, service and dedication,” he said.
Education activists and community leaders have for years urged improved access to competitive exam coaching and support for marginalized aspirants in the Northeast. If implemented with clear procedures and transparent selection, the new initiatives could broaden opportunities for students who previously could not afford professional coaching.
| Scheme | Benefit | Primary beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| CM‑SAATHI | Two‑month free JEE/NEET crash course (with IIT Kanpur collaboration) | Students from poor socio‑economic backgrounds |
| Launch Pad | One‑time assistance up to ₹10,000 | Economically weaker students, persons with disabilities, orphaned youth |
The state has also announced annual runs for teachers and students to promote fitness, signalling an intent to pair academic initiatives with wellbeing programmes. Authorities are expected to issue formal guidelines and application timelines shortly; aspirants should monitor official releases from the Sikkim education department for further instructions.
