Pragyan Bharati Scheme 2026: Apply Online for Free Scooter

Pragyan Bharati Scheme 2026, also known as the Assam Scooty Scheme, is a flagship initiative of the Government of Assam aimed at rewarding meritorious students who excel in the Higher Secondary Final Examination. Under this scheme, students who secure 80% or more marks are awarded free scooters (electric or petrol-based) through the Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award. Registration for the 2026 cycle is open from 29th July 2026 to 21st August 2026.

This scheme encourages academic excellence, promotes higher education, and improves student mobility across Assam. Interested and eligible students should carefully read this complete guide covering eligibility, objectives, application process, distribution method, important dates, and other key details.

Overview of Pragyan Bharati Scheme 2026

The Pragyan Bharati Scheme was originally launched in 2020 by the Government of Assam. Initially, it provided scooters to meritorious girl students who passed the Higher Secondary examination with First Division. From 2025 onwards, the scheme was expanded to cover all students (boys and girls) who obtain 80% or more marks in the Higher Secondary Final Examination conducted by the Assam State School Education Board. The award is officially known as the Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award under the Pragyan Bharati Scheme.

Key Highlights:

Objectives of Assam Scooty Scheme

The main objectives of distributing scooters under the Pragyan Bharati Scheme are:

• To foster a sense of competitiveness and encourage students to perform better in their studies.
• To motivate students to pursue Higher Education.
• To provide better mobility to students for facilitating easy access to higher education.
• To enhance the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in the state of Assam.

Eligibility Criteria of Assam Free Scooty Scheme

Candidates must fulfill the following conditions to receive a scooter under the Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award:

Resident-ship Students must be permanent residents of the State of Assam.

Qualifying Examination Students must obtain 80% or more marks in the Higher Secondary Final Examination, 2026 conducted by the Assam State School Education Board.

Other Important Criteria

• Students in the betterment and reappearance category are NOT eligible for the scheme.
• Students admitted in institutions outside the State are also eligible provided they possess a valid Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) of Assam.

How to Apply for Assam Scooty Scheme 2026

Eligible students who meet the Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award criteria can apply online by following these steps:

1. Scroll down to the Important Web-Links section of this article.
2. Click on the Online Application Form link.
3. The official web portal will open.
4. Register using your Higher Secondary Examination 2026 Registration Number, Roll Number, and Phone Number.
5. Fill in all necessary personal and academic details.
6. Upload the required documents.
7. Submit the application form carefully.

Students are advised to apply well before the last date and keep their HS marksheet and PRC ready.

Assam Scooty Merit List 2026

The Directorate of Higher Education, Assam will release the list of eligible students for the Pragyan Bharati Scooty Scheme in due course. The merit lists are generally published stream-wise for both boys and girls.

The merit list usually contains the following details:

• Name of the student
• Name of institute and address
• Name of father of the student
• Roll Number of the student
• Registration Number and session
• Percentage of marks obtained by the student

Distribution Process of Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award

The complete process of scooter distribution under the scheme is as follows:

1. The list of students securing 80% and above marks is collected from the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB).
2. The list of beneficiaries is uploaded on the official website https://directorateofhighereducation.assam.gov.in/.
3. Eligible students fill up the online application form.
4. The Director of Higher Education notifies a list of Nodal Principals for smooth distribution of scooters.
5. Nodal Principals collect the Appreciation Certificates from the Directorate of Higher Education.
6. Eligible students collect the Appreciation Certificate from the concerned Nodal Principal and submit it to the allotted dealer.
7. The Government provides funds for Scooter Registration and Insurance to the Nodal Principals. After verification, the Nodal Principals release the amount to the dealer.
8. Students collect the scooters from the dealers. They do not have to pay any money for registration and insurance.
9. A helmet is provided free of cost along with the scooter. The Government does not pay for any additional accessories.
10. In case of a student’s untimely demise, the legal guardians may or may not choose to collect the scooter.
11. Beneficiaries of the Dr. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award under the Pragyan Bharati Scheme shall not be eligible for the Nijut Moina Scheme. However, if any girl beneficiary opts out of receiving the scooter, she can apply for the Nijut Moina Scheme.

Important Dates of Assam Free Scooty Scheme 2026

Important Web-Links of Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Award

• Online Application Form – Register | Login
• Official Notification – Click Here
• Scheme Guidelines – Click Here
• Official Website – Click Here

Discontinuation of Free Scooty Scheme

The Assam Government, in the Budget for 2026-27, proposed to discontinue the distribution of scooters to meritorious students from the next academic year. This year, around 18,000 students are expected to be eligible for scooters under the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award.

Finance Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah stated in the Assam Assembly while presenting the full Budget for 2026-27: “To ensure equitable distribution of educational support, so that a larger number of deserving students benefit instead of assistance being confined to a single percentage cut-off, the existing distribution of scooters under this scheme shall discontinue from the next academic year.”

The resources made available will be utilised in strengthening and expanding the Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)