The School Education Department felicitated 56 meritorious students belonging to indigenous Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland, under the Chief Minister's Meritorious Students Fellowship (CMMSF) for their outstanding performance in the HSLC Examination 2026 at a programme held in Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on 9th July 2026.

            Advisor for School Education, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, graced the programme as the special guest and congratulated the awardees for their outstanding academic achievements. He encouraged the students to continue striving for excellence with dedication, perseverance and integrity, while reminding them to use their knowledge and talents in the service of society and the State. Reminding the students of their accomplishment, he said that the 56 achievers had distinguished themselves through hard work and perseverance. He urged them to remain humble, to remember their roots, and contribute positively to society in the future.

            Yhome also highlighted that out of the 56 achievers, 43 were girls and 13 were boys, and lauded the increasing number of girls excelling academically in recent years.

            Encouraging the students to make the most of opportunities in the digital age, he urged them to aspire higher and continue striving for excellence. He further stated that the achievers were part of the rich legacy of school education in Nagaland and expressed confidence that they would continue to bring pride to the state.

            In his welcome address, the Chairperson, Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), Rangumbuing Nsarangbe, stated that the Chief Minister's Meritorious Students Fellowship (CMMSF) is a testament to the generosity and commitment of the Chief Minister towards promoting academic excellence. He said that the initiative not only recognises meritorious students with certificates but also provides them with financial assistance for a period of five years.

He informed the awardees that the continuation of the fellowship is subject to one condition—that beneficiaries must secure at least 80 per cent marks in their examinations each year to remain eligible for the grant. He further acknowledged the invaluable role of parents and families, saying that behind every successful student is a family whose sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering support inspire them to strive for excellence.

            Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Benchumo Tungoe, who secured Rank 3 from Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School, Wokha, and Imnayangla, who secured Rank 8 from St. Mary's Residential School, Alichen, shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouragement extended through the CMMSF.

            The programme began with a thanksgiving prayer offered by Khekavi K. Yeptho, Pastor, Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima, followed by special songs were presented by Baptist School, Botsa, and Government Higher Secondary School, Kigwema. Dr. Yhome later presented awards and certificates to the 56 meritorious students. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by L. Jamithung Lotha, State Mission Director, Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland.

List of 56 CMMSF Meritorious Students Belonging to Indigenous ST of Nagaland at the HSLC Examination 2026

(Takumpula Longkumer, IA)