Breakdown of Awardees
For the 2021–22 session, 367 students from Class 10 and 563 from Class 12 were felicitated, including 71 toppers. In the 2022–23 session, 198 Class 10 students and 362 Class 12 students received awards, with 46 recognized as toppers. In total, the ceremony honored 1,490 achievers.
The awards are based on the top three ranks in each recognized state and central board. The first prize carries ₹60,000, the second ₹50,000, and the third ₹40,000. Additionally, a special cash award of ₹60,000 was presented to the highest-scoring girl student in cases where no female student featured among the top three.
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, who also chairs the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, presided over the function. He praised Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s role in shaping India’s education and social justice framework and reaffirmed the government’s focus on inclusive growth.
Ministers Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B.L. Verma applauded the winners and encouraged them to uphold Ambedkar’s ideals of equality, fraternity, and dignity. Senior officials from the Ministry, including Secretary Shri Amit Yadav and Additional Secretary Smt. Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, also addressed the gathering.
Encouragement for Future Generations
The ceremony was attended by awardees, parents, teachers, educationists, and dignitaries from across the nation. Speakers emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for empowerment and social change.
The event concluded with the powerful reminder of Ambedkar’s call: “Educate, Agitate, Organize.” Officials confirmed that the awards would continue annually to inspire excellence among SC and ST students and to advance the vision of an equitable society.