Meghalaya has launched a state-wide initiative aimed at improving preparation for national-level competitive examinations, with the government announcing financial support for seven candidates from the state who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination this year.
The initiative, Ascent 2026, was organised by the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute (MATI) at Mawdiangdiang in Shillong on August 12. The programme brought together civil service aspirants, administrators, educators, parents and experts to discuss ways to strengthen Meghalaya’s performance in examinations such as the UPSC, JEE and NEET.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma distributed CM-INSPIRE incentive cheques of Rs 50,000 each to seven UPSC Preliminary Examination qualifiers. Under the scheme, candidates who clear the Preliminary examination receive Rs 50,000, while those who qualify for the Main examination are eligible for Rs 1 lakh.
The financial assistance is intended to reduce the cost burden of long-term civil services preparation and encourage more candidates from Meghalaya to pursue the All India Services.
Addressing the aspirants, Sangma said the state needed to build a sustained ecosystem around competitive examinations rather than rely on individual efforts. He said the government was working towards creating similar support systems across sports, STEM, innovation, entrepreneurship and competitive examinations.
He also urged aspirants to examine their reasons for wanting to join the civil services and remain focused on public service.