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The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched the Shining Stars Award, a prestigious scheme aimed at recognizing and rewarding academic excellence among students. Introduced through G.O.MS.No. 25 on June 6, 2025, by the School Education (General) Department, this initiative seeks to promote quality education and inspire students to pursue higher studies. Below is a detailed overview of this exciting program for the academic year 2024-25.
What is the Shining Stars Award?
The Shining Stars Award is a merit-based recognition program designed to honor students who excel in the SSC Public Examinations (Class X) and Intermediate Public Examinations across all managements, including government and private institutions. The scheme celebrates students’ academic achievements by awarding them a merit certificate, a medal, and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000** to encourage their pursuit of higher education.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
- Recognize Merit: Acknowledge students who achieve outstanding results in SSC and Intermediate examinations.
- Promote Excellence: Encourage students to strive for academic excellence.
- Support Higher Education: Provide financial incentives to meritorious students to continue their educational journey.
Eligibility Criteria
For SSC (Class X) Students
General Categories (OC, BC, SC, ST, Minority): Students who secure 500 marks out of 600 (83.33% or above) in the SSC Public Examinations of the preceding academic year.
Children with Special Needs (CWsN): Students who secure 70% marks or above in a particular district, covering all managements (government and private).
For Intermediate Students
General Categories (OC, BC, SC, ST, Minority): Students who secure 830 marks or above in the Intermediate Public Examinations in streams like MPC, BiPC, HEC, CEC/MEC, and Vocational courses.
- CWsN Category: Students who secure 700 marks or above in a particular district, covering all managements.
Number of Awards
For SSC Students
Mandal Level: A total of 6 awardees per mandal, distributed as follows:
- OC: 2 awards (either boy or girl)
- BC: 2 awards (either boy or girl)
- SC: 1 award (either boy or girl)
- : 1 award (either boy or girl)
- District Level (CWsN)3 awardees per district for students with special needs who achieve the highest scores in Class X.
Award Details: Each awardee receives a certificate, a medal and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000
For Intermediate Students
District Level: 36 awardees per district across Andhra Pradesh’s 26 districts, covering all streams (MPC, BiPC, HEC, CEC/MEC, and Vocational) and categories (SC, ST, Minority, BC, OC, and CWsN).
Award Details: Each awardee is felicitated with a certificate, a medal, and a cash prize of Rs. 20,000.
Selection Process
- The Director of Government Examinations, A.P., Amaravati, and the Board of Intermediate Education prepare the selection list based on merit in the respective examinations.
- In cases where multiple students secure the same marks, all such candidates are considered for the award in their respective categories.
- There is no income ceiling limit for eligibility, ensuring that merit is the sole criterion.
- The award is independent of other welfare scholarships, allowing students to receive the cash prize regardless of other financial aid they may be receiving.
Felicitation Ceremony
- The Shining Stars Award Programme will be conducted annually at the District Headquarters, chaired by the District In-charge Minister** and organized by the District Collector
- For the academic year 2024-25 the ceremony is scheduled for June 9, 2025
- Each awardee will receive:
- A cash award of Rs. 20,000
- An Appreciation Certificate
- A Medal.
Funding and Implementation
- The entire expenditure for the awards program will be funded by the Board of Intermediate Education.
- The Secretary, Board of Intermediate Education, is responsible for releasing the necessary funds to the respective District Collectors.
- The Director of School Education, A.P., Mangalagiri, and the Director of Intermediate Education, Tadepalli, will oversee the implementation of the program.
Why This Matters
The Shining Stars Award is a commendable step by the Andhra Pradesh government to foster a culture of academic excellence. By recognizing and rewarding high-performing students, the scheme not only boosts their confidence but also motivates others to aim higher. The inclusion of students from diverse categories, including those with special needs, reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive education.
This initiative also underscores the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and progress. The cash award of Rs. 20,000 serves as a meaningful incentive for students to pursue higher studies, while the certificate and medal are lasting tokens of their hard work and dedication.
Looking Ahead
The Shining Stars Award is set to become an annual tradition, with the potential to inspire countless students across Andhra Pradesh. By celebrating academic achievements at both the mandal and district levels, the program ensures that talent is recognized, regardless of the socio-economic background of the students.
Let’s congratulate the Shining Stars of 2024-25 and wish them success in their future endeavors! Stay tuned for updates on the award ceremony and the inspiring stories of these young achievers.
For more details, contact the Director of School Education, A.P., Mangalagiri, or the Director of Intermediate Education, Tadepalli.
Source: G.O.MS.No. 25, School Education (General) Department, Dated June 6, 2025.
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Shining Stars Award 2024-25: Celebrating Academic Excellence in Andhra Pradesh
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