Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Sikkim Launches Free JEE-NEET Coaching and Exam Aid Schemes
Sikkim has started a program to help students prepare for important engineering and medical entrance exams.
The CM-SAATHI program will provide free coaching for JEE and NEET.
It is meant for students from families who may not be able to afford coaching classes.
The course will last two months and is being offered with IIT Kanpur.
Another program, called Launch Pad, will give some exam candidates up to Rs 10,000.
This money can help pay for books, travel and other study needs.
The state will also organize running events for teachers and students to encourage healthy habits.
The chief minister said Sikkim wants to improve the quality of education and become an education hub.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang launched CM-SAATHI to provide free JEE and NEET coaching.
The initiative, developed with IIT Kanpur, offers a two-month crash course to students from poor families.
The Launch Pad scheme will provide up to Rs 10,000 to eligible candidates preparing for central government and PSU examinations.
The assistance will cover study materials, travel and other necessary expenses for economically weaker students, persons with disabilities and orphaned youth.
Tamang also announced annual running events for teachers, students and college participants to promote fitness and healthy living.
- Who
- Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced the initiatives for students and examination candidates.
- What
- The government launched free JEE-NEET coaching through CM-SAATHI and financial assistance through the Launch Pad scheme.
- When
- The announcements were made on September 5, Teachers’ Day.
- Where
- The announcements were made in Gangtok, Sikkim.
- Why
- The schemes are intended to help students who cannot afford coaching or examination-related expenses and to improve educational access and quality.
- CM-SAATHI
- A free coaching initiative for JEE and NEET aspirants from poor socio-economic backgrounds.
- Coaching duration
- Two-month crash course.
- Coaching partner
- IIT Kanpur.
- Launch Pad assistance
- One-time financial assistance of up to Rs 10,000.
- Eligible Launch Pad applicants
- Economically weaker students, persons with disabilities and orphaned youth preparing for central government and PSU examinations.
- Education spending
- Approximately 15 per cent of Sikkim’s total expenditure is being invested in education during 2025–26.
- Additional initiatives
- Annual Teachers’ Run and Inter-School & College Run events will promote fitness and healthy living.