46 USTM students crack UGC NET/JRF 2025, university announces full fee reimbursement

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 22, 2025

The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has announced that 46 of its students have qualified in the UGC NET/JRF examinations held in June 2025. In recognition of this academic milestone, the University will fully reimburse the admission and semester fees of the achievers under its unique Payback Policy.

The initiative, part of USTM’s broader mission to promote academic excellence and accessibility, rewards students who clear prestigious national-level competitive exams.

Chancellor Mahbubul Hoque praised the students’ accomplishments, calling it “a testament to our focus on academic rigour and support systems.” He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring that “no talented student is held back due to financial constraints.”

Vice Chancellor Prof. G.D. Sharma emphasised the holistic nature of USTM’s NET coaching program, which goes beyond syllabus-based preparation to include soft skills training, interview practice, and motivational support. “We aim to equip our students not just for exams, but for life,” he said.

Dr. Trishna Thakuria, Director of the University’s NET Forum, shared that over ₹1.3 crore has already been refunded to previous qualifiers under the Payback Policy. The Forum provides daily coaching sessions after 4:30 PM and is part of USTM’s Outreach Mission to deliver free guidance for NET, SLET, GATE, SSC, banking, and other competitive exams.

Established in 2017, the NET Forum has played a key role in the University’s rising academic profile. In 2024, 71 USTM students qualified the UGC NET/JRF, and over the years, more than 489 have cleared NET and SLET.

USTM’s reputation continues to grow: it remains the only private university in Northeast India to earn an A grade from NAAC in its first cycle and has consistently ranked among the top 200 universities in India by NIRF for three consecutive years. The institution also boasts strong gender inclusivity, with 61% of students and 65% of faculty being women.