Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary said on Wednesday that from next year the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) toppers’ felicitation ceremony will be held within one month of the declaration of results, ensuring that high-performing students receive timely recognition and encouragement for their achievements.Addressing meritorious students after presenting awards to 168 toppers of the BSEB Intermediate and Matric Examination-2026, Choudhary said the decision followed his review of the felicitation programme. He said it was found that toppers were usually honoured in Nov or Dec, several months after the results were announced. He directed officials to ensure that meritorious students are felicitated immediately after the examination results are declared.The programme was held at the ‘Nek Savand’ auditorium at Lok Sevak Awas, the CM’s residence. Choudhary said the state govt is working to improve the educational environment for students. He said arrangements have been made in 700 Saraswati Vidya Niketan Model Schools for facilities, including coaching, live classes and live tutors. Former students willing to contribute to their schools and support students studying there will be welcomed and linked with this initiative, he added.Referring to the flood situation in Bihar, the CM said despite 38% less rainfall, flood conditions have persisted in the state. Bihar faces floods almost every year, he said, adding that efforts should not remain confined to relief and rescue operations. A permanent solution is needed, and long-term work will be undertaken to improve and systematise the water cycle and natural water flow system so the flood problem can be addressed sustainably.After the felicitation, the CM hosted a feast at Lok Sevak Awas for the students and their guardians. He dined with the students and interacted with them, asking about their future plans and other activities. Earlier, BSEB chairperson Thiyagarajan S M welcomed the CM with a green plant and a memento.Toppers felicitatedThe CM presented medals, certificates of appreciation, and symbolic cheques to Aditya Prakash Aman, Sakshi Kumari, and Sapna Kumari, who secured the top three positions in the Intermediate examination-2026 (science); Nishu Kumari, Siddhi Shikha, Chandradeep Kumar, and Md Lucky Ansari, who secured the top four positions in the Intermediate examination-2026 (arts); Aditi Kumari and Mahi Kumari, who secured the top two positions in the Intermediate exam-2026 (commerce); Priyanshu Raj and Anika Upadhyay, who secured two positions in the Intermediate exam-2026 (cocational course); and Pushpanjali Kumari, Sabrin Parveen, and Nahid Sultana, who secured the top three positions in the Annual Secondary Examination-2026.Students securing first position in Intermediate and Matric were given Rs2 lakh each, those securing second position were given Rs1.5 lakh, and those securing third position were given Rs1 lakh. Along with this, students who secured fourth and fifth positions in Intermediate were given Rs30,000, and students who secured fourth to tenth positions in Matric were given Rs20,000. All awarded students were additionally given Rs 51,000 for the purchase of laptops.
