Banashree Mahanta, a student from a remote village in Nalbari district, has been selected for an international scientific exposure programme under the Chief Minister’s Science Talent Search Mission (2024).

She is a student of PM SHRI Adarsh Vidyalaya, Barkhetri, near Mukalmuah.

The Chief Minister’s Science Talent Search Mission was launched in 2024 with the objective to:

• Identify talented, research-oriented students in Assam.

• Promote them in the field of science and technology.

Selection Process:

• Students submitted online applications and appeared for a written test.

• Those who qualified appeared for an online interview.

Selected Students Received:

First Phase

• Academic lessons, laboratory exposure, and practical training at IIT Guwahati.

Second Phase

• Interactions with professors and scientists at:

  • ASTEC (Assam Science Technology and Environment Council)

  • Karnataka Council of Science and Technology (KSCST), Bangalore

After the second phase, IIT Guwahati professors and officials conducted interviews to shortlist students for the international phase.

Banashree Mahanta was among the top three students selected for the third phase of training at the international level.

Significance of This Achievement

This achievement highlights the scientific potential of rural Assam’s youth.
It also showcases the success of the Chief Minister’s Science Talent Search Mission in:

• Nurturing hidden talent

• Bridging the rural-urban divide

• Connecting rural schools with global scientific platforms

Keywords for SEO & Competitive Exams

• Chief Minister Science Talent Search Assam 2024

• International Scientific Exposure Programme Assam

• Banashree Mahanta Assam student scientist

• STEM education in rural Assam

• CM Science Scheme Assam

• IIT Guwahati training programme

• ASTEC, KSCST student exchange programme

Statement-Based MCQs for APSC/UPSC Practice

Q1.Consider the following statements regarding the Chief Minister’s Science Talent Search Mission (2024):

1. The mission aims to promote sports talent among government school students in Assam.

2. The first phase of the programme includes lab training at IIT Guwahati.

3. The programme has an international exposure phase for top-performing students.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B) 2 and 3 only