In a progressive step towards promoting academic excellence and incentivising scholastic achievement, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has unveiled a new recognition scheme titled the “Shining Stars Award.” The initiative, introduced through the School Education Department, seeks to reward meritorious students from both government and private institutions for their outstanding performance in SSC and Intermediate examinations.
The award is designed to acknowledge students securing high scores—500 marks and above out of 600 in SSC, and 830 and above in Intermediate—across all social categories including OC, BC, SC, ST, Minorities, and Children with Special Needs (CWsN). Notably, CWsN students require a threshold of 70% in SSC and 700 marks in Intermediate to qualify.
For school students, each mandal will select six awardees—two from OC and BC each, and one from SC and ST categories. Additionally, three CWsN students from each district will be recognised. Each awardee will receive a cash prize of Rs 20,000, a medal, and a certificate.
In the Intermediate category, 36 students from each of the 26 districts—spanning MPC, BiPC, HEC, CEC/MEC, and Vocational streams—will be felicitated similarly. Selection will be based purely on merit, and in cases of tie scores, all eligible candidates will be honoured.
The programme is free from income-based eligibility ceilings and independent of other welfare scholarships, focusing purely on educational merit. The awards will be presented during a formal ceremony held at the district headquarters under the leadership of the District In-charge Minister.
The inaugural edition of the Shining Stars Award for the academic year 2024–25 is scheduled for 9th June 2025, with full funding provided by the Board of Intermediate Education. The Directors of School and Intermediate Education have been directed to ensure smooth execution of the programme.
