Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to award cash prizes to SSLC toppers instead of distributing laptops, marking a shift in its approach to recognising academic excellence at the secondary school level. Under the new directive, the top three SSLC students from each district will receive ₹50,000 each, credited directly to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The decision is aimed at providing students with greater flexibility in using the incentive, while also streamlining the disbursement process and reducing logistical challenges associated with procurement and distribution of devices.
758 students eligible for cash incentive
For the 2024–25 academic year, a total of 758 students across the state are eligible to receive the cash award. The beneficiaries will be identified and processed through the State Scholarship Portal (SSP), which is already used to implement several student welfare schemes.
According to officials from the Department of School Education and Literacy, the funds will be transferred directly to bank accounts linked with the students’ Aadhaar numbers to ensure transparency and timely delivery. Authorities said this mechanism would minimise delays and eliminate intermediaries.
₹3.25 crore allocated under motivation scheme
The state government has earmarked approximately ₹3.25 crore for the initiative under the ‘Quality Assurance and Student Motivation Initiative’. Officials said the scheme is designed to encourage academic excellence among SSLC students and motivate them to perform consistently well in board examinations.
Previously, district-level toppers were awarded laptops as a form of recognition. However, feedback from students and parents indicated that cash incentives would be more useful, allowing recipients to decide whether to invest in higher education needs, digital devices or other academic resources.
Shift from material rewards to flexibility
Education department officials said the move reflects changing student needs and evolving learning environments. “While laptops were relevant at one point, students today may already have access to digital devices. Cash support gives them the freedom to use the incentive in a way that best suits their educational goals,” an official said.
The government also cited cost efficiency and ease of implementation as factors behind the change. Procurement of laptops involved tendering, storage and distribution, whereas DBT ensures faster and more accountable delivery of benefits.
Focus on merit and district-level representation
Under the scheme, the top three SSLC performers from each district will be selected, ensuring that merit is recognised across all regions of the state and not limited to urban centres. Officials said this district-wise approach helps motivate students from rural and semi-urban areas as well.
Education experts have welcomed the move, noting that direct financial incentives can play a meaningful role in supporting students from economically weaker backgrounds, especially as they transition to higher secondary education.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government’s decision to replace laptops with cash awards for SSLC toppers signals a pragmatic shift towards flexibility, efficiency and student-centric support. With ₹50,000 incentives being credited directly to students’ accounts, the scheme aims to not only reward merit but also empower young achievers to make choices that best support their academic futures.