Guwahati: The growing influence of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s(RSS) education initiatives in Assam is becoming increasingly visible, with hundreds of schools under Vidya Bharati, shaping a new generation of academically strong and culturally rooted students across the state. Named as Shankardev Vidya Niketan in the Uttar Assam Prant, these Assamese medium schools providing value based education to thousands of students in the Brahmaputra Valley regions are now an integral part of Assam’s education arena.
For decades, institutions affiliated with Vidya Bharati have quietly built a reputation for delivering quality education, particularly in rural and far-flung regions. Their impact was once again underscored in the Assam HSLC Examination 2026, where Jyotirmay Das, a student of Sankardev Shishu Niketan, Patacharkuchi in Bajali district, secured the first rank in the state. His achievement has brought pride not only to his school but also to the entire Vidya Bharati network.
A wide educational network
Vidya Bharati’s presence in Assam is extensive. Schools are operated through Shishu Shiksha Samiti, Assam in the Brahmaputra Valley, while Shiksha Vikas Parishad, South Assam manages institutions in Barak Valley and Dima Hasao. Together, these bodies oversee hundreds of schools that emphasize value-based education imparted in the mother tongue.
At present, more than 576 schools across Assam are affiliated with Vidya Bharati, catering to lakhs of students, including a significant number from Janajati(tribal) communities and remote areas where access to quality education has traditionally been limited.
Impressive academic performance
The HSLC 2026 results reflect the consistent academic excellence of these institutions. A total of 10,375 students from 403 schools appeared for the examination, out of which 9,695 successfully passed, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 93.45 per cent.
Among the successful candidates:
- 5,623 students secured First Division
- 3,546 secured Second Division
- 516 obtained Third Division
Additionally, 1,333 students achieved star marks, while 383 students secured distinction. Notably, 164 schools recorded a 100 per cent pass rate and 17 schools achieved the remarkable feat of all students passing in First Division.
Regional performance breakdown
Under Shishu Shiksha Samiti, Assam, 9,693 students appeared, with 9,095 passing, registering a pass percentage of 93.83 per cent. The region also saw 156 schools achieve 100 per cent results, with 14 schools recording all students in First Division.
In southern Assam, under Shiksha Vikas Parishad, 682 students appeared, of whom 600 passed, achieving an 87.98 per cent pass rate. Eight schools recorded 100 per cent results, with three schools achieving full First Division success.
A legacy of toppers
Vidya Bharati schools have a strong track record of producing state toppers. Over the past two decades, at least eight students from these institutions have secured the top rank in Assam’s board examinations. Notable achievers include Hridyam Thakuria (2023), Meghashree Bora (2019), Md. Sarfaraz Hussain (2016), Gyanadeep Sharma and Stuti Khound (2012), Prakashjyoti Kalita (2011), and Jugal Talukdar (2010).
Focus on holistic education
Beyond academic success, Vidya Bharati emphasizes holistic development through its Panchapadi teaching methodology, which integrates physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth. The institutions are also aligning their curriculum with the National Education Policy to ensure modern, skill-oriented education.
Sailendra Pandey, Saha Prasar Pramukh of Vidya Bharati, Uttar Asom Pranta, highlighted that the organization’s focus remains on nurturing responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society while staying rooted in cultural values.
Leadership reactions
Senior functionaries including Dr. Pawan Tiwari, Kulendra Kumar Bhagawati, and Jagannath Rajbanshi extended their congratulations to the successful students and expressed confidence that the institutions would continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Assam’s educational landscape.
A transformative role in Assam
With its strong grassroots presence, focus on mother-tongue education and consistent academic results, Vidya Bharati is steadily emerging as a dominant force in Assam’s educational ecosystem. Its role in bridging the rural-urban education gap and empowering students from marginalized communities is particularly noteworthy. As the HSLC 2026 results demonstrate, the network is not only producing toppers but also contributing to the broader goal of nation-building through education—one student at a time.
