The Government of Assam launched Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni, commonly known as Babu Asoni, as a dedicated financial assistance scheme for male students from economically weaker families. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the scheme on 1st January 2026, and it became operational from 1st February 2026. The formal launch ceremony took place at the Jyoti Bishnu Antarjatik Kala Mandir auditorium in Khanapara, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma presiding over the event.
Building on the success of Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni for girl students (launched in 2024), the Babu Asoni scheme aims to provide gender‑balanced educational support. The scheme provides monthly financial assistance to first‑year undergraduate and postgraduate male students enrolled in government and provincialised institutions across Assam through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The initiative seeks to increase enrolment of male students from economically weaker sections, reduce dropout rates at higher education entry levels, and improve Assam's Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni – Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni (MMNBA) – Babu Asoni |
| Launch Date (Announcement) | 1st January 2026 |
| Operational / Implementation From | 1st February 2026 |
| Launched By | Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma |
| Department | Higher Education Department, Government of Assam |
| Application Mode | Offline through college / institution (forms collected from college) |
| Portal for Verification | SAMARTH Portal (college uploads student data) |
| Beneficiaries | Male students of Assam (UG 1st Year & PG 1st Year) |
| Family Income Limit | Below ₹4 lakh per annum |
| Financial Assistance (UG) | ₹1,000 per month (₹10,000 per academic year) |
| Financial Assistance (PG) | ₹2,000 per month (₹20,000 per academic year) |
| Payment Duration | 10 months per academic year (no payment during summer vacations or breaks exceeding one month) |
| Mode of Payment | Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into Aadhaar‑linked bank account |
| Official Website | Higher Education Department, Assam |
| Helpline / Contact | Contact your college Principal / Nodal Teacher or District Higher Education Office |
Financial Assistance & Benefits under Babu Asoni
The government notification dated 6th January 2026 specifies the following financial assistance structure under the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni scheme. The assistance is provided for 10 months in an academic year through DBT.
| Sl No. | Student Category | Monthly Assistance | Total per Academic Year (10 months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Undergraduate (UG) 1st Year – Male Students | ₹1,000 per month | ₹10,000 per year |
| 2 | Postgraduate (PG) 1st Year – Male Students | ₹2,000 per month | ₹20,000 per year |
The financial assistance helps students cover education‑related expenses such as books, stationery, travel, and other academic needs. The government transfers the amount directly into the beneficiary's bank account, ensuring transparency and timely payment.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply
| Sl No. | Eligible Category | Specific Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Residency | Must be a permanent resident / domicile of Assam. |
| 2 | Gender | Only male students are eligible. |
| 3 | Course Enrollment | Must be enrolled as a regular student in UG 1st Year or PG 1st Year in a government or provincialised college/university within Assam. |
| 4 | Family Income | Annual family income must be below ₹4 lakh. |
| 5 | Academic Year | The scheme is implemented during the 2025–26 academic year. |
| 6 | Institution Type | Only government and provincialised institutions are eligible. Private institutions, self‑financed courses, and distance education are excluded. |
Who is NOT Eligible
| Sl No. | Category | Reason for Ineligibility |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Married UG students | Married male students at the undergraduate level are not eligible. |
| 2 | Banikanta Kakati Merit Award (Scooter Scheme) beneficiaries | UG students availing the Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award are excluded. |
| 3 | Jibon Prerana Scheme beneficiaries | PG students receiving benefits under the Chief Minister's Jibon Prerana Scheme are not eligible. |
| 4 | Students of private / self‑financed / distance education | Students enrolled in private institutions, self‑financed courses, or distance education programmes are not eligible. |
| 5 | Students with government employee parents / taxpayers | Students whose parents are government employees or taxpayers are not eligible. |
| 6 | Students availing other scholarships | Students already receiving benefits under any other government scholarship scheme may be excluded. |
Documents Required for Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni
Applicants need to attach the following documents with their application form. The specific documents required may vary depending on the college/institution.
| Sl No. | Document Name | Purpose / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aadhaar Card | For identity verification and DBT bank account linking. |
| 2 | Voter ID / Government‑issued Photo ID | Alternative identity proof. |
| 3 | Income Certificate / Ration Card | Proof of annual family income below ₹4 lakh. Income certificate from a competent authority or parents' ration card. |
| 4 | SAMARTH Enrollment Number | Students must have a SAMARTH portal enrollment number from their institution. |
| 5 | Bank Passbook / Cancelled Cheque | For DBT payment. Bank account must be Aadhaar‑linked. |
| 6 | College Admission Letter / Enrollment Proof | Proof of admission as a regular 1st year UG or PG student in a government/provincialised institution. |
| 7 | Class 12 / Graduation Marksheet | Educational qualification proof for UG/PG admission. |
| 8 | Passport Size Photographs | Recent photographs for application form. |
| 9 | PRC (Permanent Residence Certificate) | Proof of permanent residency in Assam (if applicable). |
All documents should be self‑attested. File sizes should be within the prescribed limits specified by the college or institution. Students are advised to keep original documents ready for verification.
How to Apply for Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni?
The application process is offline through your respective college or institution. Students do not need to visit any government office. Here is the complete step‑by‑step procedure:
- Visit your college / institution and meet your Principal or designated Nodal Teacher.
- Collect the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni (MMNBA) application form free of cost.
- Fill in the application form with your personal details, academic details, and bank account information carefully.
- Attach self‑attested copies of all required documents (Aadhaar card, income certificate, admission proof, bank passbook).
- Submit the duly filled application form along with documents to your college's administrative office or Nodal Teacher.
- The college will verify your details and upload the eligible students' data to the SAMARTH Portal for auto‑verification.
- After verification, the Higher Education Department will process the DBT payment.
- The financial assistance will be transferred directly to your Aadhaar‑linked bank account.
Note: No online application portal is available for students. Applications must be submitted through your college. Keep your SAMARTH enrollment number and bank details ready.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scheme announcement by CM | 1st January 2026 |
| Guidelines and application forms released | 6th January 2026 |
| Scheme becomes operational | 1st February 2026 |
| Application deadline (college‑specific) | Varies by institution. Contact your college for exact last date. |
| Payment starts | After verification and approval through SAMARTH Portal |
Important Links
| Sl No. | Link Description | Action / Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Higher Education Department, Assam (Official Website) | Official Website of Higher Education Department, Assam |
| 2 | Directorate of Higher Education, Assam | Directorate of Higher Education, Assam |
| 3 | SAMARTH Portal (for institutions) | Students must have SAMARTH enrollment number from their college |
| 4 | Official MMNBA Application Form (PDF) | Download Babu Asoni Application Form (PDF) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the monthly amount under Babu Asoni scheme?
UG first year male students get ₹1,000 per month. PG first year male students get ₹2,000 per month. Paid for 10 months in an academic year.
How to apply for Babu Asoni 2026?
Collect application form from your college principal or nodal teacher. Fill it, attach documents, submit at college. No online application for students.
Who is eligible for Babu Asoni scheme?
Male permanent residents of Assam enrolled in UG or PG 1st year regular course in government/provincialised college with family income below ₹4 lakh per annum.
When will Babu Asoni payment start?
Payment starts after college verification and SAMARTH portal approval. First instalment expected within 2-3 months of application submission.
What is the last date to apply for Babu Asoni 2026?
No fixed state-wide deadline. Contact your college for exact last date. Applications are accepted until college submits data on SAMARTH portal.
