Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Meghalaya officials launched the Ascent 2026 initiative on August 12 at the Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute in Mawdiangdiang. The event focused on improving performance in national competitive exams like UPSC, JEE, and NEET. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma handed out Rs 50,000 CM-INSPIRE incentive cheques to seven candidates who passed the UPSC Preliminary Examination this year. Five of these students received support through the CM-INSPIRE program. Successful candidates who advance to the Main examination qualify for an additional Rs 1 lakh.
The initiative aims to build a sustained support system rather than relying on isolated efforts. Sangma wants to expand this strategy into fields including sports, STEM, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He drew a parallel to the state STAR program, which tracks young athletes with the goal of securing an Olympic medal by 2036. Addressing the crowd, Sangma shared his vision for the future. “My dream is to see a day when the Cabinet Secretaries of the Government of India hail from Meghalaya,” he said.
MATI Director General Cyril V. Diengdoh noted that the institute trained nearly 5,000 officials across 240 sessions last year. Director Swapnil Tembe highlighted that the state produces 20,000 to 30,000 graduates annually but noted that preparation often stays limited to local opportunities. He urged for earlier career guidance and better coaching networks in Shillong, Tura, and Jowai. Candidates like Menangtei Kuparlang Thangkhiew praised the financial aid, noting that it helps offset the costs of long-term study.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a new Digital Learning Lab at MATI. This facility will generate training content for the national iGOT platform. Seminars at the event covered time management, revision techniques, and the use of generative AI in studies. Officials stressed that Meghalaya does not lack talent. The state simply lacks an effective ecosystem to nurture it.
Updated at 13th August 2026 at 6:15pm
The newly opened Digital Learning Lab, which produces content for the national iGOT platform, was built under the ACTI scheme with backing from the Department of Personnel and Training. Beyond the UPSC focus, MATI has branched out its training programs to include specialized instruction for senior officials, Grade 4 staff, and drivers.
Successful candidates who trained at the institute's All India Services Pre-Examination Training Centre were also recognized at the event for landing roles in government departments and the banking sector. The state now treats the seven UPSC preliminary qualifiers as a record high. The program also hosted a panel discussion with civil servants Jagdish Chelani, Ashu Pant, Sonnet Jose, and Richa Kulkarni, who shared advice with the attendees.
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