Patna: The Bihar government marked National Mathematics Day with a state-level felicitation ceremony recognising outstanding student performance in the Srinivasa Ramanujan Talent Search Test in Mathematics–2025, held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna on Monday.
Organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education (DSTTE), the event commemorated the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan and brought together students, parents, educators and senior officials from across the state. A total of 532 students from Classes 6 to 12 were honoured for securing top positions at the district and state levels.
The science and technology minister, Sunil Kumar, who attended the programme as chief guest, said the achievement of the students reflected sustained effort, discipline and access to opportunity. He said the Ramanujan Talent Search Test embodied the state government’s commitment to equitable development by offering equal platforms to students from diverse social and economic backgrounds.
During the event, Kumar also inaugurated the online e-ticketing system for Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Science City, describing the institution as a space where students could experience science beyond textbooks. He encouraged young learners to engage with the facility’s interactive galleries to nurture curiosity and innovation.
Addressing the gathering earlier, DSTTE secretary Pratima highlighted Ramanujan’s life as a symbol of intellectual perseverance despite limited resources. She said the department’s focus extended beyond academic outcomes to holistic student development, citing the introduction of industry-oriented courses, mental health support services, foreign language programmes and upgraded infrastructure across engineering and polytechnic institutions.
The minister noted that all 38 engineering colleges and 46 polytechnic institutes in Bihar were now operating from permanent campuses, equipped with hostels and modern facilities. He added that nominal monthly fees—Rs. 10 for engineering courses and Rs. 5 for polytechnic programmes—were part of the state’s effort to ensure universal access to technical education.
Twenty-one state-level toppers received laptops, certificates, medals and mementoes, while district-level winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 5,000 and Rs. 3,000 for first and second positions respectively. All selected students were provided travel assistance, and additional district-level honours are to be conferred at local government engineering colleges.
Senior officials, including the vice-chancellor of Bihar Engineering University and departmental directors, attended the ceremony. The programme concluded with an announcement of a special educational tour for state-level toppers to Science City and Taramandal, Patna.
