OAV Students Felicitated for Outstanding Performance in CBSE, JEE and NEET

Bhubaneswar: From excelling in board examinations to securing places in prestigious national-level entrance tests, meritorious students of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs) were honoured at a special felicitation ceremony held at the Iconic OAV, Andharua, Bhubaneswar, on Friday.

The students were recognised for their outstanding performance in the 2026 annual examinations as well as in JEE and NEET. The awards were presented by School & Mass Education Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr N. Thirumala Naik.

Addressing the students, Dr Naik congratulated the achievers and said their success reflected their hard work, discipline and dedication. He said felicitation programmes not only recognise academic excellence but also motivate other students to set higher goals and work towards achieving them.

Describing the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya initiative as one of the state government’s flagship programmes, Dr Naik said OAVs have made significant progress over the past decade. He said the Iconic OAV provides talented students with an environment to pursue their aspirations and encouraged the achievers to maintain discipline, continue learning and inspire others through their accomplishments.

Dr Naik also interacted with OAV achievers, alumni and current students, discussing their academic experiences, preparation strategies and future plans.

State Project Director of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Sangathan Smita Rout congratulated the students and said their achievements marked the beginning of a new journey. She also acknowledged the contribution of teachers and parents in supporting the students throughout their academic journey.

The ceremony recognised the top nine performers in the AISSE 2026 examination, 15 students who excelled in the AISSCE 2026 Science and Commerce streams, 13 JEE achievers and 15 students who qualified for NEET.

Lavyansh Meher of OAV Badi in Nuapada and Swayam Swagat Kara of OAV Chapatakhand, Narla in Kalahandi were conferred the ‘Student of the Year’ award.

Cash awards of ₹5,000 each were presented to CBSE Class X toppers Arshibad Martha, Arshibad Mishra, Shreya Smaranika, Shreyans Nanda and Swayam Sanket Das. Class XII Science topper Sai Soham Pradhan and Commerce topper Disha Saha, along with OAV’s JEE topper Priyush Ranjan Swain and NEET topper Swayam Swagat Kara, also received ₹5,000 each.

Three OAV alumni who secured admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) were also rewarded for their achievements. Lavyansh Meher received ₹20,000, Binayak Patra ₹30,000 and Priyush Ranjan Swain ₹50,000. The incentives were donated by Dr Raghaba Prasada Sahu, a retired ISRO scientist.

The ceremony highlighted the growing academic achievements of students from OAVs and the role of the schools in providing quality education and opportunities to talented students from across Odisha.