Ri-Bhoi DSP Varun Dkhar Attends Award Ceremony of Meghalaya Chemistry Olympiad at USTM
11th March,2026 Ri-Bhoi Meghalaya: The Department of Chemistry, University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM), successfully organised the Meghalaya Chemistry Olympiad 2025 (MCO-25), an annual academic initiative aimed at identifying and encouraging talented school students with an aptitude for chemistry and scientific learning. The written examination of the Olympiad was conducted at two centres—USTM campus, Baridua, and Lady Keane College, Shillong—while the award ceremony was held at the USTM campus, attended by Shri Varun Dkhar, MPS, Hon’ble Deputy Superintendent of Police of Ri-Bhoi District, as a distinguished guest.
The Meghalaya Chemistry Olympiad is designed to inspire young minds to pursue careers in science, particularly in chemistry, and to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and academic excellence among school students. This year’s edition witnessed the participation of 413 students from schools across Meghalaya, competing in three categories: Category I (Class VIII), Category II (Classes IX–X), and Category III (Classes XI–XII). The Olympiad included a written examination based on a specially designed syllabus focusing primarily on chemistry. The award ceremony was graced by Prof. Anil K. Saikia, HAG Professor of Chemistry at IIT Guwahati; Shri Varun Dkhar, MPS, Deputy SP of Ri-Bhoi District; Prof. G. D. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of USTM; Dr R. K. Sarma, Advisor, USTM; and Prof. Enamul Karim, Dean, School of Applied Sciences, USTM, along with faculty members and guests. Addressing the gathering, the guests appreciated USTM for organising such a platform that motivates school students to develop an interest in science and research.
The winners of Category I (Class VIII) in the Meghalaya Chemistry Olympiad demonstrated outstanding academic performance and enthusiasm for science. Shreyam Chakma of RKM HS School, Sohra secured the 1st position, followed by Rishit Pattanayak of DPS Khanapara in 2nd place and Diptarka Kashyap of DPS Khanapara in 3rd place.
Among the other top performers, Roshan Ram Mohan of DPS Khanapara secured the 4th position, while Adiel Yalmey Rapthap from Springtime Secondary School achieved the 5th position. Nengchi Kabak of DPS Khanapara secured the 6th rank, followed by Sacifica Pathaw from Springtime Secondary School in 7th place.
Further, Pratiksha Roy of Pinemount School secured the 8th position, Th. Zephaniah Nongsiej of Springtime Secondary School achieved the 9th position, and Yashasvini Boro of DPS Khanapara secured the 10th position, completing the list of top ten achievers in Category I.
The event was organised by the Department of Chemistry, USTM, under the convenorship of Dr. Golam Mohiuddin, with Dr. Kumar Kashyap Hazarika as Co-Convener, Dr Samiyara Begum as Treasurer, and Dr. Aditi Saikia as Joint Treasurer, supported by a dedicated organising committee of faculty members and volunteers.
Established in 2011, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is the first state private university in the field of Science and Technology in North East India. The University was accredited with an ‘A Grade’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its first cycle of assessment in 2021.