In a major step towards educational empowerment and inclusive social development, Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) has launched its flagship initiative “CCL Vidya Saarthi”, aimed at providing free, high-quality coaching for national-level competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET to meritorious students from coalfield areas.
To operationalise the programme, CCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Computer Saksharta Mission (NCSM) at its headquarters in Ranchi. The initiative will be implemented under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework.
Bridging Talent and Opportunity
The programme has been designed to bridge the critical gap between talent and access to quality coaching for students belonging to economically weaker sections. Under “CCL Vidya Saarthi,” selected students will receive completely free coaching for a duration of two years, enabling them to prepare for highly competitive examinations with structured academic support.
Selection of 400 Students
An entrance examination will be conducted to select up to 400 students who have passed the Class X Board Examination in 2026. Eligibility criteria include:
- Residence within 25 km of CCL operational areas
- Enrollment in schools located in CCL command regions
- Annual family income below ₹8 lakh
Smart Learning Infrastructure
To ensure accessibility for students from remote coalfield regions, 10 dedicated learning centres will be established across DAV Schools within CCL command areas. These centres will feature smart classrooms and digital learning tools, creating a modern and technology-enabled academic environment.
Comprehensive Academic Support
The programme offers a holistic preparation ecosystem, including:
- Classroom coaching by experienced faculty
- Digital learning platforms and study materials
- Mock tests and performance assessments
- Doubt-clearing sessions and remedial classes
- Motivational mentoring and expert interactions
Students will also receive study kits, including school bags, books, and stationery, free of cost.
Weekend Classes for Balanced Learning
To ensure that regular schooling remains unaffected, classes under the programme will be conducted on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). This approach enables students to pursue competitive exam preparation alongside their formal education.
Empowering Coalfield Communities
The initiative is expected to significantly benefit talented students from coalfield regions who often lack access to quality coaching due to financial constraints and geographical limitations. By bringing structured guidance closer to their homes, CCL aims to create an ecosystem where aspirations can translate into achievement.
Building on Proven Success
CCL’s latest initiative builds upon the success of its flagship programme “CCL Ke Lal & CCL Ki Ladli”, under which 20 boys and 20 girls are selected annually and provided free coaching, schooling, and residential support. Notably, 194 students from this programme have secured admissions into prestigious institutions such as IITs, NITs, and other top engineering colleges.
Driving Inclusive Growth Through CSR
With the launch of “CCL Vidya Saarthi,” CCL has reinforced its commitment to educational equity, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth. The initiative is poised to create transformative opportunities for deserving students and contribute to building a skilled, confident, and future-ready generation.
