Centre records 27 selections in government services and 16 NET/JRF qualifiers; GATE coaching proposed as DACE seeks more classrooms and infrastructure
Imphal, October 1, 2026: The Dr. Ambedkar Centre of Excellence (DACE), Manipur University, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India marked its fifth Foundation Day on Thursday by felicitating students who have secured positions in different government services and qualified national-level examinations.
The Foundation Day-cum-Felicitation Programme, held at the University Auditorium, also brought into focus the Centre’s plans for expansion and the infrastructure constraints it faces as it seeks to accommodate more competitive examination aspirants. A booklet titled, “Success Story of Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence, Manipur University” was also released.
According to DACE Programme Coordinator Dr. Salam Shantikumar Singh, 27 students of the Centre have secured positions in different government services, while 16 have qualified NET/JRF examinations.
He said the Centre decided to recognise NET/JRF qualifiers alongside candidates entering government services as their achievements could lead to further opportunities in higher education and research.
Prof. R.K. Hemakumar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, attended the programme as Chief Guest.
Lt Gen (Retd) Konsam Himalay Singh, former Chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission; R.K. Nimai Singh, IAS, former Commissioner, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur; Prof. N. Basanta Singh, Dean, School of Engineering; Prof. N. Mohilal Meitei, Dean, School of Life Sciences; and Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, attended as Guests of Honour. Dr. Shantikumar presided over the programme.
Discipline and preparation
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Hemakumar Singh stressed disciplined and honest preparation for competitive examinations.
He urged aspirants to identify gaps in their knowledge, seek guidance from experts and avoid depending on guesswork. Punctuality, regular attendance and effective use of time, he said, are essential to serious preparation.
Appreciating the achievements of DACE students, the Vice-Chancellor called for continued strengthening of the Centre through greater academic support, engagement of experts and improvement of the learning environment.
Deputy Commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh asked students to view both success and setbacks as opportunities for reflection and growth.
Drawing on his experience in administration, he said young people entering public service would have opportunities to understand existing systems and contribute towards improving them.
He also spoke about the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in governance, stressing that technology should strengthen systems and public-service delivery rather than replace human judgement.
‘Beginning of a longer journey’
Lt Gen (Retd) Konsam Himalay Singh congratulated the successful candidates and told aspirants that achievement should not be measured merely by securing a particular post.
He linked meaningful success with responsibility, humility, character and service to society, and described clearing an examination as the beginning of a longer journey rather than its end.
Describing DACE as having the potential to become a “diamond-polishing centre” for Manipur’s talent, he emphasised quality coaching, expert guidance and stronger infrastructure.
Former Commissioner R.K. Nimai Singh reflected on the increasingly competitive educational environment faced by young people. He underlined discipline, systematic preparation and time management while also stressing the importance of balancing academics with other pursuits.
He reminded students that their responsibilities extend to society and to the institutions that contribute to their growth.
GATE coaching proposed
Prof. N. Basanta Singh congratulated the successful candidates and appreciated the faculty and staff of DACE for the Centre’s achievements.
He urged successful candidates to uphold honesty and integrity wherever they serve and to view their examination success as a milestone rather than the end of their responsibilities.
Prof. Basanta also proposed that Manipur University examine the feasibility of introducing GATE coaching through DACE.
He pointed out that GATE scores are used for recruitment and other opportunities by various organisations and said a dedicated coaching programme could open another avenue for engineering students and aspirants in Manipur.
Prof. N. Mohilal Meitei, meanwhile, focused on perseverance and mental preparedness in facing competitive examinations and other challenges.
He told students that difficulties and frustration are part of growth and that success often depends on how individuals respond to adversity.
He said aspirants should not allow fear, anxiety or earlier limitations to determine what they can achieve, adding that DACE should help young people move beyond such barriers and access wider opportunities.
DACE gets three-year extension
Presenting an account of the Centre’s progress, Dr. Shantikumar traced DACE’s institutional journey under the free coaching initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
He said that following an assessment of its performance, the Centre has received a further three-year extension to continue its activities.
DACE follows a rigorous coaching schedule involving regular monitoring of attendance and follow-up with students preparing for competitive examinations, he said.
Although coaching is provided free of cost under the scheme, students are expected to maintain discipline, regular attendance and commitment to their preparation.
Dr. Shantikumar said DACE would also expand coaching initiatives under schemes entrusted to the Centre, including programmes for eligible Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates.
Two classrooms for a growing Centre
The Programme Coordinator also highlighted a major constraint facing DACE. The Centre currently has only two classrooms with a combined capacity of around 80 students, limiting the number of aspirants it can accommodate.
He sought the University’s support for additional space and improvements in basic facilities, including sanitation and water supply.
Earlier, DACE faculty member Heigrujam Premkumar Singh delivered the welcome address and expressed hope that the achievements of successful candidates would encourage present aspirants to aim higher and work consistently towards their goals.
Speaking on behalf of successful alumni, N. Malemnganbi Chanu of the Manipur Secretariat Service (MSS) recalled joining DACE with a dream but also with doubts and uncertainties. She said the Centre provided not only guidance for competitive examinations but also the confidence to continue and believe in herself.
She thanked Dr. Shantikumar, DACE faculty members and mentors for their guidance and encouragement, and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for supporting the initiative.
The programme included felicitation of successful candidates and recognition of faculty members associated with DACE, besides a group song and other programme items. Arbind Salam proposed the vote of thanks.
The fifth Foundation Day showcased DACE’s growing role in competitive examination preparation in Manipur while also highlighting the challenge ahead: expanding infrastructure and coaching opportunities to reach more aspirants.
