Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram is the merit award that Andhra Pradesh gives to its best-performing students. Earlier it was known as Jagananna Animutyalu, and it now runs under the name Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram — named after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. This guide explains what the award is, who is eligible, how students are selected, and how to check whether you have been chosen.
For a student who has worked hard all year, a merit award is more than a prize. It is the state saying that hard work matters, and it is often the first public recognition a bright student from a small town or village ever receives. The Prathibha Puraskaram exists for exactly that reason — to find the best students in AP and honour them.
| Detail | Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram |
|---|---|
| Award | Merit awards for AP students |
| Named after | Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam |
| Earlier name | Jagananna Animutyalu |
| Given for | Academic merit |
| How students are chosen | Through schools and the Education Department |
| Where to ask | Your school or college; the Education Department |
What Is the Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram?
The Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram is a merit award for students in Andhra Pradesh. It is given to students who have performed best in their studies — the toppers and high achievers whose results stand out. It is an award, not a scholarship: it recognises what a student has already achieved rather than funding what comes next.
The award is named after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the scientist and former President known across India as a teacher and an inspiration to students. Naming a student merit award after him sets the standard the award stands for — learning, discipline and the ambition to do more.
We could not verify the exact award amount or the eligibility marks for the current year from the official sources we checked, so we do not state them here. Your school or the Education Department can confirm the current details.
Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram: From Jagananna Animutyalu to the New Name
Students and parents will know this award by its earlier name, Jagananna Animutyalu. It now runs as the Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram. The purpose is unchanged — merit awards for AP students — but the name has changed, as scheme names do when governments change.
If you hear the old name from a teacher and the new name from an official notice, they are the same award. There is no separate Jagananna Animutyalu to apply for, and no second award to claim. One award, one new name.
Who Is Eligible for the Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram?
The award is for students of Andhra Pradesh who have performed best in their studies. It is a merit award, so selection rests on academic results — the students whose marks place them at the top.
There is no application form for a student or parent to fill in the way a scholarship has one. Merit awards are given on the basis of results that the school and the Education Department already hold, so the student’s record is what counts. If you are a student who has scored at the top of your class or your board examination, you are the kind of student this award is meant for.
How Are Students Selected?
Selection runs through the schools and the Education Department, not through an open application. In broad terms, the process is:
- Results recorded. The school and the Education Department hold the students’ examination results.
- Merit lists drawn up. The best-performing students are identified from those results.
- Verification. The names are checked against school records before the award is finalised.
- Award given. The selected students receive the award.
Because the process runs on results the department already holds, a student cannot miss out by failing to apply — but a student can be missed if their school record is wrong. Make sure your school has your correct name, class and results.
What Do Winners of the Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram Receive?
The award is a public honour for academic merit. Winners are recognised by the state for their results, and the award carries the name of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam — a name that tells a student’s family and village that their child is among the best in Andhra Pradesh.
For a student from a small town or a village school, that recognition opens doors: it is noticed by colleges, it is noted on a student’s record, and it encourages the student to aim higher. The award itself is the honour; the greater value is what it says about the student who earned it.
We could not verify the exact award amount for the current year from the official sources we checked, so we do not state one here. Your school or the Education Department can confirm what this year’s winners receive.
How to Check If You Have Been Selected: 5 Steps
- Ask your school. The class teacher or headmaster is the first person to ask about the merit list.
- Check the school notice. Merit lists are usually put up at the school or shared with the students.
- Ask the Education Department. If the school cannot confirm, the district education office is the next place to ask.
- Ask the Sachivalayam. Your Grama/Ward Sachivalayam can point you to the right office for education schemes.
- Raise a query if needed. If you believe you should have been selected and were not, ask the school to check your record — and you can raise a grievance on the GSWS NBM portal at gsws-nbm.ap.gov.in.
Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram and Other Student Support
The merit award is one part of the support that reaches students in AP. Families should know about the rest:
- School kits. Free school kits every year under Vidya Mitra School Kits — earlier Vidya Kanuka, now the Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidya Mitra.
- Sanitary napkins for girls. Free sanitary napkins for girls in government schools under Balika Raksha — earlier Sweccha.
- Midday meals. Free hot meals in AP schools and junior colleges under the Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal scheme.
- Scholarships. Post-matric scholarships (RTF and MTF) for college students through Jnanabhumi scholarships — application on the Jnanabhumi portal at jnanabhumi.ap.gov.in.
- Talliki Vandanam. Financial support for mothers of school-going children. Check the Talliki Vandanam payment status guide if a payment is delayed.
- Certificates for scholarships. Scholarship applications usually need an income certificate in AP, issued through the Sachivalayam and MeeSeva.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram
What is the Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram?
It is the merit award for AP students, given for academic excellence. It was earlier known as Jagananna Animutyalu and is named after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
How do I apply for the Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram?
There is no separate application. The award is given on the basis of academic results held by the school and the Education Department, so your school record is what counts.
Is Jagananna Animutyalu still running?
The award runs under its new name, Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram. Jagananna Animutyalu was the earlier name of the same merit award.
How much is the Prathibha Puraskaram award?
We could not verify the exact award amount for the current year from the official sources we checked, so we do not state one here. Your school or the Education Department can confirm it.
I scored at the top of my class but was not selected — what should I do?
Ask your school to check your record first — a wrong name or wrong marks on the record can keep a student off the merit list. If the school cannot resolve it, ask the district education office or raise a grievance on the GSWS NBM portal.
The Abdul Kalam Prathibha Puraskaram exists to tell AP’s best students that their hard work has been noticed. There is nothing to apply for — only results to earn — and the school is the first place to ask about them. For official updates, check the Andhra Pradesh government portal and your school.
Last updated: November 2026