Over 500 Students Empowered at Bengaluru’s Largest Career Guidance and Scholarship Awareness Programme
Experts stress informed choices, digital access, and scholarships as key to student success
Bengaluru: Silicon Valley witnessed one of its largest student outreach initiatives this year as more than 500 students and parents participated in a comprehensive Career Guidance and Scholarship Awareness Programme held on April 18, 2026, at Abbas Khan College for Women in Cubbonpet. The programme, designed for students who appeared for SSLC and PUC examinations, aimed to bridge critical information gaps in career planning and higher education opportunities.
Jointly organised by Central Muslim Association (CMA), Milli Council Karnataka, Abbas Khan College for Women, and Masjid One Movement, with CIGMA Foundation as the knowledge partner, the event brought together students from across Bengaluru as well as neighbouring regions including Kolar, Hassan, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
Addressing the Career Awareness Gap
Delivering the keynote session, Ameen e Mudassar, Founder and CEO of CIGMA Foundation and a former member of the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, highlighted the pressing need for awareness among both students and parents.
“There is a clear lack of awareness. Even when students score well, parents are often unsure about which courses to choose. This programme opened up a wide range of career possibilities for them,” he said. He added that the sessions introduced participants to multiple academic pathways after Class 10 and 12, along with emerging opportunities driven by technology.
Mudassar emphasised the importance of digital access in modern education. “Every home should have a laptop so that children can explore and learn emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. This exposure is essential for securing high-paying jobs in the future,” he noted.
He also underscored the need for institutional support systems, recommending that colleges establish dedicated scholarship cells. “A ‘Scholarship Cell’ can help track government and private funding opportunities and assist students in applying effectively,” he said.
Wide-Ranging Guidance on Careers and Exams
The programme covered an extensive range of topics aimed at equipping students with practical knowledge. Sessions focused on choosing the right career, identifying aptitude using free online tools, and selecting suitable PUC streams and colleges.
Students were introduced to diploma, paramedical, and ITI courses after Class 10, as well as job-oriented programmes. Guidance was also provided on preparing for competitive exams such as NEET, KCET, and IIT-JEE, along with an overview of top entrance examinations after Class 12.
Participants gained insights into more than 100 course options across science, commerce, and arts streams, along with career opportunities in the medical field that do not require NEET qualification. Special emphasis was placed on high-paying career options for arts and commerce students, a segment often overlooked in conventional counselling.
In addition, sessions highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in shaping future careers, preparation strategies for civil services examinations such as UPSC, KPSC, and SSC, and the importance of skill development for employability.
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Scholarships and Financial Access Take Centre Stage
A significant portion of the programme focused on scholarships and financial aid. Students were guided on how to apply for online scholarships, access government and NGO funding, and understand documentation requirements.
Organisers also shared information on securing scholarships of up to Rs. 1 lakh for degree courses, offering hope to students from economically weaker sections.
Students Respond with Enthusiasm
Students who attended the programme expressed satisfaction at the exposure they received. Many said the sessions helped them understand the wide range of career options available after Class 10 and 12, along with the availability of scholarships.
“We are grateful to the organisers and Ameen e Mudassar sir for providing such valuable information. This will help us make better decisions about our careers,” several participants said, reflecting a shared sentiment of motivation and clarity.
Focus on Quality Education and Women Empowerment
Attar Syed Murtaza Hussain, a key organiser, highlighted the importance of quality education and institutional performance in shaping student choices.
“It is not just infrastructure but the quality of teaching and academic results that should guide students in choosing colleges,” he said. He noted that PU colleges managed by CMA Karnataka recorded nearly 100 percent results this year, with Abbas Khan College achieving 98 percent and Kavalbyrasandra PU College securing a perfect 100 percent result.
He also announced initiatives aimed at supporting meritorious students. “We have offered free admissions to students scoring 80 percent and above. They only need to pay the government fee,” he said, adding that the focus remains on empowering girls through education.
Hussain further revealed plans to introduce skill development courses across 18 streams at Kavalbyrasandra PU College. “Our aim is to help women learn, earn, and become financially independent while contributing to their families and society,” he said.
Expanding Reach and Sustained Efforts
Syed Mazhar Khadri, another organiser, noted that this was the fifth consecutive year of conducting the programme. He emphasised the growing interest among students and parents in understanding diverse career options.
“The objective is to enlighten families about the numerous opportunities available after Class 10 and 12. Research and Development is also an important domain that students should consider,” he said.
Khadri expressed satisfaction at the turnout, pointing out that participants had travelled from multiple districts and neighbouring states. He credited the success of the programme to coordinated efforts by organisers, staff, and partner institutions.
A Step Towards Informed Futures
The event concluded with a strong message on the importance of awareness, planning, and access in shaping student futures. By combining career guidance with scholarship awareness, organisers sought to ensure that financial constraints do not limit educational aspirations.
With its focus on practical knowledge, inclusivity, and empowerment, the programme has set a benchmark for community-driven educational initiatives in the region, inspiring students to pursue their goals with confidence and clarity.
