Introduction

Education is the cornerstone of progress and empowerment. In line with its enduring commitment to academic and cultural excellence, the All India Malayalee Association (AIMA) has instituted two prestigious awards to honor outstanding achievements in 12th-grade board examinations across the country. These awards not only commend academic distinction but also instill a sense of pride and identity among young Malayalee students.

The AIMA-Paul Diclause Memorial State Educational Excellence Awards and the AIMA-Gokulam Sabari Memorial National Educational Excellence Award are visionary initiatives designed to inspire, uplift, and reward dedication in academics. Instituted in memory of two revered personalities, these recognitions reflect AIMA’s dedication to holistic development and inclusive excellence.


About the Awards

AIMA acknowledges student excellence at two levels:

  1. State-Level Award
    AIMA-Paul Diclause Memorial State Educational Excellence Awards are conferred on one top-performing Malayalee student from each state, across all recognized boards and academic streams.
  2. National-Level Award
    AIMA-Gokulam Sabari Memorial National Educational Excellence Award is presented to the single highest-ranking student among the state awardees.

These awards aim to:

  • Promote a competitive academic spirit
  • Motivate students to strive for distinction
  • Foster a strong sense of identity and pride in being a part of the Malayalee community

Eligibility & Award Components

State-Level Awards

  • Open to: 12th-grade students from all streams (Science, Commerce, Humanities)
  • Eligible Boards: State Boards, CBSE, ICSE
  • Selection Criteria: Highest marks secured among applicants
  • Award Includes:
    • Certificate of Excellence
    • Commemorative Memento
    • Cash Prize

National-Level Award

  • Selected From: Pool of state-level awardees
  • Award Includes:
    • ₹50,000 Cash Prize
    • National Certificate of Excellence
    • Memento of Distinction

Fair Selection Through Equalization Formula

To ensure a fair and transparent process for selecting state and national awardees, AIMA adopted a standardization approach that takes into account the varying levels of academic rigor associated with different educational boards in India. The primary challenge faced during evaluation was the difference in difficulty levels among the State Boards, CBSE, and ICSE curricula. Recognizing this, AIMA’s National Executive Committee developed and approved an Equalization Formula based on accepted academic practices commonly used by reputed educational institutions during admission processes.

This formula ranks the syllabi in terms of toughness—ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) being the most rigorous, followed by CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), and then the various State Boards, which vary in standards but are generally considered less demanding than national boards. Using this hierarchy, a normalized score was computed to ensure that a student from a State Board is fairly compared to one from ICSE or CBSE.

The equalization process allowed all candidates, irrespective of their board, to be evaluated on a uniform scale. This objective and data-driven approach enabled the committee to identify the most deserving candidates without bias, giving every eligible student a fair opportunity to be recognized.

Using this hierarchy, a normalized score is computed, enabling fair comparisons across boards. This data-driven approach ensures:

– Objectivity in selection

– Equal opportunities for all eligible students

– Identification of the most deserving candidates without bias.

By adopting this equalization process, AIMA ensures a fair and transparent selection process for state and national awardees.n process that upholds integrity and fairness.


2025 Award Winners

State-Level Toppers

NameBoardState
DHANUSH CHANDRAN KState BoardAndhra Pradesh
ARUNDHATI PRASADCBSEAssam
CHRISTINA THOMASCBSEChhattisgarh
DEVNA GOPAKUMARCBSEDelhi
VIVIKTA VINOD NAIRCBSEGujarat
LAYONA ANNA BINUCBSEHaryana
GAYATRI NAIRICSEJharkhand
NIVED S SREENIVASANState BoardKarnataka
NANDANA RANJISHCBSEKerala
DARPAN BIJUCBSEMadhya Pradesh
TESSY ANNA PHILIPCBSENagaland
JILNA JIMMYCBSEPunjab
TANUSHREE S NAIRCBSERajasthan
P. SIVA PRADEEPState BoardTamil Nadu
M. L MALAVIKAState BoardTelangana
ARLI JOSEPHICSEUttar Pradesh
MADHURIMA ROSHANCBSEUttarakhand
AKSHAY MENONCBSEWest Bengal

National Topper – 2025

🏆 NANDANA RANJISH (CBSE – Kerala)
Winner of the AIMA-Gokulam Sabari Memorial National Educational Excellence Award


Special Recognition

🎖 Shri Christy Paul Mathew (Kerala State Board – Science Stream)
Scored a perfect 1200 out of 1200. Recognized for extraordinary academic achievement.


Award Presentation Protocol

  • State-Level Awards will be presented by respective AIMA State Units, in official state-level functions.
  • National-Level Award Ceremony is scheduled for 13th July 2025 at Kozhikode, Kerala, coinciding with AIMA Foundation Day Celebrations.

Conclusion

The AIMA Educational Excellence Awards are more than accolades—they are affirmations of diligence, ambition, and resilience. By honoring academic toppers across India, AIMA shines a spotlight on the intellect and spirit of the Malayalee youth. These young achievers represent a promising future and serve as role models for generations to come.

As these bright minds take the next step in their journeys, AIMA stands proudly beside them, committed to nurturing talent, promoting equality, and celebrating brilliance across borders.

Hearty Congratulations to All the Awardees!


K.R. Manoj
National General Secretary
All India Malayalee Association (AIMA)