Jamshedpur: When Muskan Kumari walked into the examination hall earlier this year, she carried the hopes of her family, the aspirations of her community, and a belief that education could create opportunities far beyond the remote hamlet she calls home.
A student of Tata Steel Foundation’s Pre-Matric Coaching (PMC) centre at Banji, Muskan scored 75 per cent marks and secured distinction in her Class 10 board examination. Her achievement is particularly significant because she belongs to the Birhor community, one of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), where access to quality educational support remains a challenge.
Muskan is not alone.
Hundreds of girls across Jharkhand and Odisha are scripting similar stories of aspiration, perseverance and achievement through the Pre-Matric Coaching programme. On the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child, the Foundation celebrates these young achievers who have demonstrated that with the right support and opportunities, girls can overcome social and economic barriers and excel academically.
The PMC programme, which provides academic coaching, mentoring and remedial support to students from Classes VII to X, supported 3,291 students across Jharkhand and Odisha in FY26. Of these, 3,191 students successfully passed the Class 10 board examinations, resulting in an overall pass percentage of 97 per cent.
Across programme locations, girls emerged as strong academic performers, securing First Division marks and distinctions while building aspirations for higher education and professional careers. One of the most remarkable examples comes from West Bokaro, where Tata Steel Foundation supported 1,981 students from Classes VII to X across 11 coaching centres. Students received focused coaching in Mathematics, Science and English over a six-month period from September 2025 to February 2026.
Among the 700 Class X students enrolled under the programme, all 700 passed the Annual Secondary Board Examination 2026, maintaining an exceptional record of 100 per cent results for the eighth consecutive year.
The quality of performance was equally noteworthy. A total of 564 students secured First Division marks, including 287 girls, while 147 students achieved distinction by scoring above 75 per cent.
Another inspiring success story is that of Swati Kumari from Jai Hind Vidya Niketan, Sondiha. A PMC student, Swati scored an outstanding 95.2 per cent marks and secured the seventh rank in Ramgarh district, emerging as a role model for young girls in rural communities.
The Foundation’s commitment to inclusion was further strengthened this year through the establishment of a dedicated PMC centre at Middle School, Banji, exclusively for Birhor and other tribal students. The centre supported 33 Class X students, all of whom passed the board examination. Notably, 14 students secured First Division marks, including 13 girls.
These achievements are especially meaningful because many of the girls supported through the programme are first-generation learners from tribal and underserved communities. Through structured coaching, regular assessments, subject-specific mentoring and continuous academic guidance, the programme is helping them remain in school, strengthen learning outcomes and pursue their dreams with confidence.
As the world observes International Day of the Girl Child, these stories serve as reminders that educating a girl does more than change one life. It strengthens families, inspires communities and creates pathways for a more equitable and prosperous future. Through the Pre-Matric Coaching programme, Tata Steel Foundation continues to empower girls to learn, lead and realize their full potential.
