In a proud moment for Tripura and the entire Northeast, Samuel Debbarma from Dhalai district has emerged as the top performer in the North Eastern Zone in the All India Trade Test (AITT) 2025, conducted under the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). The 22-year-old trainee from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Ambassa was felicitated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the National Skill Excellence Awards ceremony held in New Delhi on October 4, 2025.
Debbarma’s achievement marks a significant milestone in Tripura’s growing reputation for skill development and vocational excellence. His performance in the Electrician trade secured him the highest zonal score among thousands of candidates from Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
AITT 2025 – North Eastern Zone Topper Summary
| Candidate Name | State | Trade | Institute | Zonal Rank | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samuel Debbarma | Tripura | Electrician | ITI Ambassa, Dhalai | 1st | 7th |
The All India Trade Test is India’s largest vocational assessment platform, evaluating over 12 lakh trainees annually across 150+ trades. It is a gateway for ITI graduates to receive NCVT certification, which is recognised by industries and employers nationwide.
Prime Minister Modi personally handed over the Skill Excellence Trophy and a citation to Debbarma, praising his dedication and resilience. “Samuel’s journey from a remote tribal village in Tripura to the national stage is a testament to India’s youth power. His success reflects the transformative impact of skill development in the Northeast,” said PM Modi during the ceremony.
Tripura’s Skill Development Push – Key Highlights
| Initiative/Metric | Status/Impact (2025) |
|---|---|
| Total ITIs in Tripura | 17 Government, 5 Private |
| NCVT Affiliated Trades | 42 |
| Female Enrollment in ITIs | 38% |
| Placement Rate Post ITI | 62% |
| Skill Development Budget (FY25–26) | ₹128 crore |
| Top Performing Districts | Dhalai, West Tripura, Gomati |
Samuel Debbarma hails from a modest background in Raishyabari block, Dhalai district. His father is a farmer and his mother a homemaker. Despite financial constraints, Samuel pursued vocational training with determination, often walking 5 km daily to attend classes. His instructors at ITI Ambassa describe him as “disciplined, curious, and technically gifted.”
Speaking to media after receiving the award, Samuel said, “I dedicate this honour to my parents, teachers, and the people of Tripura. I want to work in the renewable energy sector and help electrify remote villages in the Northeast.”
Samuel Debbarma’s Journey – Timeline of Achievement
| Year | Milestone | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Enrolled in Electrician Trade at ITI Ambassa | Selected through state-level entrance |
| 2023 | Completed Level I & II modules | Scored distinction in practical exams |
| 2024 | Selected for AITT 2025 | Represented Tripura in NE Zone |
| 2025 | Topped NE Zone, honoured by PM Modi | National recognition for skill excellence |
Tripura’s Directorate of Skill Development has announced a ₹1 lakh cash award and a job placement facilitation package for Samuel. The state government will also sponsor his advanced training under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) and provide mentorship for entrepreneurship.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has identified Tripura as a “Model State for Inclusive Skill Development” in its 2025 annual report. The state’s focus on tribal inclusion, gender parity, and rural outreach has led to a 28% increase in ITI enrollment over the past three years.
Tripura’s ITI Enrollment Growth – 2022 to 2025
| Year | Total Enrollment | Female Enrollment | Tribal Enrollment | Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,800 | 2,100 | 2,900 | – |
| 2023 | 7,450 | 2,650 | 3,200 | +9.6% |
| 2024 | 8,200 | 3,100 | 3,600 | +10.1% |
| 2025 | 8,950 | 3,400 | 4,050 | +9.1% |
The Skill Excellence Awards 2025 also honoured top performers from other zones, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Gujarat. However, Samuel’s story stood out for its grassroots impact and regional significance.
Social media platforms lit up with praise for Samuel, with hashtags like #SkillIndia, #TripuraTopper, and #SamuelDebbarma trending across Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram. Citizens, educators, and policymakers hailed his achievement as a beacon of hope for youth in remote regions.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Samuel Debbarma’s Achievement
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.2M mentions | 89% inspired | #SamuelDebbarma #SkillIndia2025 |
| 1.1M interactions | 85% proud | #TripuraTopper #AITT2025 | |
| 950K views | 82% celebratory | #YouthPower #SkillHero | |
| YouTube | 870K views | 80% reflective | #TripuraExplained #SkillJourney |
The Prime Minister’s Office also announced that Samuel will be part of the Skill India Ambassadors program, where top performers mentor aspiring trainees and promote vocational education in schools and colleges.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha congratulated Samuel and said, “This is a proud moment for our state. Samuel’s success proves that talent exists in every corner of India. Our government will continue to invest in skill development and empower our youth.”
Future Roadmap – Skill Development in Tripura
| Focus Area | Planned Action (2025–2027) |
|---|---|
| ITI Infrastructure Upgrade | ₹75 crore allocation for labs and hostels |
| Tribal Skill Hubs | 5 new centres in Dhalai, Khowai, North Tripura |
| Women in Trades | Launch of Women Tech Track program |
| Industry Linkages | MoUs with ONGC, NEEPCO, and Tata Power |
| Digital Skill Training | Integration with Skill India Digital portal |
In conclusion, Samuel Debbarma’s achievement in topping the NE Zone in AITT 2025 and receiving national recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a landmark moment for Tripura and the Northeast. It reflects the transformative power of skill development, the resilience of rural youth, and the promise of inclusive growth. As India moves towards becoming a global skill capital, stories like Samuel’s will continue to inspire and shape the future of vocational excellence.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified educational data, and official media coverage. It does not constitute career advice or prediction of employment outcomes. All quotes are attributed to public sources and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official updates from NCVT, MSDE, and Tripura Skill Development Directorate for verified information.
