Chandigarh University (CU) just kicked off the third edition of its big annual event, the CU Scholars’ Summit 2026. The event started by celebrating 3,000 top students from 22 States and Union Territories who scored incredibly well on the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET 2026).
This is just the beginning. The university plans to honor a total of 7,000 CUCET 2026 toppers in two different phases, giving out a massive INR 200 crore in scholarships this year.
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"Be Job Creators, Not Just Job Seekers" – Punjab Governor
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, opened the summit as the Chief Guest. He spoke to the massive crowd of young students, encouraging them to stay in India and build their futures here instead of moving abroad.
"India's youth should not just look for jobs; they should create jobs for others," Kataria said.
He pointed out helpful government programs like Startup India, Skill India, Digital India, and PM Vidya Lakshmi that are designed to help young people stand on their own two feet.
He also reminded students of India's rich history in science and learning, saying, "You are the direct descendants of great minds like Aryabhatta, Charaka, Sushruta, and Chanakya. You have that same brilliance inside you to make India a global leader again."
A Big Win for Female Education
One of the best parts of the CUCET 2026 scholarship drive is how much it supports young women. Out of the 7,000 total students getting scholarships:
Big Bosses and Bollywood Stars Inspire the Students
The CU Scholars Summit 2026 is much more than just a simple award show. It is a place where students can meet, talk to, and learn from top business leaders and famous actors. This helps them get ready for the fast-changing job market.
The toppers got to attend interactive chat sessions with big names, including the following:
Learning from ISRO's Moon Success
To add some scientific inspiration, Prof (Dr) YVN Krishnamurthy, a former ISRO scientist, shared an exciting story about India’s space journey and the Chandrayaan moon missions.
He mentioned how critics used to ask why India was entering the space race so late when other countries had already landed on the moon. Dr. Krishnamurthy explained that India had a different goal: finding water. Because of that focus, India became the very first country to find water molecules on the moon.
He also shared a proud moment when legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin said that if humanity ever wants to build a home on the Moon or Mars, the world cannot do it without ISRO's help.
Removing Money Boundaries for Bright Students
Speaking at the event, Deepinder Singh Sandhu, Senior Managing Director of Chandigarh University, made it clear that a lack of money should never stop a talented student from getting a great education.
The CUCET 2026 scholarship is built to clear the path for smart students, no matter their financial background. Besides attending the speeches and awards, the visiting toppers got to tour the huge campus and check out its high-tech labs and modern classrooms.
With Phase 1 wrapping up beautifully, the summit shows exactly how rewarding hard work can help create the next generation of Indian thinkers, leaders, and business owners.
