Students should make use of mobile phones, a scientific advancement, for their studies and other good deeds, said Minister for Social Welfare K. Jegadeeswari.

She was addressing students on Wednesday at the valedictory function of ‘Thisai’ a mentorship programme for those aspiring to crack NEET, CUET and JEE exams to get into premium institutions like AIIMS, IITs and Central Universities.

Ms. Jegadeeswari said that education was the sole factor that would improve the quality of life.

Stating that Plus Two was a important milestone in the student’s life, she said focussing on education would help them get into premium institutions.

Under this programme, 605 teachers were providing mentorship to the students. Already, 1,661 students and their parents had been given an awareness session on opportunities in higher education.

Already, 11 Government school students have got qualified for JEE Advanced examination through the 15-day residential programme under ‘Thisai’.

A total of 207 students have applied for CUET, 455 students of JEE Main (session 2) and 447 for NEET, Collector N. O. Sukhaputra said.

Meanwhile, 310 students had completed month-long special coaching for cracking NEET and CUET exams. In the second phase, another one-month-long residential programme for 613 Class XI students was held. After the school reopens, the students would be given training on Saturdays throughout the year.

The programme will benefit the students from poor economic background.

Sivakasi Sub-Collector Mohammed Irfan, Personal Assistant (General) to Collector Firdous Fatima, District Chief Educational Officer Aravindan, KARE vice-president Sasi Anand, registrar Vasudevan, were among those who took part in the event.