Srishti Rongpipi Becomes First Karbi Scholar to Join Oxford University’s Prestigious MSc Programme

In a historic and inspiring achievement, Srishti Rongpipi has become the first Karbi scholar to be admitted to the University of Oxford’s prestigious MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation. Her accomplishment has brought immense pride to the Karbi community and Northeast India, symbolizing academic excellence and social commitment.

The Oxford MSc programme is globally recognized, ranked #1 by Times Higher Education 2025 and #3 by QS World Rankings, and admits candidates through a highly competitive process. Srishti's acceptance into this elite course is a result of her outstanding academic record, deep-rooted passion for social development, and years of experience in public policy research.

Born on March 31, 1996, in Diphu, Srishti is the daughter of retired Wing Commander Prasanta Kumar Rongpi and Reema Teronpi. Her academic journey began at Mount Calvary School, Diphu, and continued at St. Mary’s School in Shillong, where she excelled both academically and in sports—earning the Best Athlete Award in 2012 and scoring 90% in her Class X board exams. She continued her stellar performance at Army Public School, Narengi, Guwahati, securing 94% in Class XII.

Driven by a keen interest in understanding human behavior, she pursued a degree in Psychology at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, where she also served as President of the Debating Society in 2016–17. After a brief period preparing for the Assam Public Service Commission and clearing the Prelims in 2020, she shifted her focus to public policy. She earned her Master of Public Policy from the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore, graduating with distinction.

Following her postgraduate studies, Srishti was recruited from campus by Sambodhi Research and Communications, where she worked for four years. Her work involved evidence-based development projects and social policy evaluation, perfectly aligning with the academic goals of the Oxford MSc programme, which focuses on using empirical methods to design and evaluate effective public policies.

Her admission to Oxford is not only a personal academic milestone but also carries deep symbolic significance for the Karbi community. Her father, Wing Commander Prasanta Kumar Rongpi, has himself been a pioneer—being the first Karbi to join Sainik School, graduate from the National Defence Academy (NDA), and serve as a commissioned pilot in the Indian Air Force. He has received accolades such as the Best Karpipo Award and Youth Icon Award from Karbi organizations, adding a legacy of firsts to the family name.

Srishti is expected to begin her programme at Oxford on October 6, 2025, with plans to travel to the UK in late September. Her journey stands as a powerful beacon of hope and motivation, especially for tribal and underrepresented youth across India. Her success underscores the transformative power of education and serves as proof that talent, when combined with perseverance and opportunity, can break barriers and reach the highest levels of global academic excellence.

Srishti Rongpipi is, indeed, Karbi pride personified.