According to a state government, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi met a total of 16 rank holders from the state, including the four toppers, and presented them cheques for the said amounts.

The cash incentives had been hiked from Rs 15,000, Rs 12,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively, for the rank holders, it said.

As part of a government scheme in vogue since 1996, the state government would also bear the educational expenses of these students for pursuing professional education.