The National Film Awards, established in 1954, are the most prominent film awards in India that merit the best of the Indian cinema.
The ceremony also presents awards for films in various regional languages.
The films made in Assamese language were not considered until the 3rd National Film Awards ceremony held in September 1956.
However, only Certificate of Merit was issued in this ceremony as no film was found suitable for the "President's Silver Medal".
[1] The 1955 Phani Sarma directorial film Piyali Phukan received the first Certificate of Merit.