Srinagar, Nov 1 (KNS)The Indian Army on Sunday inaugurated the Chinar Centre of Educational Excellence (Kashmir Super-30) at Manasbal in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, offering free residential coaching for NEET and JEE aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir.
The inaugural batch comprises 30 students selected from different districts of J&K through a merit-based process, with priority given to talented candidates from economically weaker backgrounds, including those belonging to rural, remote, hilly and border areas.
The centre was jointly inaugurated by Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Shreya Singhal and a parent of one of the selected students in the presence of senior Army officials, representatives of the National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO), parents and students.
The initiative is being funded by Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a Ministry of Defence public sector undertaking, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The Army is facilitating the project by providing infrastructure, security and supervision, while NIEDO will serve as the training partner responsible for academic delivery and day-to-day functioning.
According to officials, the selection process involved outreach to schools across Kashmir, followed by a written examination at multiple centres. Shortlisted candidates subsequently underwent aptitude assessments, psychological screening and personal interviews under Army supervision.
The fully residential programme will provide free coaching for NEET, JEE and other allied competitive examinations, along with study material, regular assessments, mock tests, boarding, lodging and meals.
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The campus has hostel accommodation, modern classrooms, a library-cum-computer laboratory, dining facilities and other essential infrastructure. Students will also receive mentoring, personality development, leadership and communication skills training, besides counselling and wellness support.
Addressing the gathering, an Army representative said the initiative was aimed at nurturing local talent and providing young people with opportunities to pursue professional education.
Deputy Commissioner Shreya Singhal appreciated the Army's efforts towards educational empowerment and community welfare, emphasising the need to create opportunities for deserving students from economically weaker sections. She also assured the civil administration's support for the initiative.
Parents of the selected students expressed gratitude to the Army for providing their children access to quality coaching and residential facilities, which might otherwise have remained beyond their financial means.
The programme builds on the Army's earlier initiatives, including Kashmir Super-30 (Engineering), Kashmir Super-30 (Medical) and Kashmir Super-50, which have supported students from the region in pursuing higher education at reputed institutions across the country.
Academic classes for the first batch for the 2026-27 session commenced on Sunday.
The Army said the centre aims to provide a supportive academic environment and help students from Jammu and Kashmir realise their aspirations in medicine and engineering. (KNS)
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