Srinagar, November 1: The Indian Army on Sunday inaugurated the Chinar Centre of Educational Excellence – Kashmir Super-30 at Manasbal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, launching a fully residential and free coaching programme for 30 students from Jammu and Kashmir preparing for NEET and JEE examinations.
According to a statement issued by the Indian Army, the centre was jointly inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shreya Singhal, IAS, along with 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 of the inaugural batch.
The inauguration ceremony included the unveiling of the foundation stone, lighting of a ceremonial lamp, addresses by dignitaries and interaction with students and their parents, followed by a tour of the newly established campus.
The Army said the initiative aims to empower young people through access to quality education and equal opportunities, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds. It builds on the earlier Kashmir Super-30 Engineering, Kashmir Super-30 Medical and Kashmir Super-50 programmes, which have supported students from the region in pursuing higher education at reputed institutions across the country.
The newly established campus has residential and academic facilities, including hostel accommodation, modern classrooms, a cookhouse, dining hall, library-cum-computer laboratory and other essential amenities. The Army will provide security, supervision and continuous monitoring to ensure a safe and disciplined learning environment, the statement said.
A total of 30 boys from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir have been selected for the inaugural batch through a merit-based process. According to the Army, the selection involved outreach across schools in Kashmir, followed by a written examination conducted at multiple centres across the Valley. Candidates subsequently underwent aptitude assessment, psychological screening and personal interviews under Army supervision.
The programme will provide coaching for NEET, JEE and allied competitive examinations through experienced full-time faculty, along with structured study material, regular assessments and mock tests. Students will also receive free boarding, lodging, meals, study kits and access to mentoring, personality development, counselling and wellness support.
Addressing the gathering, an Army representative said the initiative reflected the Army’s commitment to nurturing the talent and potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth. The centre, the representative said, would provide students with academic resources, guidance and an enabling environment to pursue their aspirations and contribute to society.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shreya Singhal appreciated the initiative and lauded the Army’s efforts towards educational empowerment and community welfare. She emphasised the importance of creating opportunities for talented students from economically weaker sections and assured the support of the civil administration, according to the statement.
Parents of the selected students also interacted with the dignitaries and expressed gratitude to the Army for providing their children access to professional coaching and educational facilities that may otherwise have remained beyond their financial means.
The Army said the programme is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a Ministry of Defence public sector undertaking, which is funding the inaugural batch. The Indian Army is facilitating the initiative by providing the campus, infrastructure, security, supervision and monitoring, while NIEDO will serve as the training partner responsible for academic delivery, administration and the centre’s day-to-day functioning.
Regular academic classes for the first batch for the 2026–27 academic year commenced on November 1, the statement added.
The Army said the centre marks another step in its partnership with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with the initiative aimed at helping talented students access professional education and build opportunities for their future.