The Indian Army has been playing an inspiring role in shaping the future of young minds in Jammu and Kashmir through its wide range of educational initiatives. These efforts, carried out under Operation Sadbhavana, launched in 1998, aim to strengthen the bond between the Army and local communities by promoting education, healthcare, infrastructure and community development. Over the years, these programs have become a cornerstone of social transformation, especially in far-flung and less accessible regions of the Union Territory, where opportunities were once scarce and educational access was limited.
Among the most significant contributions is the establishment of Army Goodwill Schools. With 46 schools spread across the region, they provide quality education to around 15,000 students, many of whom come from border and sensitive areas. These schools have built a reputation for their disciplined learning environment and academic excellence—demonstrated when students achieved a 100% pass rate in CBSE Class 10 examinations in 2019. Complementing these institutions are Digital Learning Centers, created in partnership with the NGO eVidyaloka, which have introduced technology-driven education in remote areas such as Nakarkote near the Line of Control in Poonch. Through these centers, students aged 10 to 15 receive virtual lessons in Science, Mathematics, and English from expert volunteers across India and abroad, in their regional languages.
The Army has also taken meaningful steps to support higher education through scholarships and coaching programs. The Jammu and Kashmir Special Scholarship Scheme 2023 has provided financial assistance worth ₹1.2 lakh each to 146 deserving students from various districts, enabling them to pursue higher studies in twelve partner universities. This initiative helps bridge the educational gap between privileged and underprivileged sections of society. Similarly, the Super 50 Program, run in collaboration with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, offers residential coaching to prepare students for national-level competitive exams like NEET and IIT-JEE. The results have been remarkable—128 out of 157 students qualified for medical courses in NEET UG 2025, including 74 girls and 54 boys. To further encourage local participation in education, the Army has also established free coaching centers, such as the one in Vilgam village of Kupwara district, which supports around 80 students from classes 6 to 10, providing them with quality academic guidance and mentorship.
Beyond academics, the Army’s initiatives focus on holistic education, nurturing all-round growth through sports, cultural activities, teacher training, gender-inclusive programs and livelihood skill development. This approach helps young people build confidence, discipline and leadership qualities while also fostering social harmony and inclusivity. The goal is not just to educate but to empower—to help children see a future filled with promise and self-reliance. These activities have also played an important role in restoring normalcy and stability in the region by engaging youth in positive and productive avenues.
Despite these achievements, several challenges continue to hinder educational outreach. The geographical remoteness of many villages, combined with difficult terrain, harsh weather and limited transport, affects school accessibility and teacher availability. Connectivity constraints such as unreliable electricity or weak internet coverage also pose problems for digital learning. Ensuring sustainability remains a concern, as maintaining infrastructure, training teachers, and funding long-term operations require steady resources and planning. Socio-economic barriers like poverty, lack …
Educational Initiatives by The Indian Army in Jammu And Kashmir
