Sainik School Nagrota, located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, has earned the Raksha Mantri Trophy-2025, marking a significant achievement for the institution. The award recognizes the school’s success in sending the highest percentage of its cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA) for the NDA 154 course. The presentation took place during the All India Principals’ Conference held at Sainik School Kazhakootam, Kerala, where Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth presented the trophy to Principal Captain (IN) Shibu Devasia. The accomplishment underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing future leaders for the Indian Armed Forces.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it signifies a return to prominence for Sainik School Nagrota, which last received this honor in 2009. Reclaiming the trophy after nearly two decades reinforces the school’s reputation as a leading institution in shaping young minds from the Jammu and Kashmir region to contribute to nation-building. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the school has consistently demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence and rigorous training, resulting in a high number of cadets qualifying for the NDA. This consistent performance highlights the dedication of the staff and the quality of education provided at the institution.
The school’s performance in the NDA 154 course was exceptional, with 35 cadets successfully clearing the UPSC NDA written examination, demonstrating the effectiveness of the school’s academic mentoring and focused training programs. Of those 35 cadets, 11 went on to clear the SSB interview and achieve commendable positions in the All India Ranking (AIR). The top performers from the 154th course included Ikhlaq Hassan (AIR 50), Hussainin (AIR 145), Pranav Sharma (AIR 150), Aditya Kumar Singh (AIR 239), Prithvi Raj Sambyal (AIR 268), Divyansh Bhardwaj (AIR 292), Piyush Sharma (AIR 374), and Yasir Mukhtar Wani (AIR 432). These cadets have begun their training at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, contributing to the future officer cadre of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, PRO Defence Jammu, stated that the school is maintaining its momentum, with two cadets having already joined NDA 155 and six more expected to join the NDA 156 course soon. (Lt Col Bartwal said this will further strengthen the school’s consistent performance trajectory). The continued success of Sainik School Nagrota highlights its effective strategies in preparing cadets for the challenges of military service and leadership roles. The institution’s focus on discipline, academic rigor, and comprehensive training programs ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to serve the nation with distinction.
Principal Captain (IN) Shibu Devasia, speaking on the occasion, commended the dedication of the cadets, staff, and parents, highlighting that the achievement reflects the school’s core values of discipline, leadership, and patriotism. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing capable, confident, and service-oriented youth from Jammu and Kashmir. (Principal Captain (IN) Shibu Devasia lauded the dedication of cadets, staff and parents, emphasizing that this success reflected the school’s core values of discipline, leadership and patriotism).
Sainik School Nagrota’s continued success underscores its crucial role in transforming aspirations into tangible achievements. The institution provides a platform for young cadets to develop the skills and values necessary to serve the nation with honor. According to Daily Excelsior, the school stands as a beacon of excellence in the Union Territory, preparing young individuals for future roles in the armed forces and beyond. The school’s commitment to fostering leadership qualities and instilling a sense of patriotism ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
The Raksha Mantri Trophy is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Sainik School Nagrota community. The school’s achievement serves as an inspiration for other educational institutions in the region and across the country, highlighting the importance of quality education and comprehensive training in preparing young individuals for future leadership roles. The success of Sainik School Nagrota demonstrates the potential of educational institutions to contribute to nation-building by nurturing talented and dedicated individuals who are committed to serving their country.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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