Opinion | APS Udhampur Inspires Pankush Singh’s IAS Dream.

Udhampur Army Public School, with its continuous exceptional results, has garnered attention and accolades. Pankush Singh is a prime example, scoring 98.9% and becoming the school’s and the district’s first topper.

Pankush Singh, hailing from a farming background in Reasi, was admitted to Army Public School and embarked on his education as a boarder at the Capt. Vikram Batra Boys Hostel in Udhampur. Aspiring to join the civil administration, Pankush opted for the humanities, driven by his unwavering goal of serving his nation.
Pankush not only has excelled academically, but he has also represented his alma mater as a national-level handball player and as a member of the state-level cricket team. Consistent and diligent, hostel authorities noted that Pankush would often stay up late studying, aiming for his goal. His efforts have fruitfully culminated in his achievement as both the school and district topper. His remarkable journey from a small town to academic excellence, combined with his aspiration to contribute meaningfully to society, underscores his commitment to the ideals of service and leadership instilled in him by both the hostel and the school.
As part of a goodwill mission in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army established Army Public Schools specifically for poor and backward students to provide them with quality education. To ensure sustainability and maintain high educational standards, the Army not only established these schools but also made them exemplary in every respect. This commitment is especially evident in the evolving educational landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. In recent years, students from the region have achieved stellar results, with government schools attaining 100% pass percentages and students consistently setting new records.

By establishing these institutions, the Army has not only helped Kashmiri youth upgrade their educational standards but also encouraged them to explore various other fields. Today, these schools are achieving outstanding results and competing with the state’s prominent institutions. Despite the challenge that many students come from uneducated and backward families, the Army has played a crucial role in providing high-quality education, making these students competitive and result-oriented.
One such example is Pankush Singh, whose father was a farmer. Coming from a backward village, Pankush achieved his dreams thanks to the efforts of the Indian Army. They identified and nurtured his hidden talent, allowing him to strive for success. The Indian Army inspires youth to dream big and provides a platform for poor children, smoothing their path to a successful life.
Much like Keating, who went out of his way to inspire students with their best interests in mind, the Army has time and again dedicated itself to honing the potential of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. In aiding this emerging educational renaissance, it has established various institutions, be it the Army Public Schools or their goodwill schools, alongside hostels and educational programmes, creating environs conducive to learning and personal growth.
The villagers and the family of Pankush Singh were excited when they discovered their boy was the top scorer in the 12th standard. Most importantly, his 98.9% not only secured the highest rank in the Udhampur district but also set inspiring benchmarks for others to aspire to.

With such an impelling example among their alumni, it is evident that the Capt. Vikram Batra Boys Hostel is more than just a place to stay; it is a nurturing catalyst for academic and personal excellence. With a meticulous routine commencing with morning PT and yoga, the hostel is fostering a sense of discipline and cultivating physical fitness and mental well-being among students.
This is followed by classes at Army Public School (APS). Post-class, students engage in tuition and self-study sessions to reinforce their academic learning. An hour of games is included in the schedule, promoting physical health and teamwork. The day concludes with a dedicated study period until lights out, ensuring a balanced blend of rigorous academic preparation and holistic development. This comprehensive approach cultivates students to become the best versions of themselves, poised to excel in both their personal and professional endeavours.
Furthermore, this year, APS Udhampur has also demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a flawless 100% pass rate. Notably, thirty-one students surpassed the 90% mark, while two students achieved a perfect score of 100 in history and geography, and fifteen students garnered full marks in fine arts. These recent board outcomes underscore the enduring commitment to academic excellence at APS, with a multitude of students achieving commendable scores. The school’s triumphs are owed to its seasoned faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and consistent backing from the Army.
These exemplary results witnessed in Udhampur’s educational landscape stand as a testament to the success of the Army’s initiatives across J&K, illuminating the profound impact of quality education on young minds. As these students achieve academic excellence, they embody the hope and potential for a brighter, more prosperous future for the region. Indeed, these success stories affirm the notion that sometimes all it takes is a little push for students to ‘Carpe diem’ their path and ignite remarkable transformations.
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