Jammu, May 8 : Sainik School Nagrota has earned glory for Jammu and Kashmir by winning the Raksha Mantri Trophy-2025 for sending the highest percentage of cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA) in the NDA 154 course.
The trophy was presented to Principal Captain (IN) Shibu Devasia by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth at the All India Principals’ Conference in Sainik School Kazhakootam, Kerala, on May 7, 2026.
This marks a historic milestone, as the school last won the honour in 2009. “Reclaiming it after nearly 17 years reinforces Sainik School Nagrota’s stature as a premier institution shaping future leaders for the Armed Forces and contributing to nation-building from J&K,” said PRO Defence Jammu, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.
In the NDA 154 course, 35 cadets cleared the UPSC NDA written exam, with 11 advancing through the SSB interview to secure strong All India Rankings (AIR). Top performers include 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 joined NDA Khadakwasla, bolstering the officer cadre for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Lt Col Bartwal added that two cadets have joined NDA 155, with six more slated for NDA 156, sustaining the school’s strong trajectory.
Principal Shibu Devasia praised the cadets, staff, and parents, highlighting the school’s values of discipline, leadership, and patriotism. “Sainik School Nagrota stands as a beacon of excellence in the Union Territory, transforming aspirations into achievements and preparing youth to serve the nation with honour,” he said.
