GMS Onagam students selected for GAT Exam conducted by Aloha J&K

Bandipora, June 18: Atleast 12 students from Government Middle School (GMS) Onagam have been selected to participate in the prestigious General Aptitude Test (GAT), conducted annually by Aloha J&K. This marks the first time in the 10-year history of the exam that a government school is competing alongside private institutions from across the Union Territory.

The achievement not only signals a rising academic spirit in the public education sector but also underscores efforts to bridge the gap in opportunities between private and government schools.

To support the young participants, Chief Education Officer Bandipora, Ab Rasheed Mir, along with the Principal of NM Higher Secondary School Bandipora, Ab Rasheed Lone, visited GMS Onagam and distributed essential study materials to the students. In a bid to cultivate a reading culture among children, 10 selected students also received copies of the children's magazine *Bachon Ki Duniya*.

The milestone was made possible through the generous support of Mr. Mubashir Wafie, CEO of Aloha J\&K, who facilitated free registration for all participating students from GMS Onagam. His contribution has been widely lauded as a step toward inclusive academic exposure and equal opportunity for students in government institutions.

Expressing his gratitude, Headmaster of GMS Onagam, Javaid Jawad—himself a recipient of the Best Teacher Award—hailed the initiative as a transformative moment for the school. “This opportunity has not only motivated our students but also strengthened the belief that talent exists everywhere—it just needs a platform,” he said.