Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: The State Level Camp (SLC) of Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) 2025-26, India’s largest digital science talent search program, was successfully held today at RRL High School, Jammu, with the prize distribution ceremony conducted at the CSIR-IIIM Jammu auditorium. This one-day camp witnessed the participation of 122 students, winners of the first-level exam, carefully selected from 3509 participants who appeared for the online exam conducted in October 2025.
Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) is a unique initiative by Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) to popularize science among school students of Classes VI to XI and to identify young talents with exceptional scientific aptitude. This program continues to play a key role in encouraging scientific thinking and innovation among India’s youth.
The Chief Guest of the event was Director Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and the event was presided over by Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J in his capacity as President, VIBHA (J&K). Patron VIBHA (J&K) Prof Rajni Kant also attended the function. In his address, the chief guest Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, highlighted that Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan is a significant initiative that encourages scientific curiosity and critical thinking among the young minds.
He emphasized the role of such platforms in inspiring students to explore the immense potential of science and technology, thereby enabling them to become future leaders and innovators. He also lauded the activities of VIBHA in cultivating Indian Science in students. Earlier, Prof Tripathi spoke on the role of modern science in making our society developed. He made the audience aware of the advancements that were available in chemistry and medical sciences in our ancient era. Prof Rajni Kant in his address emphasized the role of values in developing personalities.
Out 159 students selected for the SLC, 122 across the Jammu and Kashmir participated in one-day camp which tested students through various rounds designed to evaluate their aptitude and practical skills. These included the Application Oriented Scholastic Aptitude Test, focusing on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics; Indian Contribution and Advancements in Science and Technology, and the Indian Knowledge Systems and video-based observation test. Additionally, students participated in an Experimental Skill Test involving hands-on activities in core scientific disciplines and an out-of-box activity featuring crossword and Kakuro puzzles.
Earlier welcoming the guests, Dr Dhiraj Vyas, Secretary, VIBHA (J&K) emphasized on the old association of VIBHA and VVM with CSIR-IIIM and RRL High School. The state co-ordinator, VVM, Ms Tinny Sawhney presented the events report. Prof Lehana, the chief co-ordinator of VVM told the students of the importance of VVM exam. Prof Pawanesh Abrol, Vice President, VIBHA (J&K) declared the results. The programme ended with the vote of thanks by Mr Sameer Vohra, organizing secretary, VIBHA (J&K).
The SLC winners for the current session were also announced across multiple grades. In Class 6th, the top spots were secured by Bhavay Sharma (1st), Monika Chauhan (2nd), and Dravin Mahajan (3rd). Class 7th winners include Burhan Ashraf in 1st place, followed by Mehvish Jan and Mehroon Fatima. For Class 8th, Aarush Sharma took 1st position, with Paras Gupta and Rabiya Niyaz taking 2nd and 3rd, respectively. In Class 9th, Nishant Pathak earned 1st place, Chirag Luthra 2nd, and Nidhi Gupta 3rd. Class 10th honours go to Atharva Verma (1st), Arjunveer Singh (2nd), and Ishan Sharma (3rd). Finally, in Class 11th, Akshra Sudan secured 1st position, followed by Moulik Koul (2nd) and Ashaila K Salgotra (3rd). The top three ranking students from each class were honoured with cash prizes of ₹5,000 for 1st Rank, ₹3,000 for 2nd Rank, and ₹2,000 for 3rd Rank. In total, 18 students were awarded prizes for their outstanding performances. The top two students from each class in today’s camp will represent Jammu & Kashmir at the Two-Day National Camp, scheduled for early next year.
A total of more than 400 participants attended the valedictory function, which was also included eminent personalities Prof Manish Sharma, Vikas Sharma and Vivek Arya from SKUAST-Jammu; Mr Pankaj Gupta, Vikas Langer, Subash Sharma, Ajay Verma, Jyoti Sharma, Rajinder Sharma, Vijay Sharma from VIBHA (JK) and Ms Anita Sharma principal RRL High School.
