Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday, 13 November 2026, announced that the state government is preparing a major initiative — in collaboration with the Army — to sponsor eligible youth for coaching and preparatory training targeting officer-level entry into the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The programme, expected to launch this year, is designed to widen career pathways for young people from the state into the Army, Navy, Air Force and paramilitary services.

How the Programme Will Work

Under the initiative, selected candidates will be sent to dedicated coaching institutions to prepare for the relevant entrance examinations before appearing in them. Chief Minister Khandu made the announcement while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Dera Natung Government College (DNGC)'s 46th Annual College Week Celebrations in Itanagar. He said the Army's collaboration would be central to the structure and execution of the scheme.

Education Investment and Mission Shikshit Arunachal

Khandu highlighted the state's growing investment in education, noting that ₹3,100 crore had been committed in the first phase of Mission Shikshit Arunachal. The second phase has since commenced with an initial outlay of ₹1,500 crore, which he said would be enhanced following a review of on-ground requirements. He also invoked the National Education Policy 2020, stressing the importance of multidisciplinary higher education focused on skill development, research, innovation, and holistic learning.

Infrastructure Push for DNGC

The Chief Minister announced a comprehensive, phased infrastructure development plan for DNGC, one of Arunachal Pradesh's oldest colleges, established in 1979 and currently serving 5,102 enrolled students. A dedicated officer from the Chief Minister's Office will coordinate with the Public Works Department, Public Health Engineering and Water Supply Department, and the Electrical Department to address the institution's infrastructure gaps.

Scholarships, Sports and Youth Skilling

Khandu also spotlighted the Arunachal Academic Excellence Scheme, which provides scholarships to students gaining admission to globally recognised universities ranked among the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings. On the sports front, he said the state has won more than 1,000 medals at national and international levels over the past decade and secured representation at the Asian Games for the first time. Through a partnership with the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS), 400 youth are trained every year in mountaineering, trekking, paragliding, rafting and scuba diving — equipping them for livelihoods in adventure tourism.

Talent Platforms and the Road Ahead

The Chief Minister referenced youth-focused platforms including Arunachal Idol, Mr Arunachal, Miss Arunachal, Arunachal Got Talent, Battle of Minds, Spelling Wizard, Science League and Maths Olympiad as part of a broader ecosystem to identify and nurture talent at the school and college level. He also proposed an annual Arunachal Yuva Samanvay event as a cross-college platform to build awareness of the state's diverse communities and cultural traditions. Urging students to harness artificial intelligence and digital learning platforms constructively, Khandu said the current generation faces unprecedented opportunities — provided they build the skills to seize them.