Srinagar: Aspirants of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and civil services in the state may now have a defined path to enter into these prestigious institutions.

The Jammu and Kashmir government, in an effort aimed at helping the youth to carve their niche, plans to launch massive coaching-cum-awareness programmes for the aspirants.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressing a day-long workshop here encouraged the students by saying that, "The state is full of talented youth but the only reason it lags behind is due to lack of exposure, opportunity and preparedness. The government will definitely address their need by launching massive coaching-cum-awareness programmes to help youth explore new spheres of IIT, IIM, civil services."

Omar said his government has already taken steps to make competitive reading material available in all the college libraries, which would benefit youth to a great extent in such examinations.