<![CDATA[The development of student achievement in university still tends to focus on academic achievement, while the strengthening of soft skills and critical thinking abilities has not been optimally integrated into student development policies. In fact, these two competencies play an important role in increasing student competitiveness. Based on these conditions, this study aims to analyze the contribution of interest and talent development programs in strengthening students' soft skills and critical thinking as a strategy for improving competitive achievement. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach and was conducted at the Badrus Sholeh Islamic Institute in Kediri. The research subjects were high-achieving students in the Arabic Language Education Study Program in semesters 1–7 who participated in the talent development program. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, structured observations, and documentation of student achievements, then analyzed using data condensation, data presentation, and conclusion drawing techniques.. The results of the study show that structured and sustainable talent development programs can strengthen students' soft skills, particularly public communication, teamwork, self-confidence, discipline, and leadership. In addition, these programs encourage students to improve their critical thinking skills through activities such as issue analysis, argumentation, text evaluation, and performance reflection in competitive activities. The integration of soft skills and critical thinking through talent interest programs has been proven to contribute to students' success in achieving seven competitive achievements throughout 2024-2025 at the district, provincial, and national levels. This study recommends strengthening talent interest development policies as an institutional strategy to improve student competitiveness.]]>
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