Indian Army and Chandigarh Eduversity Collaborate to Enhance Education Access for Armed Forces Families

New Delhi, July 31: The Indian Army has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity (VJES) aiming to enhance educational opportunities for the families of serving personnel, veterans, and fallen soldiers. The agreement was formalized at the Ministry of Defence in South Block, New Delhi, with the objective of increasing access to quality professional education through scholarships, career-focused programmes, leadership development, and skill-based training.

This initiative underscores the Indian Army's ongoing commitment to the welfare of its personnel beyond their active service years by investing in the education and future careers of their children. Through the partnership, the Army and VJES aim to provide Armed Forces families with affordable access to industry-relevant education and professional development, thereby contributing to nation-building through knowledge and leadership.

According to the MoU, Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity will offer scholarships up to 60 percent for the children of serving Armed Forces members, ex-servicemen, and martyrs. This scholarship initiative is designed to alleviate the financial challenges faced by defence families, enabling students to pursue higher education across various disciplines.

Students who enroll under this initiative will have access to Government University degree programmes, experienced faculty, modern hostel facilities, career counselling, placement support, and mentorship from Armed Forces veterans. The institution seeks to equip students with the academic knowledge, leadership skills, and practical experience necessary for successful careers both in India and internationally.

The university provides diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes in fields such as Hospitality and Tourism, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology, Business Management, Commerce, Police and Public Administration, Health Sciences, Media and Digital Communication, Design, Fashion, Interior Design, and Creative Arts. These programmes are tailored to meet the demands of emerging industries and are designed to enhance employability in rapidly evolving professional sectors.

During the MoU signing, Brigadier Raj Kumar, Additional Director General, Indian Army, emphasized that the welfare of soldiers extends beyond their service years, encompassing the education, aspirations, and future of their families. He noted that the collaboration with Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity would expand access to quality higher education, professional programmes, and leadership development for the wards of serving personnel, veterans, and martyrs. He expressed confidence that this partnership would create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Dr. D. J. Singh, Director of Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity, described the collaboration as more than an academic partnership, viewing it as both a privilege and a duty. He stated that the institution is honored to support the families of Armed Forces personnel by providing quality education, leadership training, and career-oriented programmes that prepare students for future roles as professionals, administrators, entrepreneurs, and defense leaders.

Beyond the academic curriculum, the university emphasizes leadership development, discipline, and national service. Students will have the opportunity to engage in National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) activities and receive structured coaching for competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Combined Defence Services (CDS), AFCAT, CAPF, and other government recruitment exams.

The institution also offers dedicated preparation for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, including Group Testing Officer (GTO) grounds, personality development programmes, communication skills training, and mentorship by senior Armed Forces veterans. These efforts aim to inspire more youth from defence families to pursue careers in the Armed Forces and public service.

This collaboration also aligns with Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity's vision of becoming India's first Civil and Armed Forces Preparatory College, where academic excellence is integrated with military values, leadership training, physical fitness, and national service. The institution aims to cultivate an environment that nurtures responsible citizens committed to contributing to the nation's development.

The partnership between the Indian Army and VJES is anticipated to benefit numerous Armed Forces families by making quality higher education more accessible, while promoting leadership, integrity, discipline, and professional excellence. Admissions under the Special Scholarship Scheme for Armed Forces Families are currently open for the 2026 academic session, marking a new initiative to enhance educational opportunities for the next generation of India's military families.