Education and Gratitude: CU’s Scholarship Program for Defense Personnel’s Families

Chandigarh University is always dedicated in its commitment to honouring the sacrifice and valour of our nation’s defence personnel. In respect and recognition of those who protect our borders and our lives, Chandigarh University’s Armed Forces Educational Welfare Scheme (AFEWS) offers scholarships to the wards of defence personnel. This initiative, part of the university’s broader social responsibility, provides a comprehensive Reservation cum Fee Waiver Scheme for the families of Indian Defense Personnel.

A Gesture of Appreciation

The AFEWS is a unique and thoughtful scheme designed to support the educational aspirations of the wards and spouses of defence personnel. This scheme ensures that a significant number of seats in all courses at Chandigarh University are reserved for these individuals, accompanied by substantial fee concessions.

Reserved Seats and Freeship Benefits

Under this scheme, 5% of seats in all courses at CU are reserved for the wards and spouses of Defence Martyrs and their immediate dependents. This reservation is not just about seat allocation but also includes freeship benefits in the prescribed semester fee. The goal is to make quality education accessible and affordable for the families who have given so much to the nation.

Priority in Reservation

The AFEWS scheme operates on a well-defined priority system to ensure that those in greatest need receive the most support:

1. War Widows and Wards of War Casualties: The highest priority is given to those who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty.

2. War Injured and Released Defence Personnel, Spouses, and Wards: Next in line are those who have been injured in war and have subsequently been released from service.

3. War Disabled Defence Personnel (Super-Annuated), Spouses, and Wards: This priority also includes war-disabled personnel who are super-annuated.

4. Wards of Serving Defence Personnel: Children of currently serving defence personnel also benefit from this scheme.

5. Wards of Retired Defence Personnel: Finally, the scheme extends to the wards of retired defence personnel, ensuring lifelong support.

Details of Concession

The AFEWS provides significant financial concessions to alleviate the educational expenses for defence families:

- 15% Concession on Yearly Fee: This is offered to war widows and wards of war casualties, war-injured and released defence personnel, their spouses, and war-disabled defense personnel getting super-annuated, along with their spouses and wards.

- 10% Concession on Yearly Fee: This concession is available to the wards and spouses of serving and retired defence personnel, as well as paramilitary forces personnel.

Officers on Study Leave

For defence officers who wish to pursue further education during their study leave, CU offers a special provision. These officers are allocated 1% of seats, subject to a minimum of one seat per course, along with a 20% concession on the semester fee. This ensures that even while serving, defence personnel can enhance their skills and knowledge.

A Commitment to Social Responsibility

Chandigarh University's AFEWS scheme is a testament to our deep respect and gratitude towards the Indian Defence Forces. By providing educational opportunities and financial support, we aim to empower the families of our brave soldiers and contribute to their personal and professional growth. This initiative underscores CU's dedication to being a socially responsible institution that values and supports all sections of society, especially those who protect our nation.

Conclusion

The CU Scholarship for the Wards of Defense Personnel under AFEWS is more than just a financial aid program; it is a tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of our defence forces. Through this initiative, Chandigarh University reaffirms its commitment to education, inclusivity, and social responsibility, ensuring that the families of our heroes receive the opportunities they deserve.