New Delhi, July 31: The Indian Army has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity (VJES) to provide enhanced higher education opportunities for the families of serving Army personnel, veterans, and martyrs. Signed at the Ministry of Defence, South Block, New Delhi, the partnership aims to make quality professional education more accessible through scholarships, career-oriented programmes, leadership development, and skill-based learning.
The initiative reflects the Indian Army’s continued commitment to the welfare of its personnel beyond active service by investing in the education and future careers of their children. Through the collaboration, the Army and VJES seek to empower Armed Forces families with affordable access to industry-relevant education and professional development, contributing to nation-building through knowledge and leadership.
Under the terms of the MoU, Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity will offer scholarships of up to 60 percent to the wards of serving Armed Forces personnel, ex-servicemen, and martyrs. The scholarship programme is intended to reduce the financial burden on defence families while enabling students to pursue higher education across a wide range of disciplines.
Students admitted under the 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 aims to equip students with the academic knowledge, leadership skills, and practical experience required to build successful careers in India and abroad.
The university offers diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes in 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 aligned with emerging industry requirements and are designed to enhance employability in rapidly evolving professional sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Raj Kumar, Additional Director General, Indian Army, said the welfare of soldiers extends beyond their years of service and includes the education, aspirations, and future of their families. He stated that the partnership 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 added that the Army values institutions committed to discipline, excellence, and nation-building, expressing confidence that the collaboration would create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.
Dr. D. J. Singh, Director of Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity, described the agreement as more than an academic collaboration, calling it both a privilege and a responsibility. He said the institution is honoured to support the families of Armed Forces personnel by providing quality education, leadership training, and career-oriented programmes that prepare students to become future professionals, administrators, entrepreneurs, and defence leaders.
Beyond academics, the university places significant emphasis on leadership development, discipline, and national service. Students will have opportunities to participate in National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) activities while also receiving structured coaching for competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Combined Defence Services (CDS), AFCAT, CAPF, and other government recruitment examinations.
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 initiatives are intended to encourage more young people from defence families to pursue careers in the Armed Forces and public service.
The collaboration further supports Chandigarh Vidya Jyoti Eduversity’s vision of developing into 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 create an ecosystem that nurtures responsible citizens committed to contributing to the country’s development.
The Indian Army–VJES partnership is expected to benefit hundreds of 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 now open for the 2026 academic session, marking the beginning of a new initiative to strengthen educational opportunities for the next generation of India’s military families.
