Chandigarh University Scholarship Scheme for Wards of Defence Personnel

Chandigarh University (CU) stands as a beacon of gratitude and respect for India’s Defence Forces, recognizing the sacrifices and stories behind every uniform. Through its ₹10 Crore Scholarship Scheme, CU offers exclusive educational opportunities for the wards and spouses of Defence Personnel under the Armed Forces Educational Welfare Scheme (AFEWS).

Key Features of the AFEWS Scholarship Scheme

• 5% Reservation in All Courses:
  5% of seats in every course at CU are reserved for the families of Defence Martyrs, including spouses and wards, ensuring priority access to quality education.
• Comprehensive Fee Concessions:
  The scheme provides significant financial relief, making higher education more accessible:
  1. 15% Fee Concession:
     For war widows, wards of war casualties, war-injured and released Defence personnel, their spouses, and war-disabled Defence personnel (superannuated) and their families.
  2. 10% Fee Concession:
     For wards/spouses of serving and retired Defence personnel, and for paramilitary forces personnel.
  3. 20% Fee Concession:
     For serving Defence officers on study leave, with 1% of seats (minimum one per course) reserved for them.
• Priority in Reservation:
  The scheme operates on a clear priority basis:
  1. War widows and wards of war casualties
  2. War injured and released Defence personnel, spouses, and wards
  3. War-disabled Defence personnel (superannuated), spouses, and wards
  4. Wards of serving Defence personnel
  5. Wards of retired Defence personnel
• Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra Scholarship:
  Special support for families of Kargil War heroes, including reserved seats, a 15% fee waiver for wards of Kargil martyrs, and a 10% waiver for wards of Defence personnel injured in the conflict. This scholarship is applicable for the entire course duration, with a total support of ₹25 lakh.

Impact and Commitment

• Long-standing Support:
  Over the past 12 years, CU has awarded scholarships worth over ₹5.70 crore to 5,723 wards of Defence personnel, reflecting its enduring commitment to the Armed Forces community.
• Holistic Development:
  CU’s NCC Wing has trained and commissioned 43 students as officers in the Indian Armed Forces, underlining its role in nurturing leadership and patriotism.
• Renewal Criteria:
  To continue receiving the scholarship, students must maintain academic performance without semester/year drops or failing grades in regular exams.

How to Apply

• Application Process:
  Eligible candidates can apply through the official CU scholarship portal, submitting required documents to avail the benefits.

“At Chandigarh University, we have always believed that the strength of a nation lies not just in its armed forces, but also in how it honours and supports those who serve it… Our scholarship schemes and NCC training programs are our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the families of the brave souls who protect our borders.”

• Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University
  

Conclusion

Chandigarh University’s AFEWS Scholarship Scheme is more than financial aid-it is a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and stories behind every Defence uniform. By reserving seats, offering substantial fee concessions, and prioritizing the families of martyrs and serving personnel, CU empowers Defence families to pursue their academic dreams and become the nation’s future leaders, scholars, and professionals.