For the first time in its history, Dehradun’s University of Petroleum and Energy Studies has entered into an association with the Indian Army for improving educational prospects both for serving personnel and members of their families. This formidable association was cemented through an MoU signed between Mr. Manish Madaan, Registrar and Director for Training and Placements at UPES, and Col. VKS Rawat, Indian Military Academy, on July 26, 2024.

Empowerment of the Army Fraternity

The five-year agreement aims at improving the educational qualifications of Indian Army personnel, their spouses, and dependents. UPES will offer a variety of scholarships and concessions based on academic performance, including a 30% tuition fee waiver for top achievers who have scored 95% or more in Class 12, JEE, or CUET. Further, reservations in some undergraduate courses like MBA, BBA, B. Tech, and LLB will be extended to make good educational institutions available to the Army fraternity.

Tailor-Made Professional Courses for Officers

Keeping in mind the special needs of army officers, UPES will introduce a part-time Ph.D. programme in areas such as Aviation, Engineering, and Logistics. This comes with options for research opportunities, access to e-library, and local hospitality for short-term visits to create a befitting atmosphere for academic growth. Specially designed programs would be available to officers during their study leave for enhancement of professional development in-service.

Digital Learning for New Age Requirements

Now, it will extend its offerings to Army officers, giving them access to MBA, BBA, and certificate programs for upskilling purposes. Moreover, participants would get a 20% fee waiver and a relaxation of 5% in eligibility criteria, making education more accessible to them. Flexibility would, therefore, be the key factor; accordingly, candidates’ assessment through viva, based on work experience, would be permitted in view of their unique circumstances.

Lifelong Learning

This thus epitomizes the shared commitment of UPES and the Indian Army to this culture of lifelong learning and skill development. They are focused on building a conducive educational environment where army personnel and their families are empowered, with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a mark in a world that’s changing at an incredible pace.

A Vision for the Future

With the multidisciplinary education policy, UPES has carved out a niche in the task of shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Exulting in excellence, it furthers the graduate’s capability to contribute integrally towards societal advancement. Its scheme and curriculum go so as to align with the broader national development and security goals. Hence, this cooperation between the Indian Army and the university is an indication of a bright future that UPES envisions and wherein lies a genuine case of talent incubation within the defence community.