India's number one education university, Chandigarh University (CU), has once again demonstrated its nationalist service philosophy by launching a ₹10 Crore scholarship program under the Armed Forces Educational Welfare Scheme (AFEWS). The program is designed to reward the willing sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces personnel and spur the educational dreams of their kin—wards, and spouses of Defence personnel.
The scholarship program is in line with CU's policy of nation-building, gratitude, and respect through offering education opportunities and funding to people who have made the country sovereign and secure.
Reserved Seats in All Courses for Defence Families
CU has reserved special seats in all its courses:
5% of total seats in each course for wards and spouses of Defence Martyrs.
It gives these Defence families top-priority admission into the best-class education in several streams such as engineering, management, humanities, law, etc. It is the foundation of Defence family educational equality in the long term.
AFEWS Fee Concession Categories: Detailed Analysis
To make education easily accessible and affordable for Defence families, Chandigarh University has categorized its scholarship into three levels of fee concession depending on the connection of the applicant with Defence services.
This encourages current officers to renew their qualifications and pursue higher studies free of cost.
Structured Priority System for Admissions
CU grants admissions to the Defence service-affected worst on a priority basis. The priority order is as follows:
- War widows and war casualties' wards
- Discharged Defence personnel, war-wounded, and their wives, children
- Superannuated war-disabled Defence individuals, wives, and wards
- Wards of Defence personnel in service
- Wards of Defence retired individuals
This latter order gives due preference to the most deserving families.
Special Tribute: Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra Scholarship
In the spirit of the valor of India's Kargil heroes, Chandigarh University launched the Shaheed Captain Vikram Batra Scholarship in honor of the war icon and CU alumnus. The scholarship includes:
Reserved seats for wards of Kargil War martyrs
- 15% fee waiver forwards of Kargil martyrs
- 10% fee waiver for wards of Defence personnel injured in Kargil
- Applicable for the entire course period
- Total of ₹25 lakh per student
It is a symbolic and financial recognition of those individuals who have served India with unparalleled bravery.
A Decade of Meaningful Contribution
CU's connection with the Defence fraternity is nothing new. Over the past 12 years, the university has:
- Awarded ₹5.70 crore value of scholarships
- Supported 5,723 Defence personnel children
- Exhibited its unwavering dedication towards the Armed Forces ecosystem
Such sustained efforts are great testimony to CU's efforts being a long-term vision at an institutional level and not an ad-hoc exercise.
Molding Future Leaders through NCC
Chandigarh University also has a vibrant National Cadet Corps (NCC) Wing, which:
- Molds students in discipline, leadership, and patriotism
- Has already dispatched 43 commissioned officers to the Indian Armed Forces
- Acts as a field training ground for students to serve the nation more than study
This places the scholarship program on par with national service and leadership development.
Long-Term Support Through Performance-Based Renewal
To allow CU to give scholarships to hardworking and deserving students, CU created rigorous renewal standards:
- Students ought to demonstrate steady academic performance
- There are to be no semesters or academic years that slip
- Students are not to fail regular tests
- This makes the students devoted and focused throughout the course period.
How to Apply: Simple Online Procedure
It is easy and online to apply for the AFEWS scholarship:
Step 1: Log in to Chandigarh University Scholarship Portal
Step 2: Fill out the application form
Step 3: Upload Defence service documents (e.g., discharge letters, casualty certificates, or service documents)
Step 4: Wait for CU's admissions and scholarship department to confirm
CU provides handholding and support at each step so that no meritorious candidate is denied due to technicality.
Chancellor's Message: A Legacy of Honour
"While spending time at Chandigarh University, we never felt that the country's power is only in its military, but in the way it values and takes care of those who are serving the country. Our NCC training sessions and scholarships are our way of 'saying thank you' to martyr families of the gallant soldiers guarding the country's borders."
— Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chancellor, Chandigarh University
This mode of communication is a reflection of the institution's ethos to weave education with appreciation and responsibility.
Conclusion: A Milestone Step Towards Holistic Nation Building
AFEWS Scholarship Scheme of Chandigarh University is no fee waiver scheme—it's a life-changing program of appreciation, national service, and layers.
By also including financial support, reserved seats, study counseling, and leadership training, CU is enabling our Defence Forces' families the means to succeed at every phase of life.
The scheme is an example
of academia-industry-patriotism collaboration, and it can revolutionize the lives of tens of thousands of families who have given so much to the country.
