The UPES signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Navy to provide academic and professional development opportunities to naval personnel and their families.
The agreement was signed by Shashi Tripathi, president of the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association; Commodore S.M. Urooj Athar, Commodore (Naval Education); and Manish Madaan, registrar of UPES. The move aligns with similar partnerships UPES has established with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
Under the agreement, UPES will offer a range of programs to both serving and retired naval personnel, as well as their spouses and children. The MoU also extends benefits to the families of personnel who died in service or were physically incapacitated in the line of duty.
Programs will include full-time on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, part-time Ph.D. programs for working professionals, and online courses in disciplines such as management, law, and technology. The partnership also includes joint research efforts and management development initiatives.
“This collaboration with UPES is a significant step toward enabling our naval community to leverage the transformative power of education more flexibly and efficiently,” Tripathi said. “We are investing in their future and honouring their immense sacrifices.”
Bharat Kharbanda, a member of the UPES Board of Governors, said the partnership is the university’s tribute to the Indian Navy’s service.
“We are proud to extend our academic ecosystem to those who serve the nation and support their personal and professional journeys,” Kharbanda said.
UPES will offer merit-based scholarships to children of serving and retired Navy personnel who meet academic criteria and confirm admission within specified timelines. Naval personnel enrolling in online programs will receive a 20% tuition fee waiver and a 5% relaxation in eligibility requirements.
Project work requirements may be waived in favor of viva-based assessments for applicants with relevant experience. Participants will also have access to weekend live classes, recorded lectures, and online exams to ensure flexibility across locations.
Ph.D. candidates will receive a 50% tuition fee scholarship per semester. Additional support includes limited access to the university’s e-library and guest house accommodations for academic visits, subject to availability.
The MoU also outlines future academic collaboration in fields relevant to the Navy, including aviation, aeronautics, logistics, engineering, science and technology, legal studies, and management. Joint research projects, knowledge exchanges, and leadership development programs are also part of the agreement.