Andhra University has admitted 38 PhD students from Air Force, Navy, and Army officers in research areas which includes strategic studies, military psychology, defence technology, international relations, strategic management, as per an official statement. “All the ex-servicemen didn’t have degrees while they were joining the defence sector. Now after their retirement, they need a graduation to do a job. University recognized their experiences and gave certificates without any graduation qualification. It’s already been completed in abroad developed countries. The Andhra university took the decision to recognize the service of defence personnel. Over 3,000 candidates took the certificate from the last three years in the university,” Prasad Reddy, vice chancellor, Andhra University, said.
According to Reddy, 27 different MoUs have been signed with the defence sector across the country. “There was the university’s agreement with the defence to offer various courses in Visakhapatnam. We have trained several armed personnel in the last three years. Especially skill bass certificated programmes during three to six months,” he added.
Reddy further said that personnel with the rank of Commodore and above at the university take them under the PhD program under executive quota. “Executive category if they have 15 years of experience, they also have an opportunity if they have experience on the ground. We offer PhD programs in defence technology, PHD strategic management, PHD military psychology,” he said.
“Soldiers were trained in their respective trades during their service, such as electrical, mechanical, civil, gunner and missile maintainer, but they do not have any formal qualification from any Govt. University/Institute. Hence they are unable to join any company after retirement from army service. This diploma programme from AU will help all ex-servicemen to get suitable jobs,” the VC added.
With inputs from ANI.