The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) has formally partnered with the Indian Navy through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing educational and professional development opportunities for naval personnel and their families. This strategic collaboration was marked by the signatures of key representatives, including Shashi Tripathi, president of the Navy Welfare and Wellness Association, Commodore S.M. Urooj Athar, Commodore (Naval Education), and Manish Madaan, registrar of UPES.
This initiative expands on the previous partnerships UPES has forged with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, reflecting a broader commitment to serving India’s defense community. The MoU will unlock a range of academic pathways for serving and retired naval personnel, along with their spouses and children, as well as families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice or have been incapacitated while serving.
UPES is set to offer a variety of full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programs on campus, alongside online courses in key areas such as management, law, and technology. Additionally, part-time Ph.D. programs will be available for working professionals, thereby catering to a diverse range of educational needs.
Shashi Tripathi emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with UPES is a significant step toward enabling our naval community to leverage the transformative power of education more flexibly and efficiently. We are investing in their future and honouring their immense sacrifices.”
Bharat Kharbanda, a member of the UPES Board of Governors, echoed this sentiment, describing the agreement as a tribute to the unwavering service of the Indian Navy. He noted, “We are proud to extend our academic ecosystem to those who serve the nation and support their personal and professional journeys.”
The MoU outlines several progressive benefits for the naval community, including merit-based scholarships for the children of serving and retired personnel. Additionally, a 20% tuition fee waiver will be available for those enrolling in online programs, with relaxed eligibility criteria by 5% for online admissions. In recognition of professional expertise, the agreement also allows for project work to be substituted with viva-based assessments.
Participants will benefit from flexible learning options, featuring weekend live classes, recorded lectures, and remote examinations to accommodate the unique demands of naval postings and deployments. For those pursuing a Ph.D., a significant 50% tuition fee scholarship will be offered per semester.
Moreover, the MoU facilitates access to UPES’s e-library and guest house facilities during academic visits, subject to availability. Beyond educational offerings, the agreement sets the stage for joint research initiatives, knowledge exchanges, and leadership development programs in fields crucial to naval operations, including aviation, aeronautics, logistics, engineering, legal studies, and management.
This partnership asserts UPES’s dedication to nation-building by equipping the Indian armed forces with advanced academic and research capabilities, ultimately fostering growth and progress within the military community.
