- 07-Jun-2025
- Cyber and Technology Law
In recognition of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the challenges faced by their families, especially in terms of relocations and postings, the government provides a variety of education concessions and benefits for the children of military personnel. These concessions are designed to ensure that the children of soldiers, airmen, sailors, and officers have access to quality education, regardless of the frequent transfers and remote postings that may disrupt their schooling.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and various defence welfare organizations provide scholarships to the children of military personnel, especially for those in higher education.
Defence Scholarships are awarded based on merit and can cover a range of academic fields, from engineering and medicine to arts and commerce. Some scholarships are also available for children of martyrs.
Meritorious scholarships ensure that children who excel academically are supported throughout their educational journey, even in prestigious institutions.
School Fee Concessions are granted for children attending private schools as well as defence-run schools. In many cases, the children of military personnel are provided discounts on tuition fees, admission fees, and other charges.
In defence schools, like those managed by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalayas, the education is subsidized for children of military personnel. These schools provide free education or heavily subsidized rates, along with hostel accommodations for children in need.
Children of military personnel are often given preference in admission to prestigious schools and colleges, especially in cases where parents are stationed in remote or border areas where education facilities may be limited.
Many prestigious institutions, including engineering colleges and medical colleges, offer reservation of seats or additional weightage for the children of military personnel under Defence Quota schemes.
Children of military personnel are given a special quota for admission into professional courses such as engineering, medicine, law, and others, through the Defence Quota.
These quotas ensure that children of personnel who have sacrificed a lot for the country have the opportunity to pursue professional degrees at leading institutions, even in the face of challenges like constant relocations.
For higher education, children of military personnel may avail reduced fees at universities and colleges that participate in special schemes for Defence families.
Some universities and institutes, particularly Central Universities, provide fee waivers or scholarships for postgraduate and doctoral courses to the children of soldiers, sailors, and airmen.
Children of martyrs (military personnel who lost their lives in combat or during service) are granted special educational benefits. These include:
Children of military personnel with disabilities are provided with additional support in terms of education concessions. This can include:
Some online and distance learning programs provide fee exemptions or reduced charges for children of military personnel who wish to pursue education in their free time, especially for those who may have been posted in remote locations.
Frequent transfers and relocations of military personnel often disrupt the educational journey of their children. The education concessions provided, such as special quotas or school fee discounts, ensure that children can continue their education smoothly, regardless of location.
The subsidized fees, scholarships, and admission concessions help ease the financial burden on military families, especially when one or both parents are posted in remote or high-risk areas. This support ensures that military families can invest in their children's future without worrying about the high costs of education.
Through various concessions, the children of military personnel are given equal opportunities to compete in educational and professional fields, even though their parents’ career may involve frequent postings and hardships.
These opportunities are especially important for the children of martyrs, as they ensure that the sacrifices made by their parents are acknowledged and supported through quality education.
Lieutenant Colonel Arvind Sharma, posted in Siachen Glacier, has a daughter named Priya Sharma, who wishes to study engineering. Due to her father's service in a remote location, Priya avails of the Defence Quota in a prestigious engineering college. In addition to the quota, she receives a merit scholarship which covers a significant portion of her tuition fees. This ensures that her education continues without interruption, despite the challenges her family faces due to her father’s posting.
The education concessions for the children of military personnel play a crucial role in supporting military families and ensuring that their children have access to quality education. These benefits alleviate financial pressures, provide opportunities for professional growth, and ensure that education remains a priority for families, irrespective of the challenges posed by the military life.
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