In a landmark move, after victory of Operation Sindoor, reflecting national gratitude and a commitment to educational inclusion, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has announced the launch of the 'Jai Jawan Scholarship'; a 100% tuition fee waiver for all active defence and paramilitary personnel enrolling in LPUs undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered in online mode. The initiative is designed exclusively for Indias 22 lakh active defence (Army, Navy & Air Force) and paramilitary personnel, including the CRPF, ITBP, BSF, and SSB, making it the worlds largest private scholarship scheme in education.
Announcing the initiative, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal said, No amount of salutes are ever enough to honour the bravery and sacrifices of our Armed Forces. This scholarship holds special national relevance in the wake of successful Operation Sindoor, where our brave personnel displayed extraordinary courage in response to the horrific massacre of civilians in Pahalgam. Their swift and determined action ensured the safety of the nation and reaffirmed Indias standing as a strong and resilient global power. These full scholarships are a tangible expression of solidarity; because true respect must go beyond words and translate into action.
Further, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, made a historic announcement; the launch of the world's largest educational scholarship initiative for defence and paramilitary personnel. This groundbreaking Jai Jawan Scholarship is set to benefit over 22 lakh active service members, firmly aligning with LPUs mission to lead an education revolution and make higher learning accessible, inclusive, and empowering.
Dr. Mittal declared that every active defence and paramilitary personnel taking admission in the 20252026 and 20262027 academic sessions (including both July and January intakes) will be eligible for this scholarship. This is our tribute to the selfless dedication of our brave hearts. They protect the nation; it is our duty to empower them with knowledge, he said.
LPUs flexible UGC-entitled online degree programmes are tailored to meet the unique needs of armed forces personnel, who often face frequent relocations and operational demands. With anytime-anywhere access, online classes, and examinations, these programmes offer unparalleled convenience and adaptability, whether the learner is posted in Siachens icy heights or aboard a submarine deep in the ocean.
Highlighting the deep-rooted connection between LPU and the Indian Armed Forces, Dr. Mittal added, Our relationship with the defence community is not new. The founder of Lovely Group once served as a military contractor, and weve proudly supported defence personnel for over seven decades. This legacy continues to shape our vision; to serve the nation through the transformative power of education.
Both jawans and officers across all ranks are eligible under this scholarship. Those who have completed Class 12 can enrol in undergraduate programmes, while graduates can pursue masters degrees. These qualifications not only empower personnel during active service by enhancing their knowledge and skills but also open up new career avenues after retirement, providing long-term professional and personal growth.
Speaking about the credibility of the universitys online offerings, he emphasized, LPUs online degrees are fully UGC-entitled and carry complete equivalence with regular degrees, as per UGC Notification F. No.3-5/2022(DEB-III) dated 2nd September 2022. They are not only recognized across India but also accepted globally, enabling eligibility for government jobs and higher education opportunities.
LPU holds the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation, placing it among the top institutions in India, and currently ranks 27th in the NIRF Rankings, reinforcing the universitys unwavering commitment to academic excellence.