IAF, IGNOU sign MOU for awarding degrees to airmen

Updated on: Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Meeting the higher learning certification needs of its air warriors, the IAF today signed an agreement with IGNOU and launched a community college project under which its personnel will be awarded a Bachelors degree after eight years of in-service training.

The project, Akashdeep, would register the serving airmen and non-combatants for awarding of the degree between their eighth year and 13th year of service and provide them degree certificates.

IAF's Air Officer-in-Charge (Personnel) Air Marshal K J Mathews signed the memorandum of understanding in this regard with IGNOU Vice Chancellor Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai in the presence of IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal P V Naik here.

Under the arrangements, the two modules of the Joint Basic Phase Training will enable airmen to earn credit points that would be transferred to IGNOU for completing their certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in Arts, Science, Commerce, Business Administration, Hotel Management, Hospitality Services, Medical Services, Para Medical Sciences, Office Management, Automobile Trade, Performing Skill and Music.

Subsequently, an airman can enrol for a one-year distance learning programme with IGNOU leading to the award of Bachelor's degree.

For non-combatants, the basic trade training imparted at IAF Training Institutes will make them eligible for award of certificates in their respective trade by IGNOU.

"The launch of the project will immediately benefit nearly one lakh IAF personnel who will, on completion of the syllabus receive a degree from the National University that has the potential to transform their post-retirement life besides helping them prepare for competitive jobs," an IAF press release said.

At present, the entry level qualification requirements for airmen in IAF is 10+2 in Group-X and Y trades (Technical and non-technical trades), and Class-X for Group-Z trade (Musicians).

For non-combatants (enlisted), the minimum educational qualification requirement is also Class-X. However, individuals, who did not complete 10+2 examination prior to joining the IAF, can undergo a bridge programme of one semester before qualifying for registration to the associate degree.

"Better qualified human resources will help IAF in gainful utilisation of its resources. The programme, while validating IAF training curriculum, is also one among the several welfare measures for its personnel. Project Akashdeep also signifies IAF's association with sky and its quest for knowledge," the release added.

IAF, IGNOU sign MOU for awarding degrees to airmen

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