ESSA SCHOLARSHIP: EMPOWERING EDUCATION FOR ARMY BRATS

Introduction

The ESSA Scholarship is a commendable initiative aimed at providing crucial financial assistance to deserving students from military backgrounds. Administered by the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), this scholarship ensures that the children of serving army personnel have the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Established in 1978, the ESSA Scholarship scheme promotes educational excellence while easing the financial burden on families who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.

Background of ESSA Scholarship

The ESSA Scholarship, which stands for the Education Scholarship Scheme for Army Personnel, was introduced to motivate the wards of serving Army personnel to excel academically. This scholarship scheme, established under AO 16/2016/AF, covers students from Class 9 to postgraduate levels. Its primary objective is to recognize the significant contributions of army personnel and support their children’s educational pursuits. By providing essential financial assistance, the ESSA Scholarship ensures that deserving students can access quality education without the worry of financial constraints.

AWES and Its Role

The Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), founded by the Indian Army, plays a pivotal role in managing the ESSA Scholarship. AWES is wholeheartedly dedicated to the welfare of army personnel and their families. It oversees various educational and welfare programs, ensuring that the scholarship program operates with integrity. AWES handles critical aspects such as the application process, eligibility verification, and disbursement of scholarship funds. Through meticulous efforts, AWES continues to support the educational aspirations of students from army families.

Eligibility for Receiving ESSA Scholarship

To be eligible for receiving an ESSA Scholarship, one needs to fulfill the following criteria:

• The applicant should necessarily be below 25 years of age at the time of completing the course/class.
• This scheme is only applicable to the wards of presently serving Army personnel or MNS Officers.
• The person should be studying in Class 9 to postgraduate level in a recognized college/institution/university.
• It is to be noted that the wards of Territorial Army Personnel (TA), retired Army personnel, and deceased Army personnel are not eligible to opt for this scholarship scheme.

Documents Required to Apply for the ESSA Scholarship Scheme

The documents required to apply for ESSA Scholarship Scheme are:

• Certificate issued by OC unit
• A passport-size photograph
• Certificate/Mark sheet of the previous qualifying exam in which the candidate appeared
• Certificate from the Head of Institute/School

The Process of Applying for the ESSA Scholarship

Firstly, one needs to check their eligibility criteria before applying for the ESSA Scholarship. If one meets all the requirements, then the individual can apply for the scholarship by following the below-mentioned steps online:

1. Visit the Official Site: Go to AWES Scholarship Portal and click on the “Apply Now” button. Review all details carefully.
2. Register: Click on the “Register” button and fill in the required details to register on the portal. If previously registered, log in using your mobile number or email ID.
3. New User Registration: Click on “New User Registration” and fill in the required details for registering.
4. Submit Application: Complete the registration, upload the required documents, and submit the application.

Scholarship Benefits and Coverage

The ESSA Scholarship offers substantial financial benefits to eligible students across three educational segments: school, graduation, and post-graduation levels. Here are the scholarship amounts and coverage:

• Class 9 to 11: ₹1,500 per annum
• Class 10 to 12: ₹3,000 per annum
• Graduation: ₹5,000 per annum
• Post-Graduation/Professional Courses: ₹10,000 per annum

In addition to financial aid, selected students receive a well-deserved merit certificate. The scholarship is renewable, allowing students to receive continuous support provided they meet the eligibility criteria and maintain satisfactory academic performance.

Selection Criteria and Process

The ESSA Scholarship selection process is based on academic performance and financial need. Here are the cut-off percentages for different academic levels:

A committee draws up a merit list based on these cut-off percentages and the available funds for the year. Scholars receive their award through a secure bank transfer, typically completed using RTGS or NEFT methods.

Terms & Conditions

The ESSA Scholarship is subject to specific terms and conditions, including:

• Scholarship amounts are directly transferred to the student’s bank account provided during the application.
• The scholarship is renewable based on the student’s continued eligibility and academic performance.

Contact Details

For further information and assistance with the ESSA Scholarship application, contact:

• Education Scholarship Scheme for Army Personnel (ESSA)
• Army Welfare Education Society (AWES)
• Email: essa.aweshq@awesindia.edu.in
• Contact Numbers: (+91) 1126152642, 1126152642, 1126151564

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Conclusion

The ESSA Scholarship is a commendable initiative that provides essential support to the children of serving Army personnel. By offering financial assistance and educational resources, it helps alleviate the financial burden of pursuing higher education. With the oversight of AWES, the scholarship ensures a fair and transparent process, giving deserving students the opportunity to achieve their academic and career goals. For families with a background in military service, the ESSA Scholarship represents a significant step toward supporting their educational aspirations and honouring their contributions to the nation.

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