(Vice Marshal Harjit S. Sidana, VSM, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) and Prof. Saranjit Singh, the Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU (right to left) | Photo Credit: kiit.ac.in
Clear Cut Education Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Sep 02, 2025 03:39 IST
Written By: Janmojaya Barik
KIIT-DU (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology-Deemed to be University), based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the IAF (Indian Air Force) on the 30th of August to ease the access to higher education for serving and retired personnel of the IAF and their wards in programs such as engineering and medical.
The agreement was signed by the representatives of the respective institutions.
– Vice Marshal Harjit S. Sidana, VSM, who serves as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) on behalf of IAF
and
– Prof. Saranjit Singh, the Vice Chancellor of KIIT-DU
followed by a courtesy visit to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, renowned educationist and founder of KIIT and KISS.
“Happy to share that KIIT-DU has signed an MoU with the Indian Air Force.
We will give a 50% concession in tuition fees for wards of serving & retired IAF personnel and a 100% exemption for wards of martyrs. A small step from KIIT to serve those who serve the nation.”
– tweeted Dr. Samanta.
( Air Force Staff and Vice Chancellor with Founder of KIIT Dr Achyuta Samanta (center) | Photo Credit: kiit.ac.in )
KIIT-DU has an established reputation as one of India’s leading universities owing to its inclusive policies, environment, global outlook, and commitment to quality and accessible education. Established in 1992 as a vocational training center with only two staff and 12 students. However, it took shape as an institution only in 1997, when the degree engineering program commenced. KIIT owes its existence to the vision of its founder, Prof. Achyuta Samanta, who, with no land, limited finances (only Rs 5000/-), and little knowledge of higher education, created this institution. It’s very obvious that the university stands as a beacon of hope not only for the underprivileged and tribal communities but also for the elite section of society who seek quality higher education. While the quality of education angle is impressive, the social welfare side of the university often goes unnoticed amidst the buzz, as it has signed more than 360 MoUs with leading universities and institutions worldwide and has academic partnerships with more than 100 world-class universities owing to its founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta’s vision.
(Vice Marshal Harjit S. Sidana, VSM, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) and Prof. Saranjit Singh,Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU signing the MoU (right to left) | Photo Credit: kiit.ac.in )
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has over 1.7 lakh personnel safeguarding the nation’s skies. While service in the IAF brings pride and honor, it comes with unique challenges for personnel and their families. Frequent transfers, remote postings, and demanding work schedules often interfere with the continuity of education for their children. The children of Indian Armed Forces personnel have a different social environment vis-a-vis their counterparts in civil society, who are more likely to grow up within the environs of their own region and specific culture.They grow up in a nuclear family without growing roots in any particular place or culture. Nevertheless, they have a surrogate family in the Armed Forces, which provides the social support system wherever they are.Access to quality higher education can become difficult, especially for families posted away from major academic hubs, and this MoU can serve as an example for other private educations with sky-high fees that certain educational concessions can be provided to our bravehearts who are always ready to sacrifice for our nation.
Note: (with inputs from KIIT-DU)
