Dr. Ambedkar Foundation signs three years MoU with Central University of Punjab for functioning of DACE to provide free UPSC coaching to SC and OBC candidates

Bathinda, October 21, 2023: In an effort to empower SC and OBC youth, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (CUPB) for the functioning of Dr. Ambedkar Centre of Excellence (DACE) to provide free UPSC and SPSC Competitive Examinations Coaching at university. The MoU will remain in effect for a period of next three years and was signed by Shri Parveen Kumar Thind, Director DAF and Prof. B.P. Garg, CoE and Registrar (i/c), CUPB, in New Delhi last week.

DACE was established at CUPB on 1st April 2022 and its first batch commenced on 1st October 2022 last year. After the completion of first batch, the DAF, MoSJ&E conducted assessment of the performance of the various centres including DACE at CU Punjab. Based on the evaluation, DAF decided to sign MoU with CUPB for continuation of functioning DACE at the university.

With this development, DACE at CU Punjab has invited applications for 120 seats from eligible candidates for admissions to UPSC/Competitive Examinations Coaching in 2023 Batch. Out of 120 seats, 100 seats will be offered to SC and OBC candidates in which course fee will be paid by DAF, MoSJ&E. While remaining 20 seats will be offered in open category with payment of prescribed fee. The deadline for submission of online application is 31st October, 2023.

Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed his gratitude towards DAF and MoSJ&E for providing DACE extension. He urged SC and OBC youngsters to realize their dreams of qualifying UPSC/SPSC Competitive Examinations by enrolling in the DACE programme  at CUPB.

Dr. Vinod Arya, Nodal Officer, DACE-CUPB, mentioned that the admissions will be made through entrance examination following the registration process. A total of 100 SC and OBC candidates will be selected on for free coaching for one-year duration, with 30 % of seats reserved for female candidates. He emphasized that under this scheme, SC and OBC youngsters will also receive a monthly stipend of Rs 4000/- from the DAF. Candidates can submit their applications online through University’s Website. 

Enrolled students at CUPB-DACE will receive specialized coaching from highly qualified university faculty and external subject experts in separate classrooms. They will also have access to the library. The coaching will be tailored to meet the requirements of the Civil Services Examination Preliminary and Mains Examination, with a focus on Social Sciences.