There is an abundance of talent and academic excellence among deserving students but financial constraints often hinder their access to coaching and higher education, especially for competitive exams like the IAS-PCS. Addressing this challenge, the Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence Scheme, established by Allahabad University in Uttar Pradesh, brings good news for economically disadvantaged students. A specially designed test under this scheme aims to select 100 deserving candidates who will receive free coaching from the university for an entire year.

Launched in October 2022, the Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence focuses on providing free coaching to students from the OBC and SC categories aspiring to pursue civil services. The initiative, spearheaded by Coordinator Professor RK Anand, aims to instil confidence, skills, and knowledge in students, preparing them to excel in the UPSC exam and preventing demotivation during the process.

The Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence Scheme is currently inviting applications for 100 seats in the Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes categories. The application deadline is December 18, and interested candidates can apply through the website ace.recruitment portal.in. The exam is scheduled for December 24, with results expected to be announced on December 28. Admission to the program will be granted to selected candidates on January 3, and regular classes are set to commence on January 9. Notably, 70 per cent of the seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and OBC candidates, and applicants must be graduates.

Selected candidates will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including smart boards, digital projectors, and internet platforms, within a conducive learning environment. A distinctive feature of this initiative is that every instructor involved will be a professor at Allahabad University, ensuring subject matter expertise. Notably, four candidates from this institution have successfully cleared the pre-examination for the Uttar Pradesh Provincial Administrative Service.

The Dr Ambedkar Centre of Excellence Scheme stands as a commendable effort to empower economically disadvantaged students by providing them with quality coaching and a conducive learning environment, unlocking opportunities for their academic and professional growth.