Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU or IP University) has introduced a dedicated “Orphan Quota” for admissions in the 2025–26 academic session, becoming the first state university in India to offer such a reservation. Applications are currently open, and eligible candidates have until August 14, 2025, to apply.
This newly announced quota reserves one additional seat in each of the university’s 13 schools and one specialised centre for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It mirrors the “Single Girl Child Quota” launched by IP University in the previous academic year, which was widely appreciated for promoting inclusivity in higher education.
How to Apply for the Orphan Quota
The application process for the Orphan Quota is offline. Interested candidates can download detailed instructions from the official university websites — ipu.ac.in and ipu.admissions.nic.in.
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form
- The death certificates of both parents, issued by a recognised child welfare authority
- A bank draft of ₹2,500 in favour of the Registrar, GGSIPU
All documents must be submitted to the University Facility Center at the Dwarka Campus before the deadline.
Financial Benefits for Orphan Quota Students
Students admitted through this quota will receive a 100% tuition fee waiver under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme. The university also plans to connect them with financial assistance schemes run by central and state governments to further ease their educational journey.
Highlighting the intent behind the initiative, Vice-Chancellor Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Mahesh Verma said:
“The university aims to provide education to all, and we don’t want such children to be deprived of higher education due to financial constraints.”
Prof. Verma also emphasised that IP University takes pride in being the first state university to implement such a provision for orphaned students.
Chatbot Support for Admission Queries
To make the admission process smoother, IP University has launched a dedicated admission chatbot service. Available on the official website (ipu.ac.in), the chatbot provides instant answers to queries related to admissions in various programmes for the new academic year.
This tech-driven support system ensures that prospective applicants — especially those applying under the Orphan Quota — can get quick, reliable information without having to navigate multiple sources.
A Step Towards Educational Inclusivity
The introduction of the Orphan Quota is part of IP University’s broader effort to create an inclusive educational environment. By combining reserved seats with complete fee waivers and facilitating government-backed financial support, the initiative removes significant barriers that often prevent orphaned students from pursuing higher education.
It also builds upon the success of last year’s Single Girl Child Quota, which encouraged more young women to enrol in higher studies without worrying about tuition costs.
Diverse Academic Opportunities
For the 2025–26 academic session, IP University is offering:
- 46 Master’s degree programmes
- 40 PhD programmes
- 34 Undergraduate degree programmes
In total, there are over 40,000 seats across various disciplines, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds and with varied academic interests can find suitable programmes.
A National First in State Universities
While reservation policies for marginalised groups are not new in Indian higher education, the Orphan Quota marks a first for any state university. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the educational challenges faced by children who have lost both parents.
By providing not just admission opportunities but also comprehensive financial support, IP University is sending a strong message: access to education should not be determined by personal tragedy or financial hardship.
Looking Ahead
With the Orphan Quota in place, IP University is set to welcome a new batch of students who might otherwise have been left out of the higher education system. As the application deadline of August 14 approaches, the university is encouraging eligible candidates to apply early and make full use of the benefits offered.
By combining progressive policies, financial assistance, and digital support tools, IP University is positioning itself as a leader in inclusive higher education — a model that other institutions may soon follow.
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