Puducherry: Pondicherry University is set to roll out a year-long, free UPSC coaching programme exclusively for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), starting May 29, 2025. Organised jointly by the Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) and the Centre for Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI), the initiative is funded by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

The fully offline training programme targets PWD candidates aged between 20 and 41 years, with an annual family income below ₹8 lakh. Applicants must possess a degree or be in their final semester, and hold a valid UDID card. Outstation candidates will be provided on-campus accommodation.

Selected candidates will receive coaching from expert faculty, access to Pondicherry University's 24×7 accessible library, and a monthly stipend of ₹6,000, disbursed quarterly, subject to attendance monitored through Aadhaar-based biometric devices.

Interested applicants must submit their forms and documents via https://forms.gle/7GrACguPiRVrWHfY8 by May 25, 2025. Classes are expected to commence by end-May or early June. For queries, contact Dr. A. Chidambaram at chidambaram.cseip@pondiuni.ac.in or call 9994037077 / 9442314404.