The Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme, managed by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand, provides a one-time cash award of Rs. 50,000 to eligible candidates from Uttarakhand who secure selection and complete training at NDA, IMA, OTA, INA or the Indian Air Force Academy. Candidates can apply through the Samarth Scholarship Portal by 31 December 2026 for the July to December 2026 cycle.
Uttarakhand Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme |
| Also Known As | Award Scheme for Candidates Selected in NDA, IMA, OTA, INA and IAF |
| Government Order | No. 693/XXIV(7)/2019-25, dated 4 September 2019 |
| Implementing Department | Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand |
| Award Amount | Rs. 50,000 (one-time payment) |
| Academies Covered | National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Indian Air Force Academy |
| Eligibility | Eligible natives or permanent residents of Uttarakhand who secure selection and complete training at the covered academies |
| When to Apply | After selection and completion of training |
| Income Limit | No income limit specified |
| Application Cycles | Two half-yearly cycles |
| Current Application Cycle | July to December 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 December 2026 |
| Processing Office | Directorate of Higher Education, Haldwani, Uttarakhand |
| Apply Online | Uttarakhand Samarth Scholarship Portal |
Introduction of Uttarakhand Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme: A Brief Insight
Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi, but it also takes pride in being the land of soldiers. Almost every village has a family member who has served in the Armed Forces. To encourage more young people from the hills and plains of the State to join the forces as officers, the Government introduced the Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme.
The Government of Uttarakhand introduced this scheme through a Government Order dated 4 September 2019. The Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand, manages the scheme. It recognises candidates from the State who reach premier defence academies and encourages other young people to follow the same path.
Under this scheme, each eligible candidate receives a one-time cash award of Rs. 50,000. The scheme covers candidates selected through the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Indian Naval Academy and the Indian Air Force Academy. The department releases the awards in two half-yearly cycles.
Natives and permanent residents of Uttarakhand can apply after securing selection and completing their training. The scheme has no income limit and welcomes eligible candidates of all genders.
Candidates can apply online through the Uttarakhand Samarth Scholarship Portal. For the July to December 2026 cycle, the last date to apply is 31 December 2026. Candidates who need assistance can contact the Directorate of Higher Education in Haldwani.
Young aspirants who are preparing to join the Armed Forces or appear for other competitive examinations can also explore free coaching under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana. School students with strong academic potential may benefit from the Mukhyamantri Yuva Vidyarthi Manthan Yojana.
Those who want to develop their own careers or start an enterprise can explore skill development and enterprise support under the Mukhyamantri Udyamshala Yojana.
Defence aspirants, students and other young people looking for educational and youth welfare programmes can explore more initiatives on our Uttarakhand Government Welfare Schemes page.
Award Window for July to December 2026
- Open Now: The July to December 2026 session of the Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme is active on the Samarth Scholarship Portal.
- Last Date: Eligible officers must submit their applications by 31 December 2026.
- Payment Timeline: After verification and Government approval, the award for this cycle is scheduled to be distributed by 30 April 2027.
- Missed the June Cycle? Candidates who completed training but did not apply by 30 June can still apply in the current cycle.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme recognises the hard work of candidates from Uttarakhand who complete training at a defence academy. The State Government provides a one-time cash award to honour their achievement and encourage other young people to become officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
Award at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Amount | Rs. 50,000 |
| Payment Frequency | One-time award |
| Providing Department | Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand |
| Payment Method | Direct payment to the candidate’s bank account after approval |
When Is the Award Paid?
The department processes applications in two cycles each year through the Samarth Scholarship Portal. Candidates should check the applicable deadlines and complete their applications on time.
| Application Stage | First Cycle | Second Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 30 June | 31 December |
| Eligible and Ineligible Candidate List | 31 July | 31 January |
| Final Beneficiary List | 31 August | 28 February |
| Government Approval | 30 September | 31 March |
| Award Distribution | 31 October | 30 April |
Key Benefits of the Scheme
- Recognition by the State: Honours eligible candidates who complete training at a defence academy.
- Encouragement for young aspirants: Inspires other young people in Uttarakhand to pursue careers as Armed Forces officers.
- No income limit: Eligible candidates can apply regardless of their family’s income.
- Equal opportunity: Eligible candidates of all genders can receive the award.
Related Support for Defence Aspirants in Uttarakhand
| Scheme | Eligible Stage | Financial Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Special Financial Assistance Scheme | After clearing the written examination for the Armed Forces | Rs. 50,000 for preparation for the next selection stage |
| Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme | After selection and completion of training | One-time award of Rs. 50,000 |
| NDA Cadet Pocket Money | During NDA training | Rs. 250 per month through the Zila Sainik Kalyan Office |
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme supports eligible candidates from Uttarakhand who complete training at a recognised defence academy and qualify for service in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates must meet the following conditions to receive the award.
Who Can Apply
- Permanent residents or natives of Uttarakhand.
- Candidates selected for service through one of the eligible defence academies.
- Candidates who have successfully completed training at the respective academy.
- Eligible candidates of all genders.
Academies Covered Under the Scheme
| Defence Academy | Service |
|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Army, Navy and Air Force |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Army |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Army |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Navy |
| Indian Air Force Academy (IAF) | Air Force |
Conditions That Do Not Affect Eligibility
- Family income, as the scheme has no specified income limit.
- Caste category.
- The school or college attended before joining the defence academy.
Who Cannot Apply
- Candidates who are not permanent residents of Uttarakhand.
- Candidates who have only cleared the written examination or SSB interview but have not completed academy training.
- Candidates who have already received this award once.
Documents Required to be Attached
Keep the following documents ready before applying for the Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme of the Uttarakhand Government through the Samarth Scholarship Portal.
- Selection or appointment letter for NDA, IMA, OTA, INA or the Indian Air Force
- Training completion certificate issued by the defence academy
- Proof of joining service after completing training, wherever applicable
- Uttarakhand permanent residence (domicile) certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Bank account details with IFSC code in the candidate’s own name
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Self-declaration confirming that the candidate has not received this award before
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
Candidates can apply for the Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme online through the Uttarakhand Samarth Scholarship Portal. The Directorate of Higher Education manages the application process. For the July to December 2026 cycle, the last date to apply is 31 December 2026. Make sure you have completed your training before applying for the award.
Before You Begin
Step 1: First, read the scheme details and Government Order on the Higher Education Department’s scheme page. This will help you understand the application requirements.
Step 2: Keep scanned copies of your selection letter, training completion certificate, Uttarakhand domicile certificate, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card and bank details ready.
Step 3: Keep your mobile number and email ID active. The department may use these details to send application updates.
Apply Online on the Samarth Portal
Step 1: Visit the Uttarakhand Samarth Scholarship Portal.
Step 2: Click on New User and register by entering your basic details.
Step 3: After registration, log in using the username and password you created.
Step 4: Find and select the Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme from the available schemes.
Step 5: Select the application session July 2026 to December 2026.
Step 6: Enter your personal details, defence academy details, course information and bank account details in the application form.
Step 7: Upload the required documents and self-declaration in the prescribed format.
Step 8: Check all the details carefully. Correct any mistakes before submitting the application.
Step 9: Submit the application and save or print a copy for future reference.
If You Prefer Applying Offline
Step 1: Obtain and fill in the prescribed application form according to the Government Order.
Step 2: Attach self-attested copies of all the required documents.
Step 3: Submit or send the completed application to the Directorate of Higher Education, Haldwani, Uttarakhand.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application
Step 1: The Directorate checks your application and supporting documents. It then prepares a list of eligible and ineligible candidates.
Step 2: The department publishes the final beneficiary list and sends it for Government approval.
Step 3: After approval, the department transfers the Rs. 50,000 award to your bank account during the scheduled distribution month for that application cycle.
Step 4: Log in to the Samarth Scholarship Portal to check your application status and look for updates.
Important: The Higher Education Department offers several scholarships and awards. You can find them on its Scholarship Portal page. Select the correct scheme before filling in your application.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Apply online for Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award, Samarth Scholarship Portal
- Government Order for Rs. 50,000 award to candidates selected in NDA, IMA, OTA, IAF and INA
- Scholarship schemes of the Higher Education Department, Uttarakhand
- Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Department: Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand
- Processing Office: Directorate of Higher Education, Haldwani, District Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Online Help: Contact options on the Samarth Scholarship Portal and the Higher Education Department website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. The Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme is a Uttarakhand Government initiative that provides a one-time cash award of Rs. 50,000 to eligible candidates who get selected through NDA, IMA, OTA, INA or the Indian Air Force Academy and complete their training.
Ans. The Department of Higher Education, Government of Uttarakhand, manages the scheme.
Ans. The scheme is governed by Government Order No. 693/XXIV(7)/2019-25 (Gho.) 11, dated 4 September 2019.
Ans. Eligible candidates receive a one-time award of Rs. 50,000.
Ans. Candidates who are natives or permanent residents of Uttarakhand can apply if they have been selected through NDA, IMA, OTA, INA or the Indian Air Force Academy and have completed their training.
Ans. No. Clearing the SSB interview alone is not enough. You should apply after your selection and completion of training at the academy.
Ans. Yes. Eligible women candidates can also apply for the award.
Ans. No income limit has been specified for this award.
Ans. You can apply online through the Uttarakhand Samarth Scholarship Portal.
Ans. The last date is 31 December 2026. Submit your application before the deadline.
Ans. For the July to December application cycle, the scheduled award distribution date is 30 April of the following year. The department must complete verification and obtain the required approval before releasing the payment.
Ans. You may need your selection letter, training completion certificate, joining proof, Uttarakhand domicile certificate, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, bank details and self-declaration. Keep the required documents ready before starting your application.
Ans. No. The scheme provides the Rs. 50,000 award only once to an eligible candidate.
Ans. No. Both are separate schemes. The Special Financial Assistance Scheme supports eligible candidates who clear the written examination and prepare for the next selection stage. The Armed Forces Selected Candidates Award Scheme recognises candidates who secure selection and complete their training.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.