Pune: To help students from economically weaker sections of society, Akaar Foundation, Pune has organised ‘Akaar Competitive Examination Scholarship Scheme’ for students preparing for competitive examinations while doing their graduation or after having graduated.

Under this scheme, 300 students each from every region in the state will be offered scholarship and training by the Foundation to prepare better for MPSC/UPSC examinations.

The programme, which began in Nagpur (Vidarbha region) a few years ago expanded to Pune last year. Prof Ram Wagh, Founder Director of Akaar Foundation said, “Despite having passion and intellect, many students from rural areas, especially the economically weaker families are unable to fare well in the competitive exams due to lack of training. We aim to bring such students to the mainstream.”

To avail the scholarship, the students will have to give an entrance examination and appear for an interview. The format of the question paper will be based on that of the UPSC/MPSC Preliminary exams.

Considering the convenience of students, the exams will be held in Kolhapur on May 21, Solapur on May 23, Osmanabad on May 25, and in Pune on May 27. The students selected will be interviewed from May 29 to June 5. 

After this, out of the selected ones, first 100 students (50 MPSC, 50 UPSC) will be given 100 per cent scholarship, while the rest 200 (100 MPSC, 100 UPSC) will be given 50 per cent scholarship.

“The first 100 students here will be considered on basis of merit as well as the economic status of the students. 

“We also took a census while deciding the city for the training and many students opted for Pune. So the training will take place in Pune,” Prof Pravin Mundhe, Director, Akaar Foundation Pune said.

Wagh said other students who haven’t received the scholarship are welcome to join the training at minimal fees of Rs 35,000. He said that considering the huge fees other coaching classes charge, most students would be happy to join the Akaar training 
programme.