“Inclusion isn’t a speech. It’s a seat at the table — and IP University just made sure orphans get one.”
As a career coach, I’ve met students from every possible background — each with dreams, challenges, and stories that could fill volumes. But some stories have stayed with me far longer than others.
There was the bright, determined young adult who lost both parents before he turned 18, yet dreamt of becoming an engineer.
There was the girl from a marginalised community told she could only pursue “open school or distance learning” because mainstream education was “too much” for someone like her.
The divyang (differently-abled) student who fought not for special treatment, but simply for a seat he deserved.
Even the talented athlete whose academic struggles closed more doors than they opened.
Each had a unique battle. And while many had some form of support — from parents, communities, or mentors — orphans often had no safety net at all. Their educational journey depended on whether relatives chose to support them… and too often, they didn’t.
When Circumstances Decide Futures
In a fair world, access to higher education would be based on talent, passion, and effort. But in reality, life circumstances often decide more than merit ever does.
That’s why the news from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IP University) for the 2025–26 academic session is more than just another policy update — it’s a lifeline.
IP University’s Orphan Quota — What’s New?
Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, IP University will:
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Reserve 1 supernumerary seat in every programme and every school exclusively for orphan students.
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Provide a 100% tuition fee waiver under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scheme.
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Facilitate access to government schemes for additional financial and educational support.
This isn’t just about numbers. This is about telling orphan students:
“You belong here. You matter. And we’ll make room for you.”
Why This Matters
For years, I’ve seen orphan students steered towards open universities or low-cost courses or skip education — not because they wanted to, but because they had no choice.
They were being offered the bare minimum, not the full spectrum of opportunity.
IP University’s new quota changes that. It sends a message to every deserving student:
Your dreams are valid. You have a seat at the table.
This is what inclusion with intent looks like. Because equity isn’t about giving everyone the same resources — it’s about giving each person the support they actually need.
A Call to Action for Other Institutions
While IPU has taken this bold step, I hope this becomes a trend rather than an exception.
Other universities and colleges must ask themselves:
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Who is being left behind?
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What systemic barriers can we break today?
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How can we ensure education for all truly means for all?
The time to widen the gates is now.