Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship Clears in UP Cabinet for Higher Studies in UK

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship, a new initiative to help bright students from the state pursue postgraduate studies at top UK universities in collaboration with the British government’s Chevening programme. The scheme will fully fund selected students, covering tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses. I’m writing about this

I’m writing about this because it is a rare example of a state government tying up directly with an internationally recognised scholarship scheme. For students in UP who dream of studying abroad but face financial barriers, this policy could be life-changing. It is also a step toward making higher education more global, helping students gain exposure to diverse academic systems, professional networks, and cultural experiences. At the same time, the scholarship has a long-term vision—these scholars are expected to return and contribute to the state’s development, applying their skills in governance, education, technology, business, or social sectors. It’s important to look at how the scheme will work, who can benefit, and what it means for both students and the state’s future.

About the Scholarship

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship will be implemented jointly by the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through its Chevening programme. Chevening is a globally respected scholarship scheme offered in over 160 countries, known for supporting future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers.

In the UP-specific version, the state government will fund a set number of scholars every year for one-year master’s courses at top universities in the UK. The aim is to build a pool of highly trained professionals with international exposure who can drive progress in key sectors back home.

Key Features of the Scheme

Fully funded one-year master’s programme in the UK
Coverage of tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living stipend, and return airfare
Open to students with a strong academic record and leadership potential
Selection based on merit, interviews, and alignment with priority sectors for UP’s development
Scholars required to return to India after the course and contribute to the state’s growth

Expected Benefits

For students, this is a chance to gain advanced skills, access global networks, and study in some of the world’s best academic environments. For Uttar Pradesh, the scheme can create a talent pipeline in areas such as public administration, law, economics, environmental studies, technology, agriculture, and social policy. It also strengthens the state’s educational partnerships with the UK.

Application Process

The detailed guidelines and application timeline are expected to be announced soon. It is likely that candidates will apply through the Chevening portal, selecting the Uttar Pradesh partnership option. Applicants will need to demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a clear vision for how they will use their education to benefit the state after returning.

Step	Action
Step 1	Online application submission
Step 2	Shortlisting based on eligibility and merit
Step 3	Interview by joint UP-UK selection panel
Step 4	Final selection and pre-departure briefing

Why Delhi’s New School Fee Bill Puts Education Before Profit

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled the ‘Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025’, making it clear that education is not meant to be a commercial venture. I’m writing about this because education affects every family in Delhi—and when school fees rise without checks, it becomes a burden that

I’m writing about this because education affects every family in Delhi—and when school fees rise without checks, it becomes a burden that many parents struggle to bear. This new legislation stands out as a public stand with parents, not institutions. It brings much-needed transparency and oversight to private school fee hikes, a topic that’s been fraught with unregulated increases for years. For families, educators, and policymakers, this signals a shift toward fairness and accountability in education. Highlighting the key features of the bill and its impact helps all of us understand how schools should truly serve students, not profits.

What the Bill Brings to the Table

Transparent Fee Approvals: Now, all unaided private schools—wherever they are located—must get government approval before raising fees. Previously, only those on government-allocated land were covered.
Regulatory Mechanism: A three-tier system of committees will assess and approve fee hikes, ensuring they’re justified, fair, and transparent.
Penalties for Violations: Schools that bypass the process or charge arbitrary hikes will face strict penalties, reinforcing accountability.

A Departure from Past Practices

Delhi’s AAP government had little success with enforcing fee regulation despite court rulings. Now, the BJP administration has chosen to back parents directly. CM Gupta noted that this is the first time a state government has formally stood alongside parents in this fight.

What It Means for Parents and Schools

Stakeholder	What Changes
Parents	Greater predictability and fairness in school fees
Schools	Mandated justification for fee increases
Students	Better access to education without financial strain

Schools will now need to justify every fee increment clearly and in writing. Parents must be informed well in advance, avoiding sudden financial surprises.