Every year, thousands of Indian soldiers retire at a relatively young age after serving the nation with dedication. While military retirement marks the end of one chapter, it also signals the beginning of another—building a successful civilian career. Recognizing this need, the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO) has taken another significant step towards veteran rehabilitation by partnering with Mahendra’s Classes to provide professional coaching for Banking and SSC competitive examinations.
This initiative is expected to help thousands of Ex-Servicemen (ESM), widows and eligible dependents prepare for government jobs by combining military discipline with structured competitive exam coaching.
Why Veteran Rehabilitation Matters in India
India has one of the world’s largest veteran communities, with nearly 2.78 million Ex-Servicemen. Every year, around 60,000 soldiers retire from the Armed Forces, many in their late thirties due to the military’s youthful profile policy.
Although these soldiers possess outstanding leadership, discipline, teamwork and crisis-management skills, transitioning into civilian employment often requires additional qualifications and examination-specific preparation.
To support this transition, the Ministry of Defence has established a comprehensive rehabilitation ecosystem through various organizations.
Directorate General Resettlement (DGR)
The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) functions as the apex organization responsible for pre-retirement training, post-retirement rehabilitation, skill development, industry partnerships and employment assistance for retiring Armed Forces personnel.
Kendriya, Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards
At the State and District levels, the Kendriya, Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards assist Ex-Servicemen by providing welfare services, documentation support, pension guidance and local employment assistance.
Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO)
AWPO serves as the Army’s dedicated placement agency that connects Army veterans, Veer Naris and dependents with employment opportunities across Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Banks and Private Companies.
Together, these organizations ensure that military personnel receive structured support before and after retirement.
Reservation Benefits Available to Ex-Servicemen
One of the biggest advantages available to Ex-Servicemen is reservation in Government employment.
Under existing Government policy, reservation is available in several Government departments, Public Sector Undertakings and Public Sector Banks.
Major benefits include:
- 14.5% reservation in Group ‘C’ posts.
- 24.5% reservation in Group ‘D’ posts.
- Age relaxation after deducting military service.
- Examination fee exemptions in many recruitment examinations.
- Preference in various Central Government recruitments.
These benefits significantly improve the chances of securing a stable Government career after retirement.
AWPO: India’s Largest Placement Network for Army Veterans
Established in May 1999 under the Adjutant General’s Branch of the Indian Army, AWPO has emerged as India’s largest employment support organization exclusively dedicated to Army veterans.
Today, AWPO operates through 17 Regional Offices along with a nationwide online placement portal.
Its primary objectives include:
- Employment assistance.
- Career counselling.
- Skill development.
- Placement in Government and Private sectors.
- Rehabilitation of widows and dependents.
AWPO’s Remarkable Achievements
Since its establishment, AWPO has created a significant impact on veteran employment.
Some notable achievements include:
- More than 1.3 lakh Army veterans placed in various organizations since inception.
- During 2024 alone, employment was facilitated for approximately:
- 16,000 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks
- 450 Officers
- 300 Widows and Wards
These numbers demonstrate AWPO’s expanding role in veteran rehabilitation.
AWPO Expands into Skill Development
Employment assistance alone is no longer sufficient in today’s competitive environment.
Recognizing this, AWPO has started collaborating with leading educational institutions.
One major milestone came in February 2025 when AWPO signed an MoU with upGrad to provide soldiers with modern courses in:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Technology-enabled career skills
This reflects AWPO’s transformation into a comprehensive career transition platform.
Why Competitive Exam Coaching is Important for Ex-Servicemen
Although military personnel possess excellent leadership and administrative abilities, competitive examinations demand specialized preparation.
Most Government recruitment examinations evaluate candidates in areas such as:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
- Hindi Language
Many veterans have remained away from academic examinations for years due to active military service. Consequently, professional coaching substantially improves their chances of success.
Government jobs through Banking and SSC examinations continue to remain among the most preferred options because they offer:
- Job security
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Regular promotions
- Pay Commission-based salaries
- Family-friendly work environment
AWPO Partners with Mahendra’s Classes for Banking & SSC Preparation
To bridge the competitive examination gap, AWPO has partnered with Mahendra’s Classes for the 2025 intake.
The collaboration combines AWPO’s veteran network with Mahendra’s decades of expertise in Banking and SSC examination coaching.
The programme is specially designed for:
- Ex-Servicemen
- Widows
- Dependents
- Army veterans preparing for Government jobs
Subjects Covered Under the Coaching Programme
The coaching programme includes comprehensive preparation in:
- English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- General Awareness
- General Studies
- Hindi
- Computer Knowledge
These subjects cover almost every major Banking and SSC recruitment examination.
Hybrid Learning Model
The programme provides flexible learning options to suit veterans residing across India.
Facilities include:
- Classroom coaching
- Hybrid classes
- Online learning
- Study Hall access
- Chapter-wise practice
- Online and Offline Mock Tests
- Prelims Test Series
- Mains Test Series
- Dedicated doubt-clearing sessions
This hybrid approach ensures accessibility regardless of geographical location.
Coaching Centres Available Across India
The programme will be available through Mahendra’s coaching centres located in:
- Bhopal
- Guwahati
- Jabalpur
- Jammu
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- New Delhi
- Pune
Veterans residing elsewhere can opt for hybrid or online modes.
Major Government Exams Covered in 2026
The coaching programme is aligned with several major Government recruitment examinations scheduled during 2025.
These include:
| Examination | Tentative Schedule |
|---|---|
| IBPS Clerk Prelims | 4–11 October 2026 |
| IBPS Clerk Mains | 29 November 2026 |
| SBI Clerk | October–November 2026 (Tentative) |
| SSC CGL Tier-I | 13–30 August 2026 |
| SSC CHSL Tier-I | 8–18 September 2026 |
| SSC MTS | 20 September–24 October 2026 |
| SSC Selection Post Phase XIII | 24 July–4 August 2026 |
Candidates can therefore prepare for multiple examinations simultaneously.
Special Benefits for Ex-Servicemen
The programme specifically highlights Government concessions available to Ex-Servicemen.
Eligible candidates can avail benefits such as:
- Reservation under Ex-Servicemen category
- Age relaxation
- Examination fee exemptions
- Reserved vacancies
- Government recruitment preference
Proper utilization of these concessions can significantly improve selection prospects.
Strategic Importance of the Initiative
The AWPO-Mahendra’s partnership offers several long-term benefits.
First, it bridges the gap between military experience and civilian recruitment requirements.
Second, it enhances the employability of veterans by providing structured examination guidance.
Third, successful selection into Banking and Government departments reduces dependency solely on pension income.
Fourth, the programme extends rehabilitation benefits to widows and dependents, strengthening family welfare.
Finally, the initiative supports the Government’s objective of effectively utilizing the experience and discipline of former soldiers in civil administration.
How Ex-Servicemen Can Enrol
Interested candidates can follow these steps:
Contact the nearest AWPO Regional Placement Office or call the official AWPO helpline for counselling and registration.
Keep important documents ready, including:
- Discharge Book
- Service Certificate
- Ex-Servicemen Identity Proof
- Category Certificate (where applicable)
- Passport-size Photographs
Choose the preferred learning mode:
- Classroom
- Hybrid
- Fully Online
While applying for Government vacancies, ensure that reservation benefits, age relaxation and fee exemptions are claimed wherever applicable.
Important Contact Numbers
AWPO Helpline: 9070-30-6565
Mahendra’s Classes Helpline: 7706-00-8077
Candidates are advised to contact the respective helplines for admission procedures, eligibility verification and batch schedules.
Future of Veteran Career Transition
AWPO’s recent initiatives clearly indicate a shift from being merely a placement organization to becoming a comprehensive career transition ecosystem.
From partnerships with leading EdTech companies to structured Government examination coaching, the organization is now addressing every stage of a soldier’s second career.
With increasing opportunities in Banking, SSC, PSUs and Government departments, this collaboration is expected to significantly improve employment outcomes for Army veterans across the country.
Conclusion
The partnership between AWPO and Mahendra’s Classes represents a major milestone in India’s veteran rehabilitation framework. By providing structured preparation for Banking and SSC examinations, the initiative equips Ex-Servicemen with the knowledge and confidence required to secure stable Government employment after military service.
For soldiers planning their post-retirement journey, this programme offers a clear roadmap—from military service to a successful civilian career. Combined with reservation benefits, age relaxation, professional coaching and AWPO’s nationwide support network, 2025 presents one of the strongest opportunities yet for Ex-Servicemen to build a secure future beyond the uniform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the AWPO Banking and SSC Coaching Programme?
It is a collaborative initiative between AWPO and Mahendra’s Classes that provides professional coaching to Ex-Servicemen, widows and dependents for Banking and SSC competitive examinations.
Who can join the programme?
Eligible Army Ex-Servicemen, Veer Naris, widows and eligible dependents can enrol, subject to the programme’s eligibility conditions.
Which examinations are covered?
The coaching covers IBPS Clerk, SBI Clerk, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS and SSC Selection Post examinations.
Is online coaching available?
Yes. Candidates can choose classroom, hybrid or fully online learning modes.
What subjects are included?
The programme includes English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, General Studies, Hindi and Computer Knowledge.
Does the programme provide mock tests?
Yes. Students receive chapter-wise tests, prelims and mains mock test series, study hall facilities and dedicated doubt-clearing sessions.
What Government benefits are available for Ex-Servicemen?
Eligible candidates can claim reservation, age relaxation, fee exemptions and reserved vacancies under the Ex-Servicemen category in accordance with applicable recruitment rules.