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Now Two Children of Army Personnel Can Be Sponsored for Army Recruitment Under UHQ Quota

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New Policy Update from Directorate General of Recruiting – July 2025

In a major boost to the families of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, and war widows, the Indian Army has extended the benefit of bonus marks to two wards (instead of one) under the Unit Headquarters (UHQ) Quota Recruitment Scheme. This policy change will take effect from Recruitment Year 2025–26.

What Is UHQ Quota Recruitment?

UHQ Quota (Unit Headquarters Quota) is a special recruitment scheme conducted at various Regimental Centres across India. It allows wards of serving Army personnel, ex-servicemen, and widows of Army men to apply for recruitment with relaxed eligibility norms and bonus marks.

Earlier, only one child (either a son or a daughter) of a serving or former Army person could avail the benefits of UHQ Quota. However, the new policy doubles this entitlement.

Highlights of the New Policy:

  • Issued by: Directorate General of Recruiting (DGR), Integrated HQ of MoD (Army)
  • Letter No.: 62536/Rtg B (A)
  • Date: 08 July 2025
  • Subject: Extension of Bonus Marks to Two Wards of Servicemen/Ex-Servicemen/War Widows/Widows for Recruitment under UHQ Quota

Key Provisions:

  1. Extension of Bonus Marks:
    • Now two wards (any combination of sons and daughters) of:
      • Serving soldiers
      • Ex-servicemen
      • War widows/widows
        can avail bonus marks in Army recruitment under UHQ Quota.
  2. Eligibility:
    • Any two children of eligible Army personnel, regardless of gender, can now be sponsored.
  3. Implementation:
    • The policy will be implemented from the 2025–26 recruitment year.
  4. Reference Letters:
    • This decision is based on earlier letters dated:
      • 21 Jan 2013
      • 20 Jul 2021
      • 08 Feb 2024
  5. Approval:
    • The policy has been approved by the Competent Authority.

Impact of the Policy:

  • The decision reflects the Army’s continued efforts to support its veterans and their families.
  • It provides an additional opportunity for the wards of Army personnel to join the forces.
  • This will especially benefit families with multiple children aspiring to serve the nation.

Conclusion:

The Army’s revised UHQ Quota policy is a welcome move, extending greater opportunities to the next generation of Army families. Candidates are encouraged to contact their respective Regimental Centres or Zila Sainik Boards for detailed schedules and documentation requirements.