College education is a crucial step toward building a successful future, but for some individuals, securing admission can be a challenging process. To promote inclusivity and fairness, many educational institutions offer special reservations for certain groups—ex-servicemen, sportspersons, and differently-abled individuals—ensuring they get the opportunities they deserve. Let’s explore how these special reservations apply in college counselling.
1. Special Reservations for Ex-Servicemen and Their Children
Who Can Benefit?
- Children or dependents of Ex-servicemen (retired members of the armed forces)
- Sometimes, the benefit also applies to widows of soldiers and the ex-servicemen themselves if they are seeking further education
Why Is It Important?
Families of ex-servicemen often move frequently due to transfers and may not have access to stable schooling. Some students may lose out on regular education due to a parent’s service. To support them, college counselling systems across India reserve seats under this category.
How Does It Work in Counselling?
- During college admissions, a certain number of seats (usually 1-5%) are reserved for this category.
- Students need to select the “Ex-servicemen quota” while registering for counselling.
- Documents like discharge certificates, dependents’ ID, or widow certificates are required.
Tips:
- Apply early and upload the correct documents
- Check if the state or university offers additional benefits for this category
2. Special Reservations for Sports Persons
Who Qualifies?
Students who have participated in sports at the district, state, national, or international levels
Valid for both team and individual sports recognised by sports authorities
Why Is This Needed?
Sportspeople often spend years training and competing. Due to this, they may miss out on studies or regular classes. To reward their hard work and allow them to pursue higher education, many colleges offer Special Reservations.
How Does It Work in Counselling?
- Most universities reserve a fixed number of seats (around 1-3%) for sports quota students.
- Students must choose the sports quota while filling out the counselling forms.
- Certificates of participation and rankings are required — these must be from recognised bodies such as the Sports Authority of India or state sports departments.
- In some cases, trials or physical tests may be part of the selection.
3. Special Reservations for Differently-abled (Persons with Disabilities)
Who Is Eligible?
Students with at least 40% disability in categories like:
- Physical disability
- Visual impairment
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual or mental health conditions
Why Is This Reservation Important?
Differently-abled students often face more obstacles in education due to accessibility issues or social barriers. To ensure they are not left behind, Special Reservations are offered in almost all government and many private colleges.
How Does It Work in Counselling?
- Usually, 5% of total seats in every course are reserved for this category under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act.
- During online or offline counselling, students must mark the PwD (Persons with Disabilities) quota.
- You must provide a government-issued disability certificate that mentions the type and percentage of disability.
Additional Benefits:
- Some universities offer extra time during exams
- Fee concessions, scholarships, and separate hostels may be available
Things to Keep in Mind for All Categories
Check Eligibility: Each college or state counselling board may have slightly different rules. Read the official information carefully.
Upload Correct Documents: Make sure all documents like certificates, ID proofs, and category-specific proofs are clear and valid.
Watch Deadlines: Special categories usually require early document verification.
Don’t Miss Counselling Rounds: Even with a reservation, you must attend counselling sessions and follow procedures to claim your seat.
By researching available benefits, eligible students can maximise their opportunities for higher education and career growth
