“This could be a model for many countries in terms of size and services. We are getting empowered by providing such capacity and showing that a university too can undergo such collaborations,” IGNOU vice-chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said.

According to Air Vice-Marshal Satyendra Kumar, the initiative will reach out to airmen posted anywhere in the country, where they can register themselves for an associate degree online.

According to the university, 10 airmen registered themselves in-person after the launch ceremony.

Project Akashdeep was launched in December 2010. Under it, all serving airmen can obtain bachelor's degrees within eight to 13 years of their service.