Centurion University: Advancing Poverty Alleviation through the CARES Framework
Centurion University is strongly committed to Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1): No Poverty. Through its integrated framework—Community Engagement, Academic Excellence, Research, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact—the University consistently works to eradicate poverty and empower marginalised communities across India.
Community Engagement: Strengthening Local Partnerships to Support Low-Income Groups
The University collaborates with community-based organizations to ensure equitable access to education and skill development for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. It has established smart classrooms equipped with advanced technologies, including embedded systems, audio-visual tools, 5-axis CNC machines, wood engineering labs, and apparel manufacturing labs. These facilities provide hands-on, industry-relevant training that enhances employability and fosters entrepreneurship, helping individuals break the cycle of poverty.
Academic Excellence: Ensuring Inclusive Access for Students from Low-Income Households
Centurion University intentionally admits students from the lowest 20% of household income groups. In accordance with the Government of India’s Reservation Laws, the University allocates a significant number of seats to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC).
To promote inclusive education, the University has implemented the following measures:
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Centurion University offers a robust financial aid system supported by government and non-government agencies. Students securing 90% or above at the intermediate (10+2) level receive a scholarship of ₹25,000 per year, sponsored by the Aditham Lakshmana Rao and Seshamma Memorial Trust.
Application Fee Waivers
The University waives tuition fees for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, encouraging wider participation in higher education.
Support Services
Comprehensive support services—including tutoring, counselling, mentoring, and skill-oriented programs—help students succeed academically and personally.
Through these initiatives, Centurion University enhances access to higher education, reduces educational inequality, and promotes diversity and social mobility.
Research: Promoting Community Empowerment through Global Collaboration
The University’s involvement in the “Gajapati to Gabon” initiative demonstrates its commitment to global poverty alleviation. In collaboration with the Government of India, Centurion University supports Gabon’s first Agricultural Special Economic Zone (Agri-SEZ), focusing on food security, agricultural sustainability, and economic growth. This initiative benefits both Gabon and India by strengthening cross-border knowledge exchange and promoting sustainable development practices.
Entrepreneurship: Enhancing Economic Prosperity through Skill Development
Centurion University, in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), prioritizes livelihood-linked education. Its Innovation Agriculture Project spans nine tribal districts in South Odisha and three districts in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, training over 3,000 farmers and 124 community resource persons.
Under Project Atal, the University aims to double the income of one lakh small and marginal farmers across 200 blocks in Odisha, with 70,000 farmers already benefiting.
The University’s collaboration with Gram Tarang supports rice production using RNR (15048) variety and trains farmers through SEEDAP across multiple districts. Additionally, the Apparel Manufacturing Lab provides skill development to differently-abled and tribal youth, enabling them to secure employment or pursue entrepreneurship.
Social Impact: Improving Health and Community Well-Being
The “Healthcare on Wheels” program, funded by LTIMindtree, delivers essential healthcare especially vision care—to rural communities in Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam, focusing on families below the poverty line (BPL).
The University also organized four blood donation drives in 2024–25, collecting 75 units of blood and fostering a culture of social responsibility.
Centurion University further collaborates with nearby villages to promote sustainable agricultural practices, thereby improving farm productivity and supporting long-term poverty eradication.





