9.5 CGPA score, free Tirupati trip, AC train tickets: DU's Venkateswara College students to get special temple darshan with parents after scoring high marks in exams

Final-year students at Delhi University's Sri Venkateswara College who score a CGPA of 9.5 or above will get a sponsored pilgrimage to Tirupati, with the college extending the benefit to both their parents. The institution will pay for AC 3-tier train journeys from Delhi to Tirupati and back for all three passengers and facilitate special Srivari Break Darshan at Tirumala, reports TOI.

The academic reward also comes with a five-gram silver dollar, a shawl, a memento and a certificate under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Pratibha Award scheme. The initiative will apply from the 2025-26 academic year.

What students need to qualify for the Tirupati trip

The scheme is meant for final-year students who achieve a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 9.5.


Unlike conventional academic awards that offer certificates or cash prizes, this initiative allows eligible students to take both parents along on a pilgrimage to Tirumala, where the famous Lord Sri Venkateswara Temple is located.

Sri Venkateswara College will facilitate Srivari Break Darshan for the student and their parents. It will also bear the AC 3-tier railway fare for the return journey between Delhi and Tirupati.

The pilgrimage, however, will depend on the availability of darshan dates and the prevailing arrangements.

College received TTD approval on October 28

The decision was communicated to students through a circular issued by college principal Vajala Ravi on November 6.

The announcement followed approval from TTD management through a letter dated October 28.

Sri Venkateswara College is run by TTD, the board that manages the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The award is part of the organisation's support for the college's educational initiatives.

The college has described the sponsored pilgrimage as a philanthropic gesture intended to motivate students to achieve academic excellence.

Students also get a five-gram silver award

The pilgrimage is not the only benefit under the scheme. Each eligible student will receive a TTD Pratibha Award consisting of a five-gram silver dollar, a shawl, a memento and a certificate.

The arrangement covers the student and both parents for the railway journey, while the special darshan facility will also be extended to all three.

Principal Vajala Ravi said the initiative gives students an opportunity to take their parents on a memorable pilgrimage before entering their professional careers.

In his statement, Ravi said TTD had consistently supported the college's educational initiatives as part of its social responsibility. He also described contributing to education as a way of building intellectual minds, a strong society and a great nation.

The scheme is applicable from the 2025-26 academic year onwards, with the actual pilgrimage subject to available darshan dates and arrangements.

(TOI inputs)