New Delhi, Nov 17 (IANS) The community college scheme of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), which aims to empower individuals by providing educational certification, is being extended to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, a statement by the varsity said Wednesday.

According to the statement, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) will soon be signed between the varsity and the two forces which will "empower the servicemen". Educational certification will be awarded to the servicemen, recognising the "in service training" done by them and in turn provide opportunity for a second career option.

A similar MoU was signed between IGNOU and the Indian Army earlier, as per which the Army-IGNOU community colleges will function as autonomous bodies conducting examinations.

Major General S.P. Kochar, additional director general-personnel services of the Indian Army, said: "The IGNOU community college scheme allows the in-service training of jawans to be recognised, which helps the soldiers to get better career opportunities post retirement."