Privacy Policy

Last Updated: [February 3, 2026]

Welcome to the Jacobite Sponsoring Body (operated by the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of the personal information you share with us when applying for sponsorship.

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you visit www.jacobitesponsorship.com and submit an application. By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

To process your sponsorship application, we collect the following categories of information:

Personal Identification: Full name, date of birth, gender, and photograph.
Contact Information: Email address, permanent address, and WhatsApp/phone number.
Educational Records: Academic transcripts, certificates, entrance exam scores (e.g., NEET), and school history.
Church/Community Data: Parish details, baptism certificates, and recommendation letters from Church authorities.
Financial/Social Status: Documents required to assess sponsorship eligibility.
Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and usage data via cookies (for website optimization).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data strictly for:

Verifying your eligibility for the Jacobite Sponsoring Body quota.
Communicating application status, interview schedules, and results.
Forwarding required details to CMC Vellore or other educational institutions as part of the formal admission process.
Maintaining a database of alumni and sponsored candidates.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

Consent: By submitting your application, you provide explicit consent.
Contractual Necessity: To fulfill the sponsorship evaluation process you have requested.
Legitimate Interest: To ensure the integrity of the Church's sponsorship program.

5. International Data Transfers

Since we receive applications from the GCC, USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and elsewhere, your data will be transferred to and processed in India, where our central office is located.

For EU/UK Residents: We ensure that "Standard Contractual Clauses" or equivalent safeguards are in place to protect your data during transfer.
For Australian/NZ Residents: We handle your data in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APP).

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to:

Complete the sponsorship selection process.
Comply with legal, audit, or Church record-keeping requirements.
Unsuccessful applications are typically archived or deleted within 5 years.

7. Your Rights (GDPR, DPDP & CCPA)

Depending on your location, you have the following rights:

Access & Correction: You can request a copy of your data or ask us to fix inaccuracies.
Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): You can request that we delete your data (subject to legal obligations).
Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent at any time, which will result in the withdrawal of your sponsorship application.
Grievance Redressal (India): If you have concerns, you may contact our Grievance Officer : Grievance Officer, Jacobite Sponsoring Body Syrian Orthodox Christian Centre, Kanjikuzhy Kottayam - 686004, Kerala, India Email: jobin.jose@cmc.edu.in

8. Data Security

We implement robust technical and organizational measures (including SSL encryption and secure servers) to protect your sensitive documents from unauthorized access or data breaches.

9. Third-Party Disclosure

We do not sell or trade your data. We only share information with:

Educational Institutions: Such as CMC Vellore (for admission purposes).
Church Authorities: For verification of parish membership.
Service Providers: Secure IT and hosting partners who assist in operating our website.

10. Contact Us & Grievance Officer

In compliance with India’s DPDP Act and global standards, if you have questions or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:

The Data Protection Officer / Grievance Officer, Jacobite Sponsoring Body Syrian Orthodox Christian Centre, Kanjikuzhy Kottayam - 686004, Kerala, India Email: jobin.jose@cmc.edu.in WhatsApp: +91- 8593869298.