Central University of Kashmir’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor A Ravinder Nath, has encouraged faculty members to design courses in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020. Nath urged faculties of teaching departments to create a curriculum that addresses the aspirations and learning abilities of students. He also suggested the university should enable students to design their own courses, based on their interests and career aspirations. These courses should incorporate 40 to 50% national parity, 40 to 50% international dimension, and 10 to 20% regional or local significance with university uniqueness, Nath added.
During the marathon NEP implementation committee meetings with faculty members from teaching departments, deans of schools, heads, and coordinators of departments presented a detailed revision of the curriculum and credit framework. Nath instructed all teachers to adhere to the Guidelines on Learning Outcomes-based Curriculum Framework released by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and to develop a course unique to the school’s curriculum that prepares students for the global market, addresses manpower needs of the country and region, and emphasizes knowledge acquisition and skill development.
Notably, the university also plans to open a School of Honours and Skill Development to align with career aspirations and encourage students’ holistic development. Faculty members were further advised to develop a pedagogy that caters to the needs of diverse learners.
Dean Academic Affairs, Professor Shahid Rasool, emphasized that the university follows a multidisciplinary approach to offer a diverse range of subjects to promote students’ holistic development, and encourages them to explore their interests and passions. The university has integration mechanisms for credit accumulation and transfer, fostering greater academic mobility, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities. Credits are granted for extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, community service, and entrepreneurship. This approach nurtures well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
Dean School of Education and Nodal Officer, NEP Implementation Committee, Professor Z. A. Geelani, explained that the NEP of 2020 aims to transform the education system and prepare students for challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The Central University of Kashmir’s policies and practices align with the NEP, intending to foster a generation of empowered individuals contributing meaningfully to society.
