KU aligning all academic tasks with NEP-2020 timelines: VC

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‘Need well-devised plan to transition to NEP-2020 curriculum structure at PG level’

SRINAGAR: To raise awareness, devise strategies and address the challenges in adapting the postgraduate curriculum to the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 guidelines and develop a robust framework for its effective implementation, the NEP Cell, University of Kashmir (KU), Monday inaugurated a two-day workshop here.

Titled ‘Redesigning Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate Programmes as per NEP-2020’, the workshop features technical sessions focussing on the specific aspects of postgraduate curriculum design under NEP-2020 to guide faculty and staff in delivering innovative, outcome-oriented education.

On the occasion, KU Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, emphasised the varsity’s commitment to adhering to the NEP-2020 framework and highlighted the successful implementation of the policy in undergraduate courses across its campuses and affiliated colleges.

“Our priority is to ensure that all academic tasks align with NEP-2020 timelines, overcoming any challenges that may arise,” she said, highlighting the importance of collaboration with industry partners to enhance employment prospects for graduates.

“KU is establishing strong connections with industrial stakeholders to enhance our students’ career readiness after completing these programmes,” she reiterated.

Dean Academic Affairs, KU, Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada, underscored the importance of a seamless transition to the new framework and urged the need for devising comprehensive strategies for assured benefits to student community.

“Moving towards the NEP-2020 curriculum structure at PG level should be smooth, with a well-devised plan to overcome any implementation challenges,” he said.

Controller of Examinations, KU, Dr Majid Zaman Baba, acknowledged the varsity’s commitment to flexibility in education, stating: “Our PG programmes will follow a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach, ensuring flexible entry-exit options for students.”

Keynote speaker, Prof Manjula Chaudhary, Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education, University of Kurukshetra, Haryana, shared her expertise on the NEP-2020 standards for postgraduate programmes while stressing for a “flexible admission structure that accommodates diverse learning needs”.

“Designing a PG curriculum under NEP requires foresight to avoid common pitfalls. Providing students with flexibility through blended learning options is essential to achieving the goals of the NEP,” she maintained.

Dean, Students Welfare, KU, Prof Shamim Ahmad Shah, reiterated the significance of the curriculum overhaul while affirming the varsity’s progressive steps toward seamless policy adoption.

“We are actively consulting all stakeholders to ensure our PG courses meet NEP-2020’s multidisciplinary and holistic approach,” he said.

Outlining the goals of the programme, Chief Coordinator, NEP Cell, KU, Prof Mushtaq Ahmad Siddiqi, informed that the workshop is part of a series designed to raise awareness and effective planning.

“Our focus is to chart a purposeful course for implementing NEP-2020 curriculum and credit guidelines for PG programmes,” he said.

Dr Javaid Rashid, faculty at KU’s Department of Social Work, conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session, while Senior faculty, Department of Library and Information Science, KU, Dr Rosy Jan, proposed the formal vote of thanks.