Design Your Degree

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports met with Vice Chancellors, principals, and stakeholders from various higher education institutions in Jammu and Kashmir on September 1, 2023. During this meeting, Prof. Umesh Rai, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, introduced the innovative “Design Your Degree” initiative. This initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, encourages hands-on learning and practical skill development.

The “Design Your Degree” program, launched in July 2023, allows students at the University of Jammu to customize their academic paths based on their interests. The program is structured into two phases: the first two years focus on foundational courses and hands-on training across disciplines, while the latter two years enable students to explore specialized areas by choosing majors and minors from their preferred fields.

The initiative has garnered significant praise from the parliamentary committee, which has recommended its adoption as a fundamental educational framework for all higher education institutions. This approach offers several benefits:

Enhanced Student Engagement: Allowing students to design their degrees fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to their education, leading to increased motivation.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Encouraging students to explore diverse disciplines promotes a holistic skill set, preparing graduates for a wide range of career opportunities.
Practical Skill Development: Emphasizing hands-on training ensures students gain valuable practical skills applicable in real-world scenarios.
Flexibility and Adaptability: The program structure equips students with the flexibility to adapt their academic focus according to evolving interests and goals, making them better prepared for changing career landscapes.

The “Design Your Degree” initiative, endorsed by the parliamentary committee, is poised to revolutionize higher education in the nation. By empowering students and enhancing their readiness for the future, this initiative marks a significant step toward a dynamic and engaging educational landscape.