JAMMU — May 22, 2026: Marking a significant milestone in the evolution of undergraduate education, the University of Jammu today organized an Open House for the incoming fourth batch of its flagship “Design Your Degree” (DYD) program. Held at the University Campus, the event served as a critical interface for prospective students and their parents to navigate the innovative academic landscape offered by this unique four-year initiative.
The session commenced with Prof. Sadaf Shah, Associate Director of the Skill, Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), formally introducing the faculty mentors to the gathering. Following the introductions, Prof. Shah provided a comprehensive technical breakdown of the DYD framework, detailing the program’s close alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. She focused on its interdisciplinary core, which allows students to transcend departmental boundaries and construct a personalized, skill-based education.
Addressing the gathering of parents, Prof. K.S. Charak discussed the core philosophy behind the “Design Your Degree” initiative. In his address, Prof. Charak emphasized the university’s shift toward student-led academic journeys and focused on how the program fosters the holistic development of each individual, urging attendees to challenge traditional educational silos and embrace a curriculum that prioritizes student agency.
A central feature of the Open House was a rigorous interactive session. Prospective students and guardians engaged directly with a panel of faculty mentors, including Prof. K.S. Charak, Prof. Jatinder Manhas,Prof Shallu Sehgal , Dr. Chinmoyee Maharana, and Dr. Sarika Verma. The panel addressed granular queries regarding admission protocols, credit flexibility, and the integration of professional skill sets within the degree.
The coordination of the session was smoothly handled by the students and faculty. The event concluded with a vibrant exchange of experiences between the prospective candidates and the senior DYD batches. These current students shared their first-hand experiences navigating the flexible curriculum, providing a practical perspective on the program’s real-world outcomes.As the University of Jammu continues to reimagine the undergraduate experience, today’s event underscored its commitment to fostering an environment where academic depth meets functional versatility.
