JAMMU: Marking a significant milestone in the evolution of undergraduate education, the University of Jammu today organised an Open House for the incoming fourth batch of its flagship “Design Your Degree” (DYD) programme at the University Campus.

The event served as an important platform for prospective students and their parents to understand the innovative academic framework of this unique four-year programme. The session was inaugurated by Prof. Alka Sharma, Director, Skill, Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC).

In her inaugural address, Prof. Sharma emphasised the University’s shift towards student-led academic journeys and encouraged the participants to move beyond conventional educational boundaries and embrace a curriculum that prioritises individual choice and academic flexibility.

Earlier, Prof. Sadaf Shah, Associate Director, SIIEDC, presented a detailed overview of the DYD framework. She highlighted the programme’s alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and elaborated on its interdisciplinary structure, which enables students to transcend departmental boundaries and design a personalised, skill-based education.

A major highlight of the Open House was the interactive session, during which prospective students and their parents engaged directly with a panel of faculty mentors, including K. S. Charak, Jatinder Manhas, Chinmoyee Maharana and Sarika Verma. The panel addressed queries related to admission procedures, credit flexibility and the integration of professional skill sets within the degree programme.

The session was coordinated jointly by students and faculty members of the programme. The event concluded with an exchange of experiences between the prospective candidates and students from the senior DYD batches, who shared their first-hand experiences of navigating the flexible curriculum and provided practical insights into the programme’s outcomes.

As the University of Jammu continues to reimagine the undergraduate learning experience, the event reflected its commitment to fostering an academic environment where disciplinary depth is complemented by functional versatility. Following the encouraging response to today’s session, the University has scheduled subsequent Open Houses on May 22, 2026, to accommodate further interest.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇