The University of Jammu today welcomed Prof. Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, Jammu & Kashmir Higher Education Council (JKHEC), who, along with his team, carried out a detailed review of the University’s pioneering Design Your Degree (DYD) program. Senior faculty members, mentors, students, and senior officials associated with the program were present during the interaction.
Launched in 2023, the DYD program is the University’s flagship four-year undergraduate initiative developed in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It allows students to design their own academic pathways by choosing courses across disciplines, combining classroom-based learning with hands-on experiences, and building skills relevant to emerging social and professional needs. Guided by the motto Teach to Transform, Educate to Empower, Learn to Lead, the program strives to shape confident and well-rounded graduates.
During the review, Prof. Dinesh Singh examined the progress made since the program’s inception and interacted closely with both students and mentors involved in the DYD program. He appreciated the clarity with which students articulated their learning choices and acknowledged the efforts of mentors who guide them through personalised academic planning.
“The Design Your Degree program is a bold and timely initiative. I am pleased to see students engaging with curiosity and confidence, and mentors supporting them with dedication. This model represents the future of higher education , one that values flexibility, imagination, and the individual strengths of every learner,” Prof. Singh said.
He also held discussions with faculty members on curriculum design, pedagogical innovations, and the University’s broader approach to interdisciplinary and student-centred education. The visit allowed the review team to gain first-hand insights into how the program is being implemented on the ground and the support systems built around it.
The review marks an important step in further strengthening the DYD program and aligns with the University’s resolve to create a flexible, future-ready learning environment in keeping with the vision of NEP 2020.