AHEAD OF THE CURVE | CUK breaks ground

Srinagar, Jan 16: Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath Tuesday unveiled a series of transformative changes in the admission process and educational structure of the university.

Addressing media persons, the VC said that the students admitted to CUK will now be provided with accidental insurance cover and access to a student aid fund.

“This move aims to safeguard students’ well-being and financial stability during their academic pursuits,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor shed light on the adoption of the Central University Common Entrance Test (CUCET) and also announced significant support measures for students, making the academic journey at CUK more accessible and enriching.

“The students should make better use of this opportunity for their career progression. After appearing in CUET, students can get admission not only to CUK but to other premier institutions of the country as well. The entrance being by NTA improves the competence and skills of the students,” he said.

Briefing about the admission process of CUK, Prof Nath said they would provide 100 fee waivers to 10 percent of students on a need basis.

“The second waiver is for 20 percent of students who will get a 50 percent fee waiver in admissions and the third waiver is to provide a 25 percent fee waiver to eligible students,” he said.

Prof Nath said that in addition, the varsity was redesigning fee restructure as per the course design.

“By doing so, a lot of rebates will be provided to the students,” he said.

Notably, in the last academic session, the seats in various departments of CUK remained vacant which prompted the varsity administration to hold spot admissions as per the UGC guidelines.

This year, the varsity administration has taken various measures to boost admission at the university which include reforms in the examination system as well.

"We are also thinking of exam demand as students who want to leave early after completing the last semester of their degree. Special exams will be held so that the degree gets completed within the stipulated time,” the VC CUK said.

He said that if the CUK got an NAAC A ranking plus, then they would offer online (swayam) courses as well.

The VC said that the CUK being at the formative stage was trying its best to bring a change.

"Recruitment is under process and a good faculty is joining. We are also getting approval for infrastructure creation. Recently, the finance committee approved Rs 496 crore for eight school blocks and two hostels in the Tulmula campus,” he said.

Prof Nath said that the students who get admission can witness the new campus before they leave.

“We are also trying to redesign the curriculum following NEP-2020. The students are going to have much more benefits with that as it will provide them the learning experience opportunities," he said.

The VC CUK said that the varsity administration was trying to find certain educational hubs for students all over the country like Chandigarh, Delhi, Gandhi Nagar, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai which have industrial and research units as well.

“We are going to sign a MoU with these states which are rich in industries and research. During the winter vacation, our students can go for internships with them,” he said.

Prof Nath said that the university was also in the process of redesigning the pedagogy model as well to enhance the learning ability of the students.

"The teaching outcome-based curriculum has been already adopted as the board of studies has approved it,” he said.

The VC said that the CUK was in a transformative stage and the basic aim was the betterment of the learner.