CUET applications increase by factor of 7 in J&K: UGC Chairman 

Jammu, Feb 23: University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Prof Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar Friday stated that there was a remarkable increase in Common University Entrance Test (CUET) applications “by a factor of 7 in Jammu and Kashmir – a record high.”

“There were certain issues last year, yet keeping in view this surge in interest, efforts are being made to ensure sufficient exam centres across the region,” he said, while responding to media queries in a press conference on the implementation of NEP 2020 in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jagti campus of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu.

UGC Chairman was here to participate in “National Conference on NEP 2020 Implementation in HEIs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh” titled as “Empowering tomorrow’s education”- organised jointly by IIM Jammu, UGC and the Department of Higher Education, J&K Government.

Over 400 participants, including Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Principals, and Heads of Departments from Higher Educational Institutions across the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are participating in the conference.

UGC Chairman, in a response to a related question, asserted that J&K, post Article 370, had seen a significant change with the youth exploring higher education options across the country amid surge in opportunities. “Now the focus is books, laptops and honing the skills of creative minds,” he said.

Explaining about the transformation being brought out by National Education Policy 2020, he said that the objective of UGC was the “transformation of education as a facilitator and not as a regulator.” He informed that UGC was introducing OMR and CUET in hybrid mode replacing computer-based tests to reduce stress level and CBSE was also contemplating reforms in the form of vocational training.

Prof Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the significance of the conference, stating that the convergence of academia, policymakers, and industry leaders at this conference exemplified collective commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in higher education.

“By aligning our efforts with the principles of NEP 2020, we can unlock new opportunities and empower learners to thrive in an ever-changing world,” he said. He expressed enthusiasm for innovative solutions under NEP 2020, aimed at fostering critical thinking and nurturing problem solvers among the youth.

He urged all academicians and faculty members to establish Centres of Excellence in their respective universities. Moreover, he stressed the importance of accreditation and advocated for granting more autonomy to facilitate rapid growth and innovation in the education sector.

Earlier, the conference was inaugurated by Prof Jagadesh Kumar and Alok Kumar, IRS, Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Jammu & Kashmir.

Alok Kumar too emphasized the significance of NEP 2020 in shaping the future of education in the region. He highlighted the establishment of the Research Hubs for empowering researchers, mentioning its significant contribution to experiential learning. He stated that the Department of Higher Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir played a crucial role in providing mentorship and cutting-edge facilities to facilitate experiential learning.

He reiterated the commitment of the Department of Higher Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to set up targets in line with NEP 2020, emphasizing their dedication to advancing education standards in the region and thereby contributing to the development of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

In his welcome address, Prof B S Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaborative endeavour of IIM Jammu with UGC and the Department of Higher Education, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

He emphasized on the need to break down barriers and forge ahead on the path to progress since the days of universities working in silos were gone and IIM Jammu had collaborated with AIIMS, IIT Jammu along with many educational Institutes of International repute for pioneering new pathways in the field of education.