‘Design Your Degree’ program hailed as model for flexible, student-centric education
Diplomat Correspondent
JAMMU, DD: Redefining the future of higher education through dialogue and collaboration, the University of Jammu on Saturday brought together principals of higher secondary schools from across Jammu for an interactive session on its flagship ‘Design Your Degree (DYD)’ program. The four-year undergraduate initiative, launched in 2023 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to give students the freedom to design their own learning pathways — blending flexibility, skill development, and interdisciplinary exploration to prepare them for emerging career landscapes.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, said the program marks a shift from conventional learning models toward education that nurtures independent thinking and practical competence.
“The ‘Design Your Degree’ program empowers students to take charge of their learning. It nurtures analytical reasoning, communication, creativity, and digital fluency — all essential for the workforce of the future,” he said.
Prof. Rai added that the initiative reflects the true spirit of NEP 2020 by moving away from rigid course structures and encouraging exploration before specialization.
“Our aim is to help students move from rote learning to reflective learning and from degrees to real skills,” he noted.
Prof. J. P. Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs, said the DYD program demonstrates how Indian universities can align with global standards while remaining rooted in local educational needs.
He described it as a progressive model that promotes choice-based learning and holistic growth.
Earlier, Prof. Alka Sharma, Director, Skill Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIDEC), welcomed the participants and introduced the concept and objectives of the program.
She urged school leaders to encourage students to pursue academic flexibility and skill-based learning aligned with their interests.
Prof. Sadaf Shah, Associate Director, SIIDEC, presented the program’s structure, explaining that the first two years focus on foundational and skill-based learning, after which students can design their degree in disciplines such as Arts, Science, Commerce, or Technology.
The meet also saw participation from DYD mentors Prof. K. S. Charak, Prof. Anil Gupta, Dr. Jatinder Manhas, Dr. Sunil Bhougal, Dr. Sandeep Singh, Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva, Dr. Chinmoyee Maharana, Dr. Ripu Daman Parihar, Dr. Sarika Verma, Dr. Manish, Dr. Jyoti, and Dr. Sakshi. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva, Assistant Professor, Department of Life-long Learning.
Principals attending the meet lauded the University of Jammu for introducing a program that bridges the gap between school education and higher learning.
They appreciated the DYD initiative as a timely and practical response to the evolving academic and employment landscape.DD
