Srinagar, Sep 29: The University of Kashmir (KU) convened the 57th meeting of its Academic Council under the chairpersonship of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, reviewing a wide range of academic matters, including new programmes, curriculum reforms, academic collaborations and regulatory requirements.
The Council reviewed action-taken reports on resolutions adopted at previous meetings and confirmed the minutes of earlier Academic Council and Standing Committee meetings.
Chairing the meeting, Prof. Nilofer Khan stressed the need to maintain established academic standards while responding to emerging student needs and changing priorities in higher education.
She said new academic programmes should be assessed carefully for their academic value, relevance and compliance with applicable guidelines. She also emphasised periodic review of existing programmes and course structures to keep them aligned with national frameworks and quality benchmarks.
The Council highlighted the importance of skill development, innovation and stronger industry linkages while considering new programmes and courses.
The meeting was informed that revised engineering programmes at KU now include internships, project work and experiential learning. It also took note of the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme, which integrates structured workplace training with the B.Tech curriculum in accordance with guidelines of the statutory regulatory bodies.
Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada placed the agenda before the Council and briefed members on matters requiring consideration and ratification. He said items endorsed by the Council would be placed before the competent authorities for further approval or ratification, wherever required.
Among the key proposals considered were draft regulations for twinning degree programmes with foreign higher educational institutions, revised statutes for B.Tech and Law programmes, programme-wise mapping under the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework, and NCTE recognition matters relating to B.Ed and M.Ed programmes.
The Council also considered proposals for an M.Sc. in Bioinformatics, diploma programmes in Health and Fitness, Indian Knowledge System and Data Science, specialisations in Information Technology, and a Four-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme.
Members further discussed syllabi and course structures, postgraduate programme provisions, admission and eligibility matters, and adoption of the curriculum prescribed by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.
The meeting was attended by senior university officials, Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments, Directors of satellite campuses and centres, Principals of affiliated colleges and other members of the Academic Council.
