Srinagar, September 10:
Cluster University Srinagar organised a one-day workshop on the Design Your Degree (DYD) Programme at Amar Singh College on Wednesday. The workshop was attended by Coordinators and Mentors of the programme from the constituent colleges of Cluster University Srinagar besides representatives from University of Kashmir and Islamia College of Science & Commerce.
The programme was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mobin. In his address, Prof. Mobin emphasised the relevance of DYD in the light of NEP-2020. He also highlighted how the initiative empowers students to customize their degree pathways through multidisciplinary choices, experiential learning, and project-based approaches, urging a shift in higher education towards flexibility and innovation.
The technical sessions were led by experts from the Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi. Prof. Shobha Bagai delivered an in-depth talk on the DYD framework and its integration with NEP-2020, with a special focus on curriculum innovation, pedagogy, project-based learning, and experiential education. This was followed by Prof. Jyoti Sharma, who presented on the assessment rubrics for DYD, highlighting innovative approaches for evaluating multidisciplinary projects and learning outcomes.
Prof. Seema Naz provided a comprehensive background of the groundwork undertaken at CUS for DYD, reflecting on curriculum design, pedagogy, and innovative practices, and emphasising its transformative potential for the region.
Coordinator DYD at the University of Kashmir, Prof. Syeda Afshana shared insights on the implementation model of the programme at KU, while Dr. Sajad Sarvar, Coordinator DYD at Islamia College of Science & Commerce, spoke about the assessment systems and evaluation practices in place at his institution.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak, Principal Amar Singh College, outlined the wide-ranging DYD activities already underway at the college, including orientation workshops, curriculum development, expert lectures, establishment of the Design Your Degree Innovation Centre, and academic MoUs with partner institutions.
Others present on the occasion included Dean Academic Affairs CUS, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Simnani; Nodal Principal Kashmir Division Colleges and Principal, Government College of Education, Prof. Seema Naz; Principal Amar Singh College, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Hakak; Principal Islamia College of Science & Commerce, Prof. Tehmina Yousuf; Registrar CUS, Prof. Syed Wilayat Hussain Rizvi; Controller of Examinations CUS, Prof. Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Dean Commerce & Management, Prof. G.M. Lone and Dean Sciences, Prof. Nighat Nisreen.
The sessions concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants deliberated on curriculum models, evaluation techniques, and practical strategies for effective implementation. The workshop also marked the launch of the inaugural issue of the Bulletin of the Design Your Degree Innovation Centre, Amar Singh College, documenting the programme’s initiatives and innovations.
The valedictory session reflected on day’s deliberations, with concluding remarks underscoring that DYD represents not merely a structural reform but a paradigm shift in higher education, placing students at the centre of academic design. The proceedings were moderated by Dr. Zubair Nazeer, Coordinator DYD, Amar Singh College.
