Six new academic blocks planned in coming months
Fee waivers, work-study scheme introduced
Umar Raina
Ganderbal, June 3: The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) has opened admissions to its postgraduate programmes for the 2026 academic session through CUET-PG, while unveiling a major roadmap for academic expansion, infrastructure development and student-centric reforms.
Addressing a press conference at the university’s Tulmulla campus, Vice Chancellor A. Ravinder Nath said CUK is strengthening its academic and faculty resources and plans to introduce new programmes in emerging disciplines.
He said six new academic blocks, including a dedicated science block, are expected to be completed within the next 18 to 24 months, creating nearly 53,000 square metres of academic space. The infrastructure expansion has been supported through funding sanctioned by the Union Ministries of Education and Finance.
The Vice Chancellor announced the introduction of a credit-based fee structure in line with NEP 2020, allowing students to earn up to 40 percent of credits through approved online platforms and partner institutions without additional tuition charges.
To support students from economically weaker sections, the university has introduced multiple tuition fee waiver schemes, including full, 50 percent and 25 percent concessions based on merit and financial need.
CUK has also launched a work-assistance programme under which eligible students can earn up to Rs 12,000 per semester through campus assignments.
Prof. Nath said the university has redesigned its curriculum to focus on employability, entrepreneurship and industry engagement. New skill-based courses, internships, experiential learning opportunities and personalised academic pathways will be introduced under the revised framework.
The university currently offers 21 postgraduate programmes and is expanding initiatives in innovation, research and international collaboration. An innovation and incubation centre is also planned as part of the new campus infrastructure.
Highlighting the importance of preserving local heritage, the Vice Chancellor urged students to pursue Kashmiri Studies and stressed the role of language in cultural preservation and intellectual development.
He said the university’s long-term vision is to evolve into a comprehensive institution with 16 schools, 56 departments and a student capacity of 10,000 to 15,000.
Admissions for the 2026 academic session are currently underway through CUET-PG, with the university expecting increased enrolment driven by its academic reforms, financial support measures and expanding infrastructure.