‘Design Your Degree Mode’: IUST introduces 4-year undergrad prog

Pulwama, Dec 05: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora has initiated admissions for its unique four-year undergraduate program through the Design Your Degree (DYOD) mode.
This marks the first-of-its-kind course in Jammu and Kashmir, offered to students starting this academic year.
Professor A H Moon, Dean Academic Affairs at IUST, explained that career choices are typically made by students after the 12th class, often influenced by parental guidance.
He highlighted the limited exposure students have in schools, making it challenging to assess their interests during the stage.
Professor Moon emphasized the university’s commitment to changing this mindset, mentioning that the Higher Education Council of Jammu and Kashmir, under the Chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, designed this course.
He explained that through the Design Your Degree Programme, students will undergo a four-year undergraduate course, exposing them to different subjects such as basic science, biological science, mathematics, social science, humanities, art, and craft.
He added that during the initial two years, selected students will be taught common subjects, followed by the opportunity to major in the subject of their liking.
He narrated that specialisations include Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematical Sciences, English, Media Studies, Islamic Studies, and Economics.
“Upon successful completion of the four-year program, students will receive a BS degree indicating their chosen specialisation,” he said, adding that the main distinction of this undergraduate degree lies in its project-based experiential pedagogy.
Professor Moon highlighted that there would be no conventional teaching method; instead, teachers will serve as facilitators or mentors, allowing students to learn by solving real-life problems.
Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Coordinator and a faculty member for the four-year undergraduate BS degree, described the program as the most innovative for its unique teaching methodology and real-life applicability.
She emphasized the program’s focus on skill development and the use of acquired knowledge in respective fields, including a social impact component where students identify and strive for solutions to societal problems.
To ensure the success of the program, IUST has developed a pool of faculty members, with 10 members trained at the Cluster Innovation Centre in New Delhi.
Online admissions for the program are open until December 20, 2023, and students with a minimum of 50% marks at 10+2 in any stream are eligible to apply for this undergraduate degree.