Srinagar, Dec 21: In a landmark move, Islamia College in the Valley has taken the lead by introducing a revolutionary four-year undergraduate degree programme titled ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD). Professor (Dr.) Khursheed A. Khan, the Principal of the college, made the groundbreaking announcement, marking a significant shift in higher education strategies.
Launching the program for the current session, Professor Khan declared, “This exceptional initiative is set to transform higher education and revolutionize the way students pursue their academic aspirations. Faculty of the College is thrilled to embark on this path-breaking journey of transforming education and enabling students to take charge of their learning.”
The ‘Design Your Degree’ program is designed to create an environment of self-discovery and exploration, allowing students to identify their true calling and construct a fulfilling career to contribute to the knowledge economy. The motto of this degree program encapsulates its essence: Teach to Transform, Educate to Empower & Learn to Lead.
Professor Abdul Qayoom, Head of the Department of Computer Applications at the College, emphasized the joyous learning and transdisciplinary collaborative nature of DYD. He stated that the program has a wide scope for incubation, innovation, and start-ups, providing students with a unique opportunity to shape a degree tailored to their interests, goals, and creative spirit.
Under the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, Islamia College has taken the lead in aligning with the policy’s recommendations by launching ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD). The NEP-2020 advocates for a four-year degree program with a ‘multiple entry, multiple exit’ provision. DYD, according to Professor Qayoom, is based on the philosophy that students must be empowered to study, enabling them to follow their passion and fostering joyous learning.
Mentors of the DYD programme expressed that this innovative degree structure will empower students to craft a personalized, interdisciplinary learning experience. The flexibility of the program allows students to choose courses from diverse fields of study, providing them with a well-rounded education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.
