About

Introduction: The 'Design Your Degree' (DYD) course, launched in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, represents a pioneering approach to higher education. This multidisciplinary program, designed with a futuristic outlook, attracted 30 students in its inaugural batch. With 12 talented faculty members as mentors from the university, the course offers a blend of academic rigor, practical work, and hands-on projects, ensuring a holistic learning experience.

Mission: The mission of the DYD course at University of Kashmir is to empower students with the flexibility and freedom to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals. By integrating diverse disciplines, the course aims to promote creativity, critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.

Vision: The DYD program envisions creating a generation of learners who are not only academically proficient but also possess the practical skills and experiential learning necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It seeks to break the traditional boundaries of education by offering a customizable and innovative curriculum.

Curriculum Development and Mentorship: The curriculum was meticulously framed by the Board of Studies (BOS), ensuring it meets the dynamic needs of the modern workforce. Mentors, carefully selected for their expertise and dedication, were trained both at the University of Kashmir (KU) and in Delhi University (DU) to equip them with the skills necessary for guiding students. An entrance test was conducted to select the most promising candidates, and the chosen students underwent a one-month orientation based on the 'Suggestive Course Outline' provided.

Student Engagement and Projects: Following the orientation, students embarked on small activity-based projects, which served as a precursor to their main capstone projects. These capstone projects were carried out in groups on the field, under the close supervision of their respective mentors, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Some of the projects carried were on the theme like Geospatial Mapping of Select Colleges; Disease Detection and Pesticide Recommendation in Apple Crop of Kashmir; and Analysing Pedestrian Dynamics and Flow Patterns around Hazratbal Shrines..

Evaluation and Learning Outcomes: The evaluation process was conducted as per the DYD statutes, with subject experts nominated to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. The learning outcomes were highly positive, with students gaining significant confidence and benefitting from experiential learning. This hands-on approach has equipped them with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen fields.

Future Plans: As we move forward, preparations are underway for the second semester, which will continue to follow the approved syllabus. Additionally, we are gearing up to welcome a new batch of students, who will have the opportunity to benefit from the enriched curriculum and the mentorship that has become the hallmark of the DYD course.