The Academic Council of Guru Nanak Dev University held an important meeting in which it was decided that the course titled “Basic Knowledge of Sikhism” will be introduced as a compulsory subject for undergraduate programmes from the academic session 2026–27. The course, prepared by the Guru Nanak Studies Department, will carry two credits.
The decision was taken during the meeting of the Academic Council presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Karamjeet Singh. The council approved the recommendations of the Board of Control of the Guru Nanak Studies Department, duly endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor, regarding the implementation of the course in various departments of the university.
The course will be taught through the online mode by the Directorate of ODL and Online Studies.During the meeting, it was also decided that the Centre for South Central Asia Studies located on the university campus will be renamed as the Centre for Central Asia Studies.
Another significant decision taken by the Academic Council was to introduce several common courses through the online mode from the academic session 2026–27 in programmes under the Directorate of ODL and Online Studies. These include Environmental Studies, Drug Abuse Problem Management and Prevention, Human Rights, and Human Values and Understanding Harmony, which are currently taught in universities and affiliated colleges.Addressing the members during the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor said that the Academic Council is an important platform for framing academic policies and improving the curriculum of the university.
He welcomed all members present both online and offline, including principals and teachers from various affiliated colleges.He said that before introducing new courses, the university must carefully consider infrastructural facilities and other required resources.
Therefore, the university is not in a hurry to start new courses without proper planning, but updating the curriculum according to the needs of the time is essential.Dr karmjeet Singh further informed that the university has initiated the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Maryland in the United States for academic collaboration.
Under this partnership, students will get opportunities in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cyber Security. He said the initiative will provide international academic exposure to students without imposing a heavy financial burden.
He added that in the initial phase, around 60 students from the Computer Science stream will be shortlisted, out of which 30 students will get the opportunity to participate in online interactions and joint academic programmes. The entire academic engagement under this initiative will be conducted through the online mode.
The council was also informed that proposals for 14 new courses from different faculties were presented during the meeting. These include new courses in Psychology, a four-year programme in Social Sciences, certain certificate courses, and an M.Tech programme in Electronics and Communication.
The Vice-Chancellor also stated that the university is planning to revive some previously functional centres. These include departments related to Philosophy as well as the Centre for Central Asia Studies.
Emphasising the need to make students employable, he said the university is also exploring new models such as remote learning and remote employment, enabling students to connect with global opportunities through modern technology.Highlighting the rapid advancement of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, he stressed that both teachers and students must equip themselves with new technological skills.
He noted that significant changes are also taking place in the field of social sciences, making it essential to update knowledge and competencies accordingly.At the beginning of the meeting, the Dean Academic Affairs, Dr Harvinder Singh Saini, welcomed all members and highlighted the major achievements of the university.
Later, the agenda of the meeting was presented by the Registrar, Dr K. S. Chahal.