AMRITSAR: Guru Nanak Dev University is poised to redefine higher education with a dynamic array of new academic programmes and forward-thinking initiatives for the 2025-26 academic session, announced Prof. Palwinder Singh, Dean Academic Affairs of the University. under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, these developments underscore GNDU’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education.
Prof. Singh said that leading the charge is the Surjit Patar Centre for Ethical AI, which has introduced cutting-edge programmes: a B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and an M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. “These programmes position GNDU as a trailblazer in ethical technological education, equipping students to shape a responsible AI-driven future, ” said Prof. Singh.
The university’s academic expansion spans multiple disciplines. The Department of Architecture has launched a Bachelor of Design with specializations in Interior Design, Product Design, and Animation & Graphic Design. The Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences now offers a Five-Year Integrated M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences, addressing critical environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the Department of Computer Science has introduced a Post Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PGDAI), and the Department of Hindi has enriched its offerings with a Post Graduate Diploma in Hindi Journalism and certificate courses in Hindi Translation and Creative Writing.In a strategic collaboration with National Stock Exchange Academy, the University School of Financial Studies will offer an MBA in Financial Analytics and a Five-Year Integrated M.Com in Data Analytics.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has also launched a B.Tech in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineering, further strengthening GNDU’s technological portfolio.To enhance accessibility and flexibility, GNDU will roll out 53 online certificate and diploma programmes, complemented by a new Dual Degree Programme, enabling students to pursue additional qualifications alongside their primary degrees. “Our goal is to empower students with diverse, future-ready skills while making education more accessible, ” Prof. Singh emphasized. On the welfare front, GNDU is planning a fellowship scheme providing Rs. 8, 000 per month to 100 Ph.D. scholars.
To promote inclusivity, a 5% reservation has been implemented for students from Border Area and Rural Area categories. Additionally, a mandatory Basic First Aid and Emergency Care Course, carrying 2 academic credits and overseen by the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, will ensure student safety and health awareness.“These initiatives reflect GNDU’s vision of holistic, technology-driven, and socially responsible education, ” Prof. Singh stated. “We are not just preparing students for careers but shaping them into ethical, skilled, and compassionate global citizens.”With these bold strides, GNDU is set to cement its legacy as a beacon of academic excellence and societal impact.