Initiative a step toward creating future-ready, skilled graduates aligned with NEP 2020: VC
Jammu, July 21: Stressing the importance of skill-based education aligned with evolving market demands, the University of Jammu has launched a pioneering Five-Year Integrated Undergraduate Programme in Mathematical Sciences, bringing together the core disciplines of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science under a single academic framework. Announcing the initiative at a press conference, Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai stated, “With this integrated programme, we are not just offering another academic pathway—we are equipping our students with the essential tools of the future: data literacy, analytical thinking, and computational skills, all grounded in an interdisciplinary framework envisioned by NEP 2020.”
Elaborating on the programme’s vision, Prof. Rai said the initiative reflects the University’s academic pledge of “Dissolving Boundaries, Evolving Education”.
“By bringing together Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science under a single, integrated academic framework, we are collapsing traditional subject boundaries and building a programme that reflects both academic depth and market relevance,” he said. Prof. Rai emphasised that the course goes beyond conventional teaching and aims to nurture innovation, creativity, and adaptability among students through training in problem-solving, coding, AI, and domain-specific data analysis.
He further highlighted the academic flexibility built into the programme, which allows students to explore a broad spectrum of disciplines in the initial phase and choose their specialisation in the fourth semester (second year) whether in Mathematical Sciences or in Humanities, Social Sciences, or Commerce. “This freedom to design one’s own academic journey is at the heart of NEP 2020—and this programme reflects that spirit fully,” he noted. Students who have passed Class 12 in Arts, Commerce, or Science streams are eligible for admission to the program, he added.
The new programme is structured with multiple entry and exit options, offering students the flexibility to personalise their academic journey. It focuses on building strong foundations in AI, machine learning, data analytics, scientific computing, and algorithmic thinking, while also enabling exposure to subjects across disciplines through elective baskets. Co-curricular and sports activities will also carry credit weightage under the NEP model, ensuring a well-rounded and holistic academic experience.
