GNDU announces 5% reservation for rural & border area students

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) will introduce new academic programmes and forward-thinking initiatives for the 2025-26 academic session, as announced by Prof Palwinder Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs. Approved by Prof (Dr) Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the university, these developments will be implemented starting with the 2025-26 session.

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To promote inclusivity, a 5 per cent reservation has also been introduced for students from the Border Area and Rural Area categories. This was a long-standing demand and students had also staged protests last year to raise the issue of reservation.

Prof Singh said that leading the way is the Surjit Patar Centre for Ethical AI, which has launched programmes in BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. “These programmes position GNDU as a leading institution in ethical technological education, equipping students to shape a responsible AI-driven future,” added Prof Singh.

The Department of Architecture has introduced a Bachelor of Design with specialisations in Interior Design, Product Design and Animation & Graphic Design. The Department of Botanical and Environmental Sciences now offers a five-year integrated MSc in Environmental Sciences, aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges. The Department of Computer Science has launched a Post Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (PGDAI), while the Department of Hindi has expanded its offerings to include a Post Graduate Diploma in Hindi Journalism, as well as certificate courses in Hindi Translation and Creative Writing.

In collaboration with the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Academy, the University School of Financial Studies will now offer an MBA in Financial Analytics and a five-year integrated MCom in Data Analytics.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has introduced a BTech 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. Additionally, a new Dual Degree Programme will allow students to pursue an additional qualification alongside their primary degree. “Our goal is to empower students with diverse, future-ready skills while making education more accessible,” Prof Singh emphasised.

On the welfare front, GNDU is planning a fellowship scheme that will provide Rs 8,000 per month to 100 PhD scholars. Additionally, a mandatory basic first-aid and emergency care course, carrying two academic credits and overseen by the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, will be introduced to ensure student safety and health awareness.