Srinagar, Oct 27 (JKNS): Cluster University of Srinagar’s Syndicate on Tuesday approved a series of major academic, research and digital reforms, including a 24-credit Artificial Intelligence and Data Science programme, an ₹80 lakh High-Performance Computing Centre, expansion of paperless examinations and statutes for the University’s maiden convocation.
As per news agency JKNS, The 3rd Meeting of the University Syndicate was held under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Mobin, with members approving key initiatives aimed at strengthening teaching, research, examinations and digital infrastructure across the University.
Among the major decisions was approval of a 24-credit Additional Academic Programme in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science for eligible students enrolled in various undergraduate programmes. Designed as an additional qualification alongside their parent degree, the programme aims to equip students across disciplines with skills in these emerging fields.
The Syndicate also approved the establishment of a High-Performance Computing Centre (HPCC)/AI-Cell at the University’s Main Campus. The proposed facility will support academics, research, innovation, administration and student services, with GPU-based computing infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security and related fields. Phase I of the project is estimated to cost approximately ₹80 lakh.
The University also approved the expansion of its paperless examination system following a pilot implementation in the B.Ed. programme. The system is proposed to be extended to postgraduate, B.Ed. and B.Tech. programmes from the next academic session.
In another significant decision, the Syndicate approved the Convocation Statutes, paving the way for the University’s maiden convocation. It also approved the framing and adoption of statutes for the B.Tech. programme, the Draft Constitution of the Abdul Ahad Azad Chair and the University Tarana.
The Syndicate further approved a mercy chance for students of the 2017–2019 batches of undergraduate, integrated undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes to facilitate completion of their degrees.
Before taking up the agenda, Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Mobin presented an overview of academic and administrative reforms undertaken since the previous Syndicate meeting. He highlighted the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, covering major, minor, multidisciplinary, skill-based, ability-enhancement and research components, besides the identification of research supervisors for undergraduate research.
Highlighting the University’s research expansion, Prof. Mobin said PhD programmes had been introduced in constituent colleges alongside University schools. The University is currently offering doctoral programmes in 14 disciplines, with 39 research scholars enrolled and 53 supervisors identified across colleges and the University. He also referred to the University’s consideration of stipends for research scholars.
The Vice Chancellor informed the members that undergraduate enrolment had increased by around 7.6 per cent compared to 2025, while postgraduate enrolment had risen by approximately 28 per cent.
He also highlighted the One-Year Postgraduate Programme introduced as an NEP-2020 progression pathway for eligible graduates of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme, enabling lateral entry into the third semester of the existing two-year postgraduate programme.
The presentation also covered the University’s mega job fair held in July 2026, which attracted more than 5,000 registrations and resulted in around 900 selections. Prof. Mobin further referred to Memoranda of Understanding signed during 2026 to strengthen academic collaboration, student opportunities and institutional linkages.
Earlier, the 4th Meeting of the University’s Finance Committee was held, and its recommendations were subsequently placed before the Syndicate and approved.
The meeting was attended by members in online and offline modes, including the Chancellor’s nominees Prof. Bechan Lal, former Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu; Prof. M. Afshar Alam, former Vice Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard; and Prof. Geeta Singh, Director of the Centre for Professional Development in Higher Education, University of Delhi. Director General Codes Mahesh Dass and members from Cluster University Jammu and GGM Science College Jammu also joined online.
Those attending in person included Special Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, Shafqat Iqbal; Dean Academic Affairs Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naaz; principals of constituent colleges Prof. Yasmeen Farooq Khan, Prof. Tahmina Yousuf, Prof. Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat and Prof. Haris Izhar Tantray; and faculty deans Prof. (Dr.) Nighat Nasreen and Dr. Javaid Ahmad Bhat.
Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Syed Wilayat Hussain Rizvi conducted the proceedings. During the concluding deliberations, members appreciated the academic, administrative and technology-driven initiatives undertaken by the University and commended the progress made under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Mobin. Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naaz presented the vote of thanks. (JKNS)