GNDU makes ‘Basic Knowledge of Sikhism’ course mandatory for undergraduates
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), March 6, 2026: The Academic Council of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has decided to introduce a compulsory course titled “Basic Knowledge of Sikhism” for all undergraduate programmes starting from the 2026–27 academic session.
The course, prepared by the Guru Nanak Studies Department, will carry two academic credits. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Academic Council chaired by Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh.
The council approved the recommendations of the Board of Control of the Guru Nanak Studies Department for implementing the course across various departments of the university. According to the proposal, the subject will be delivered through online mode by the Directorate of ODL and Online Studies.
During the meeting, the council also approved the renaming of the Centre for South Central Asia Studies as the Centre for Central Asia Studies, located on the university campus.
Another major decision taken by the council was to introduce several common courses through online mode from the 2026–27 academic session under programmes of the Directorate of ODL and Online Studies. These courses include Environmental Studies, Drug Abuse Problem Management and Prevention, Human Rights, and Human Values and Understanding Harmony, which are already being taught in universities and affiliated colleges.
Addressing the members, Vice-Chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh said the Academic Council plays a crucial role in framing academic policies and improving the university’s curriculum. He welcomed members attending both online and offline, including principals and faculty members from affiliated colleges.
He emphasised that while introducing new courses, the university must carefully assess infrastructural facilities and required resources. “The university is not in a hurry to start new programmes without proper planning, but updating the curriculum according to contemporary needs is essential,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also informed the council 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 initiative, students will gain opportunities to engage with emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cyber Security.
He said the collaboration will offer international academic exposure to students without imposing heavy financial burdens. In the initial phase, around 60 students from the Computer Science stream will be shortlisted, out of which 30 students will participate in online interactions and joint academic programmes with the partner university.
The council was also informed that proposals for 14 new courses from different faculties were presented during the meeting. These include programmes in Psychology, a four-year course in Social Sciences, certificate courses, and an M.Tech programme in Electronics and Communication.
Dr Karamjeet Singh further said the university is planning to revive some previously functional academic centres, including departments related to Philosophy as well as the Centre for Central Asia Studies.
Highlighting the importance of employability, he noted that the university is exploring new models such as remote learning and remote employment, enabling students to connect with global opportunities through modern technology.
Referring to the rapid advancement of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that both teachers and students must equip themselves with new technological skills to remain relevant in the evolving academic and professional landscape.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dean Academic Affairs Dr Harvinder Singh Saini welcomed the members and highlighted the major achievements of the university. Later, the meeting agenda was presented by Registrar Dr K. S. Chahal.