Ganderbal, Jun 03 (KNO): Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath on Wednesday called upon the aspiring students from across the country to seize the admission opportunities offered by the University as it has embarked on a journey marked by academic innovation, enhanced student support mechanisms, infrastructure expansion, international collaborations and recognition from key regulatory bodies.
Addressing a press conference, organised by the Public Relations Office, at Tulmulla here, Prof. A Ravinder Nath as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) highlighted the University's academic reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and said that extensive curriculum redesign exercises have been undertaken across departments to align programmes with industry requirements, research priorities and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
He stated that curriculum design workshops were conducted in every department to introduce skill-oriented, multidisciplinary and employability-focused courses while simultaneously strengthening the Indian Knowledge System and human values.
Director, Media and Public Relations Centre, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, I/c Directorate of Admissions, Dr. Arif Nazir Zargar, I/c Controller of Examinations, Prof. C Naseema, Deans of Schools, and other faculty members were present.
CUK Vice Chancellor, said the varsity has introduced a unique credit-based fee structure, allowing students to reduce their academic expenses by earning credits through recognized online platforms and partner institutions under the Academic Bank of Credits framework.
He added that the University has also expanded financial support through its tuition fee waiver programme, enabling deserving students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to avail fee concessions based on merit and need.
He emphasized the University's commitment to ensuring inclusive access to higher education through its Student Assistance Fund (SAF) and Earn While Learn (EWL) schemes. Under SAF, up to 40 percent of students can avail tuition fee waivers based on merit-cum-means criteria. Through the Earn While Learn scheme, students can earn up to Rs 4,000 per month and a maximum of Rs 12,000 per semester while gaining valuable professional experience through academic and community service activities.
Prof. A. Ravinder Nath said the Government of India has sanctioned a major infrastructure grant of approximately Rs 500 crore for the development of the Tulmulla campus. He stated that multiple academic blocks, research facilities, skill development centres, innovation and incubation hubs, recreational facilities and other student amenities are being developed in a phased manner to create a world-class learning environment.
He announced that the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved several key programmes of the University for the academic year 2026–27. These include B.Tech in Civil Engineering, B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, M.Tech in Structural Engineering, M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, M.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, MBA, BBA and MBA in Travel and Tourism. He further informed that the University's BA LLB and LLM programmes have received approval from the Bar Council of India (BCI), while the B.A. B.Ed. and B.Sc. B.Ed. programmes (ITEP) offered by the School of Education have been approved by the NCTE.
Urging students and parents to take advantage of the diverse academic opportunities available at CUKashmir, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath reiterated that the University remains committed to academic excellence, innovation, inclusivity and nation-building through quality higher education.
Earlier, welcoming the media personnel, Director MPRC, Prof. Shahid Rasool emphasized the University's commitment to transparency and outreach and said: “The objective of this press conference is not only to seek your support in disseminating information regarding admissions for the academic session 2026–27, but also to showcase the remarkable progress and achievements of the University over the last three years. The University has overcome several challenges and is now witnessing unprecedented growth in infrastructure, academic reforms and institutional development.”
Highlighting the ongoing admission process, Dr. Arif Nazir Zargar, Incharge Directorate of Admissions said: “CUKashmir has already commenced admissions for postgraduate programmes for the academic session 2026–27.
He said the University is offering admissions to postgraduate programmes including M.A. English, M.A. Urdu, M.Com, M.A. Mass Communication and Journalism, M.A. Economics, M.A. Political Science, M.A. Kashmiri, LL.M., M.Ed., Integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed., M.P.Ed., M.Sc. Botany, M.Sc. Chemistry, M.Sc. Zoology (Lateral Entry), M.Sc. Biotechnology (Lateral Entry), M.Sc. Physics (Lateral Entry), M.Sc. Mathematics (Lateral Entry), M.A. Philosophy with specializations in Islamic Studies and Religious Studies, M.Tech. in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and M.Tech. in Structural Engineering, including a special programme for working professionals. He urged candidates who have appeared in CUET-PG-2026 to complete their registration through the online admission portal within the stipulated time frame.
He also announced that online applications have been invited for admission to Ph.D. programmes for the academic session 2026–27 (July 2026 intake) in disciplines including Biotechnology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Communication and Journalism, Commerce, Economics, Education, English, Information Technology, Law, Management Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Politics and Governance, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Tourism Studies, Urdu and Zoology. The registration process has commenced and shall remain open till June 17, 2026—(KNO)