University of Jammu Concludes 3-Day Induction Programme for 4th Batch of Design Your Degree (DYD) 2026

Jammu August 14, 2026: The three-day Induction Programme for the fourth batch of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUG) “Design Your Degree” (DYD) 2026, organised by the Skill, Incubation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (SIIEDC), University of Jammu, concluded today with a vision to inspire students to discover their potential, design their own academic pathways, and develop into future-ready professionals and responsible citizens.

The induction programme, held from August 12 to 14, 2026, was built around the theme “Discover, Design, Develop” and provided the newly inducted students with an immersive introduction to the philosophy, curriculum, learning opportunities and experiential approach of the DYD programme.

The programme was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, in the presence of Prof. Alka Sharma Director, SIIEDC, formally welcomed the audience, Prof. K. S. Charak talked about the achievements of DYD, Prof. Anil Gupta, Prof Jatinder Manhas presented the Vote of Thanks, the inaugral was conducted by, Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva and all other  DYD Mentors were also present at the inaugural 

A distinctive feature of the induction programme was that it was conceptualised, managed and conducted by senior student cohorts from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 batches under faculty guidance. The initiative demonstrated the spirit of peer learning, student leadership, collaboration and mentorship that lies at the heart of the DYD philosophy

The first day focused on helping students understand themselves and the DYD ecosystem. Activities included ice-breaker and interaction sessions, by Prof. Anil Gupta, Dr Sarika Verma, Dr Manish and senior students of DYD. SWOT analysis, interest inventories and orientation to the DYD curriculum was conducted. These activities encouraged students to reflect on their strengths, interests, aspirations and areas for growth

The second day centred on learning through projects and experiential engagement. Students participated in team-building exercises, project ideation workshops, identification of local community challenges and case-study analysis. The activities encouraged students to move beyond conventional classroom learning and explore how knowledge can be applied to real-world situations.

The third day emphasised designing individual learning journeys. The day included mental health and well-being counselling sessions, group presentations on personal aspirations, interactive reflection exercises and guided activities to help students formulate their academic and personal roadmaps for the coming four years.

The valedictory ceremony was graced by Guest of Honour Retd. Lt. Col. Amitabh Bhardwaj, who motivated the incoming students to cultivate curiosity, embrace self-directed learning, uphold ethical responsibility and develop resilience as they embark upon their transformative four-year journey at the University of Jammu.

The DYD programme provides students with the flexibility to customise their educational journeys through interdisciplinary course choices, experiential learning, project-based education and exposure to diverse domains of knowledge. The programme seeks to nurture creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, leadership and responsible citizenship, thereby preparing students to respond effectively to the complex challenges of the 21st century.

The successful completion of the induction programme marked the beginning of a new learning journey for the fourth batch of DYD students, encouraging them to take ownership of their education and transform their aspirations into meaningful academic, professional and social pathways.

SIIEDC, University of Jammu, remains committed to fostering an enabling ecosystem where students can discover their potential, design their learning journeys and develop into confident, innovative and socially responsible individuals.