Kanpur University VC: CUET alone shouldn’t be a parameter, but an assistive factor in student selection

KANPUR: Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, has been granted Category -1 autonomy – the highest level of freedom from regulations – after securing an A++ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Vinay Kumar Pathak, vice-chancellor of Kanpur University spoke to Careers360 about the new status and his plans for new courses, fundraising and foreign collaborations as well as challenges in implementing the National Education Policy. Edited excerpts:

Q. What new courses and departments is the CSJMU planning to start? What are your plans?

This university is transforming. We have expanded from 3,000 students to 12,000 students in the last three years. This university, earlier, had only postgraduate courses. Now we have introduced many undergraduate courses.

In the last two years, we have expanded into artificial intelligence, data sciences, fine arts in digital humanities, in both undergraduation and postgraduation. We have come up with new sports courses. We have also introduced courses in the paramedical sciences with courses for medical radiology and imaging technologists (MRIT) and opticians. So, in each and every department, we have introduced new courses. We have introduced a masters course in yoga which is coming up in a big way. We have also added science research. We have recently started a diploma in interior design and bachelors in design.

In the pipeline are courses in languages. We started a new department in horticulture and agriculture in 2022-23, with both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in this department. In 2024, we started a new one on distance and online education.

Astrology and Karmkand – on rituals and ceremonies – are among the top courses that young people are now taking up.

Q. CSJMU was ranked by QS and got a NAAC A++. How did the university manage this?

There are three important aspects: faculty and students, infrastructure and process. We have tried to improve and bring all together. I would like to thank our Chancellor who has given us this vision, including a consistent approach and a young team of PhD-holders. That, along with social media and news, are helping draw new students. All of these have helped.

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Q. How do you plan to use the Category-1 autonomy and grants? What are your other funding sources?

We have received Rs 20 crore from the government under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM- USHA) in 2024. We also got approval to start distance learning and online courses. Now we will be competing for new grants, ranks. The ball has started rolling and we are planning for it.

Our focus has also moved to alumni. We have raised more than Rs 50 lakh in the last one year. Though it's nothing in comparison to IITs and top institutes, we are getting new projects, funds from corporate social responsibility (CSR) wings of corporations and others. We are constantly writing bids and project proposals for research fundings.

Another important development is that we have received international students. We are seeing interest from countries like Russia and Brazil from where students have come for Hindu studies.

Q. Do you plan to participate in CUET UG or PG ?

We see the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) as a good phenomenon. But foreign universities don’t have any university examinations. I feel entrance tests are not a good way to select students. Also, the majority of our students are local. We strongly believe in assessing candidates based on their creative work and other interests. I don't believe that just CUET should be a parameter. It may be one of the assistive factors.

Currently, every department has its own applications, independently invites students and has more autonomy in selecting candidates. Some departments have group discussions, written tests, merit and personal interviews.

However, some departments do prefer CUET scores as well, like social science and others. But the focus is not only on CUET and parameters are also considered.

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Q. Have you been able to implement the National Education Policy? Did you face challenges?

We have introduced four-year undergraduate courses and Academic Bank of Credits for students. We were the first to introduce the SAMARTH portal. Under the NEP, we have started several skill and co-curricular courses among all the departments. We also have Gyan Sanchay channel and several other digitisation tools for students.

We have implemented several model curricula developed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). After the academic board shifted from the annual to semester system, we also introduced major and minor specialisations.

However, challenges are always there. The good part is that the policy is rooted in the Indian ecosystem. But the most challenging part is getting teachers of different skills and co-curricular courses. For instance, a large chunk of students want to take music but how do you get teachers? Some students want some physical exercise-based courses and then you have to get teachers for that as well. Hence, the major challenge has been to get teachers for all courses and also getting examinations conducted in the shortest span and declaring results. Optimisation of resources, teachers and exams has been a major challenge.

Q. What are your plans for innovation, research and entrepreneurship? You have said before you’ll be focusing on this area.

We have got a Section 8 company which has incubated more than 40 startups, including some of the best to be founded in state universities. We have tied up with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and students have an interest in this. There are three three-four startups which now have an annual turnover more than Rs 10 crore.

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Students and media are now talking about startups and innovation. Our university is doing well in this area – not great but we are trying!

Q. What collaborations has the university forged with other institutions in India and abroad?

We are trying to forge partnerships with Russia and with other universities but it will take some time to happen. We are also organising conferences. Every department has one.