CLUJ VC bats for multi-disciplinary research, skills and future-ready students

VIKAS SHARMA

Stating that the launch of multi-disciplinary research and student-friendly initiatives across all constituent colleges, where students have direct contact with faculty members, are among the University’s major priorities, Prof. K. S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu (CLUJ), stressed the need to enhance students’ skills and competencies to make them future job-ready.

In an exclusive and insightful conversation with Blazing Tales Editor and Senior Journalist Vikas Sharma, Prof. Chandrasekar spoke in detail about the steps being taken under his leadership and the future initiatives envisioned to make Cluster University of Jammu a role model in academic excellence, innovation and skill enhancement. He also shared his vision for strengthening quality education and preparing students for the emerging opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Multi-disciplinary Research

“My sole aim is to transform Cluster University of Jammu into the best multi-disciplinary research centre and, with the kind of initiatives we are taking in all five constituent colleges, I am pretty much sure that one day we shall achieve this objective,” CLUJ Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar told Blazing Tales Editor.

“All the five constituent colleges of CLUJ are like jewels which are operating independently. Ever since I have taken over as the Head of this wonderful university, my only aim is to make all the colleges the best ones for our students, who will not only study there but also become future-ready to face all challenges that come across their way to set up their careers in respective fields,” Dr K. S. Chandrasekar said.

“In fact, the biggest advantage we have right now is that the students are interacting with the faculty at regular intervals, not just regarding their queries but also regarding their careers as well, which I think is a positive sign. We are also focusing on streamlining the overall system, especially the examinations and the declaration of results on time, to avoid any delay in the admission process,” the CLUJ Vice-Chancellor maintained.

New Programmes Launched

“In the session 2026-27, we have launched Integrated M.Sc. Programmes, Semiconductor Skilling Programme in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, besides the inauguration of the Department of Vedic Studies,” Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar told. He added that the CLUJ Kulgeet album was also released.

“Another major initiative which the varsity has taken is the launching of ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) Programme, which is a flexible, four-year undergraduate course model aligned with policies like NEP 2020. It lets students mix subjects from different fields, build custom study paths, and focus on practical work instead of following rigid, traditional syllabi.”

“In the new 2027-28 session, we are planning to launch programmes in languages comprising Urdu, Punjabi, Dogri and Sanskrit,” the CLUJ Vice-Chancellor stated.

Enrollment Increased

“The launch of new integrated programmes has resulted in an increase in enrollment, with many students opting for these programmes, which I think is a big success. Launching new programmes as per students’ interests and the future job market definitely helps J&K youth become employable with the kind of skills required,” Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar said.

“The BBA-BCA Programme, which earlier did not have the approval of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has now got approval. The syllabus has been changed as per AICTE. Approval of such programmes is proof that CLUJ is leaving no stone unturned to make it a centre of excellence in skill enhancement,” he added.

First Convocation Ceremony

“Preparations are also in full swing to conduct the first-ever Convocation ceremony of CLUJ, thereby marking a historic milestone in the University’s academic journey since its establishment,” the Vice-Chancellor told.

“To initiate the planning process, a meeting of the newly constituted Pre-Preparatory Committee was held recently in my office. The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive action plan and strategic roadmap to ensure the successful organisation of the University’s maiden convocation. The committee comprises senior university administrators, Deans, Principals of Constituent Colleges and academic leaders entrusted with coordinating various aspects of the prestigious event,” he added.

CLUJ Full-Fledged Campus

“To construct a full-fledged campus, a piece of land measuring 490-495 kanals in Samba district has been allotted to CLUJ by the J&K Government. Though the work is yet to start on the construction of the campus, we are hopeful that it will start soon to have our own establishment,” Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar said.

“Once we have our full-fledged campus ready, we shall set up a School of Engineering and Technology wherein courses like B.Tech in Semiconductor, Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning (AIML) and B.Tech in Electronic Vehicle (EV) Technology will be launched,” the CLUJ Vice-Chancellor disclosed.

When asked about the exact timeframe to start construction of the campus, the CLUJ Vice-Chancellor said, “Right now, it is difficult to tell about starting the construction of the CLUJ campus as there are some modalities/complexities which we are trying to sort out at the earliest.”

With the launch of new programmes, increased enrollment, student-friendly initiatives, plans for multi-disciplinary research, preparations for the University’s first-ever Convocation ceremony and the proposed full-fledged campus, the CLUJ Vice-Chancellor said the University is moving ahead with initiatives aimed at strengthening academics, research and skill enhancement while preparing students to meet future challenges.

Profile: Prof. (Dr.) K. S. Chandrasekar

Dr K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor of CLUJ, is an accomplished academician and management professional with more than 28 years of experience in teaching, research and consulting, including over 13 years as a Full Professor. He has held several key academic and administrative positions at the University of Kerala, including Acting Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, Campus Director and Head of the Institute of Management in Kerala.

A Ph.D. in Management from Alagappa University and an MBA with Distinction, Dr Chandrasekar has guided 60-plus doctoral scholars and contributed extensively to research, publications and higher education. His academic credentials include books, research papers, patents and editorial assignments with national and international journals. He has also played an important role in securing major research funding and strengthening institutional quality initiatives, including NAAC accreditation.

His wide-ranging experience in academic leadership, research, management education and institutional administration brings a rich perspective to his role as CLUJ Vice-Chancellor.