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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How autonomy unshackled India's colleges to build real-world courses
From offering design thinking and music therapy to rolling out programmes in data science and fintech, a growing number of Indian colleges are reinventing themselves after gaining autonomy, updating curricula, embracing interdisciplinarity, and aligning academic offerings with industry demand. Take Chennai's Guru Nanak College, which received autonomy in 2018. Since then, its student strength has risen from 4,200 to 7,500, driven by new interdisciplinary and job-oriented courses such as BCom in information systems management and BSc in biotechnology, as per TOI. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MCA Data Analytics Public Policy Digital Marketing Project Management Data Science CXO Product Management Finance Leadership Technology PGDM Design Thinking healthcare Degree others Data Science Others Healthcare MBA Artificial Intelligence Operations Management Cybersecurity Management Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details 'We allow students to take one skill course per semester,' said Marlene Morais, a former principal who now serves as an adviser. 'Even basic science students can now learn job-oriented skills such as GST filing or advanced Tally.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unbelievable: Calculator Shows The Value Of Your House Instantly (Take a Look) Home Value Calculator Search Now Undo Morais explained that while traditional programmes remain government-funded, newer offerings require significant investment in infrastructure and industry-aligned faculty, which reflects in higher fees, up to ₹1,00,000 for self-financed courses, compared to ₹20,000–₹26,000 for the older BSc programmes. In Chennai, only three arts and science colleges have secured autonomy over the past decade, two of them just last year. The transition, however, has been rapid. Live Events The story is similar in Pune, where Fergusson College, autonomous since 2016, has rolled out 96 skill-based courses, reworked its assessment system with ERP tools, and launched job-ready programmes in fields such as geology and data science. 'The transition has been transformative,' said principal Shyam Munde. 'From interdisciplinary learning to research excellence, autonomy has helped us realign with real-world needs.' At St Mira's College in Pune, autonomy was granted in 2007, but it was only after the institution received 'empowered autonomy' in 2023, allowing it to use its name on graduation certificates, that real change began. Since then, it has introduced fresh electives including retail economics, design thinking, clinical music therapy, social audit, and Indian cinema in retrospect. 'For us, education is not just about employability, but about engagement,' said principal Neeru Bhagat. 'We want students to connect theory with society, be it through dance therapy or political campaigning.' Even legacy institutions are evolving. Pune's Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC), autonomous since 2017, now offers courses in big data analytics, fintech, and advanced banking. Enrolment has gone up from 3,200 to 4,200, even as fees have risen from ₹11,000 to ₹18,000 for aided programmes, and from ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 for unaided ones. 'Students accept change faster than we expect,' said principal Deepak Powdel. 'Their appetite for co-curriculars and industry-relevant content keeps us on our toes.' In eastern India, Kolkata's St Xavier's College has had autonomy since 2006 and is considered a model for others. It recently introduced courses in astrophysics and data science in collaboration with the Bose Institute. Average campus placements are around ₹6.5 lakh, with top offers going up to ₹24 lakh. 'Designing our own curriculum allows us to stay ahead of industry trends,' said principal Fr Dominic Savio. 'In BCom, we've introduced management consultancy in the first semester. That's unheard of elsewhere.' Other colleges in Bengal, such as Raja Narendralal Khan Women's College and Debra Thana Sahid Kshudiram Smriti Mahavidyalaya, are also tapping into their academic independence. In southern India, Bangalore's St Francis de Sales College became autonomous in 2024. While it must retain university-approved programme titles, it has infused its syllabi with industry-relevant content. Demand for courses, especially computer science, has risen sharply, with admissions growing from 500 to 830 in one year. 'We used to be held hostage by university delays,' said principal Fr Binu Edathumparambil. 'Now we set our own calendar, conduct exams in time, and release results within 15 days.' He added, 'There are companies that prefer students from autonomous colleges.' Karnataka has seen a steady expansion in autonomy: Bengaluru City University now has nine autonomous colleges, Bangalore University ten, and Bengaluru North University five. 'Earlier, colleges had to wait for a university nod. But now, they can apply directly. It's a big draw, especially for those tired of public university delays,' said Bengaluru North University vice-chancellor Niranjana Vanalli. The picture is different in Delhi, where only two institutions, JIMS Vasant Kunj and MAIMS Rohini, had received UGC's nod for autonomy as of August 2024, but neither has implemented changes due to pending approvals from their affiliating body, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Meanwhile, colleges under Delhi University, including Hindu and St Stephen's, have been denied autonomy owing to legal constraints under the Delhi University Act. Mumbai, by contrast, offers a sprawling array of undergraduate programmes, more than 200, many with overlapping content but different branding. BSc in finance sits next to BCom in financial markets, which is similar to BA in economics and finance. Students often struggle to decode which degree suits them best. 'Each college is trying to carve its niche, create a brand, stay relevant. Every campus is in a race to offer something the next institution doesn't,' one principal said. Some educationists warn the proliferation of niche courses risks being more cosmetic than substantive. In many cases, diploma-level subjects are repackaged as full degrees. Commerce colleges now offer analytical courses, while science colleges dabble in commerce subjects, sometimes without adequate faculty expertise. Across India, over 1,400 colleges enjoy autonomous status. In theory, this is meant to liberate institutions from the rigidity of one-size-fits-all university syllabi. But the impact has been uneven. 'There are islands of excellence,' said an education consultant who works with Mumbai colleges. 'Some are using the freedom to give a fillip to academics. But competition, and the race to grab a bigger share of the tuition pie, is killing the golden goose.' Autonomy emerged as a response to the burden on public universities, many of which oversee hundreds of affiliated colleges and struggle to maintain curricular relevance. The idea was to give institutions room to innovate, modernise, and prepare students for the future. In some parts of the country, that vision is taking root. In others, it remains an aspiration. Whether autonomy truly leads to academic excellence and employable graduates, or merely to more expensive degrees, remains a question in motion. With inputs from TOI
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Simma Dhaliwal Blends Theatre and Emotion in Upcoming Punjabi Single 'Nishani'
At just 24 years old, singer-composer Simma Dhaliwal is steadily carving a space for himself in the Punjabi music scene. Best known for his romantic musical sensibilities, Dhaliwal is set to release his latest track, 'Nishani,' in July 2025—a song that explores themes of one-sided love, vulnerability, and emotional honesty. The track brings together a creative team of emerging talent, with lyrics by Diamond, music by Aloof, and a music video helmed by Mani Films. 'Nishani' marks the next chapter in Dhaliwal's musical evolution, as Punjabi music continues to shift toward more reflective and emotionally grounded storytelling. ''Nishani' is deeply personal. It's about the kind of love that doesn't always have a happy ending but still leaves a mark,' says Dhaliwal. 'It's a song for anyone who's ever felt something deeply but kept it quietly to themselves.' Born and raised in Firozpur, Punjab, Dhaliwal completed his schooling at DC Model International School and earned a degree from Guru Nanak College, Firozpur. His dedication to the performing arts led him to pursue professional training in acting and editing at MAD Arts Film School, a prestigious institution known for nurturing creative talent. Dhaliwal's journey began not in recording studios, but on the theatre stage. A trained composer, he has scored music for several acclaimed productions, including Shiv Kumar Batalvi's classic Punjabi play 'Loona.' His theatre credits also include 'Nil Darpan,' 'Odakalu Bimba,' 'Ashadh Ka Ek Din,' and 'Don Special'—all of which played a key role in shaping his musical identity. 'Theatre taught me how to listen—to the silence, the pauses, the emotions behind every line. That sensitivity translates directly into my music,' he explains. In May 2025, Dhaliwal returned to the theatre circuit, composing music for the play 'Yaar-Dildaar,' staged in Chandigarh. The production was well received by regional theatre audiences and reaffirmed his deep connection to performance-based storytelling. Since making his music debut in 2022 with the widely appreciated track 'Canada Wali,' Dhaliwal has delivered a series of successful singles including 'Yaad,' 'Surma,' 'Follow,' and 'Sip Sip.' His style is often described as melodic and emotionally resonant, aligning with a broader transformation in Punjabi music—one that moves away from glorified violence and leans into romanticism, introspection, and relatability. 'I'm not here to chase trends,' Dhaliwal adds. 'If even one listener feels understood after hearing my song, that's success to me.' As digital platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts continue to shape listening habits, artists like Dhaliwal are gaining attention for offering substance alongside style. With 'Nishani,' he adds to a growing catalogue that connects with audiences beyond surface-level trends, focusing instead on emotional depth and sincere expression. The single is scheduled for release across all major streaming platforms in July 2025 and is expected to further establish Simma Dhaliwal as one of the key young voices to watch in contemporary Punjabi music.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
NEET 2025 tough, students expect lower cut-off
CHENNAI: A majority of the students who appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday described the paper as moderately difficult. While the physics section was considered tough, chemistry had a few tricky questions, and biology, though relatively easy, was time-consuming. Given the overall difficulty compared to previous years, students and coaching centres expect the cut-off marks to drop, at least marginally. According to sources, nearly 1.5 lakh students had registered for NEET 2025 from Tamil Nadu, with around 20,000 appearing for the exam in Chennai district alone. 'The biology paper was time-consuming, so I couldn't complete it on time. Physics and chemistry were moderately difficult,' said a student, who took the exam at Guru Nanak College. Several students and experts noted that the physics section was as tough as, or even tougher than the 2019 NEET paper, which was widely regarded as one of the most difficult in recent years. 'Students will still need to score above 650 out of 720 to secure admission in a top medical college, even though cut-offs may drop slightly,' said career guidance expert Jayaprakash Gandhi. He added that students attempting the exam for the first time struggled more, while repeaters are likely to perform better. Girl denied entry over steel buttons, cop comes to rescue The exam day was also marred by several incidents of confusion and strict entry checks across Tamil Nadu. In Tiruppur, S Kanimozhi, a student from Uthukuli, was barred from entering an exam centre in TM Poondi due to the steel buttons on her dress. However, MR Manimegalai, a woman police constable, who was on duty there, stepped in to the student's aid. After securing permission from higher officials, she took the student to a nearby store on her bike and helped her buy a new outfit.
