Gurdaspur university to roll out new industry aligned courses: Minister

Chandigarh: With an aim to revamp technical and professional education, Sardar Beant Singh State University, Gurdaspur, will roll out five new industry-aligned, skill-intensive courses from the academic session 2026-27, Punjab Education minister Harjot Singh Bains announced on Saturday.He said the new courses included BTech in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, BTech in robotics and AI, BPharmacy, BSc agriculture and five-year integrated programmes in MCA, MBA and MSc.Highlighting the govt's vision for higher education, Bains said, "The old model of theoretical, exam-centric learning is outdated. We are replacing it with hands-on training, lab immersion and real-world problem-solving. Sardar Beant Singh University will now become a launchpad for innovators, not just degree-holders." He added, "Every student will undergo mandatory semester-long internships and live projects. The goal is to ensure that when a student graduates, they are already industry-ready. This is not just a curriculum change. It is a revolution in how Punjab learns, earns and grows."Bains said, "This initiative is designed to reverse the state's brain drain. Parents in Punjab should no longer feel forced to send their children outside for quality tech or pharma education. The Bhagwant Singh Mann govt is building future-ready universities right here."