IUST Convenes 11th Academic Council Meeting
Approves Innovation Agenda with the Introduction of New Programmes and Establishment of Centre of Excellence for Semiconductors and Quantum Materials
30/06/2026
Awantipora, June 30 (KIP)-The Islamic University of Science and Technology convened the 11th Meeting of its Academic Council under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, with eminent academicians from across the country participating in deliberations on key academic initiatives, institutional priorities, and the University's long-term growth strategy.
The meeting was chaired by Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo Vice Chancellor, IUST, and attended by distinguished academicians and senior university functionaries, including Prof. Talat Ahmad, Former VC, University of Kashmir; Prof. Mehraj Ud Din Mir, Former VC, Central University of Kashmir; Prof. Mohammad Mubin, VC, Cluster University Srinagar; Prof. Ashok Aima, Former VC, Central University Jaamu; Prof. Shobha Bagai, University of Delhi; Prof. Madhav Govind, JNU, New Delhi; and Prof. Ranjan Rawal, CEPT University, Ahmedabad Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik, University of Kashmir; Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Dean Academic Affairs IUST, Prof. Shameem A Shah Registrar, Finance Officer, Dean Research, Controller of Examinations, Dean Outreach, Dean of Students, Deans of various schools, and various other officers.
At the outset, Prof. Romshoo shared a report on the University's progress, informing the members about the various initiatives undertaken, achievements made, and future plans in the pipeline. Prof. Romshoo said, "IUST is committed to building a future-ready academic ecosystem that responds to the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education. The introduction of new-age academic programmes and emerging areas of study reflects our endeavour to equip students with relevant knowledge, contemporary skills, and the capacity to drive innovation in a knowledge-based economy."
He further said, "The steady rise in student enrolment is a strong affirmation of the confidence reposed in the University. We remain equally committed to enhancing the quality of teaching and research, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and creating an enabling environment where every learner can realise his or her full potential."
The meeting was coordinated by Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Sheikh Aijaz, who presented the agenda. Speaking on the deliberations, he said, "The decisions taken by the Academic Council represent a significant step in broadening the University's academic fortfolio. The emphasis on Student-centric support mechanism, frontier disciplines, and curriculum innovation, is fully aligned with the NEP2020 and the evolving needs of society & industry."
The Council approved a series of significant academic initiatives aimed at strengthening IUST's teaching, research, and innovation ecosystem. Among the major decisions, the Council approved the establishment of a CoE for Semiconductors and Quantum Materials, aligned with the national Semiconductor and Quantum Missions, to promote innovation, and technology development, in semiconductors and Quantum technology.
The Council also approved the introduction of B.Tech. in Cyber Security, M.A. in Mass Communication with AI, a five-year Integrated Law Programme, a Master's Programme in Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS), and the establishment of a Department of Earth Sciences, among other initiatives, thereby expanding the University's academic offerings in emerging and strategically significant disciplines.