Maharshi Dayanand University Bets on Customization to Revitalize Undergraduate Education

In a strategic push that underscores India’s growing emphasis on academic flexibility, Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak has unveiled a “Design Your Degree” initiative, inviting students to chart their own educational pathways. The program represents a notable departure from India’s traditionally rigid curriculum structures, positioning the institution at the forefront of National Education Policy 2020 implementation.

Under the new framework, students will be able to mix and match courses across disciplines, select modules that align with career goals, and construct bespoke academic trajectories rather than follow a fixed programme. University leaders believe the move will better align graduate competencies with labour-market needs and global educational norms.

For years, Indian higher education has been criticized for producing narrowly trained graduates whose skills lag behind employer expectations. By offering modular coursework and interdisciplinary options, MDU aims to bridge that gap and attract a more diverse student cohort. Administrators also see the initiative as a strategic differentiator as universities compete for talent in an increasingly crowded academic landscape.

Critics caution that execution will be the litmus test. Effective implementation will require robust academic advising, adaptable faculty structures, and technology platforms capable of managing complex course pathways. If successful, however, the programme could serve as a template for other institutions seeking to balance academic rigor with individualized learning in a policy environment that increasingly prizes flexibility and innovation.