GNDU Introduces Mandatory ‘Basic Knowledge of Sikhism’ Course for All Students

Q: What new course has GNDU introduced for students?

(GNDU) has decided to introduce a compulsory course titled “Basic Knowledge of Sikhism” for all undergraduate students. The course will be part of the academic curriculum starting from the 2026–27 academic session.

Q: What are the key details of the Sikhism course at GNDU?

The course has been developed by the Guru Nanak Studies Department and will carry two academic credits. It will be delivered mainly through the university’s Directorate of ODL and Online Studies.

Q: Why has GNDU made this course mandatory?

The university introduced the course to help students gain basic understanding of Sikh history, philosophy, and teachings, and to promote awareness of Sikh culture and values among students from different academic backgrounds.

Author :

Nisha Sharma

Last Updated on : 07 Mar 2026 01:31PM

The Guru Nanak Dev University Academic Council approved the course ‘Basic Knowledge of Sikhism’ as mandatory for all the undergraduate courses from the session 2026-27.

The resolution was passed during the meeting of the Academic Council, headed by Vice-Chancellor Karamjeet Singh. It recommended the proposals of the Board of Control of Guru Nanak Studies, signed by the vice-chancellor, for the course to be introduced in the various departments.

The Vice-chancellor, Karamjeet Singh, also said that the course, developed by the Guru Nanak Studies Department, will be worth 2 credits and taught online by the Directorate of ODL and Online Studies.

Also at the meeting, it was resolved that the Centre for South Central Asia Studies on the campus shall henceforth be known as the Centre for Central Asia Studies.

The Council's decision to offer several common courses online beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year in the Directorate of ODL and Online Studies courses was a crucial one.

The same include environmental studies, problem management and prevention of drug abuse, human rights, human values and harmony of understanding.

The VC added that the university had also started the process for signing an MoU with the University of Maryland, U.S.A. For academic collaboration. Through which opportunities in the newer areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security will be provided to the students. The initiative will also give international academic exposure to students without much expenditure.