Jammu, September 8, 2026: A five-day workshop on Skill-Based Learning in Biosciences (NEP-2020) was inaugurated today at the Research, Extension & Innovation Hub (Biosciences), Cluster University of Jammu. The workshop is being organized by Cluster University of Jammu, Rapture Biotech Jammu & Kashmir and JKSTIC, with funding support from the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC).
The inaugural session was graced by the Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, who emphasized the need for strengthening practical and skill-oriented education in line with the vision of NEP-2020. The Vice Chancellor highlighted that modern higher education must move beyond conventional classroom learning and provide students with hands-on exposure, industry-relevant skills and opportunities for innovation.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Meenakshi, Director IQAC, Cluster University of Jammu**, highlighted the importance of skill-based education and appreciated the initiative for creating a platform where students and faculty can gain practical exposure to contemporary bioscience techniques.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ambika, Director, Rapture Biotech Jammu & Kashmir, stressed that skill-based learning is the need of the hour, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology and life sciences. She emphasized that students need practical competencies alongside academic knowledge to become employable, innovative and future-ready.
Ms. Ankur Mahajan, JKAS, Registrar, Cluster University of university also graced the occasion and appreciated the initiatives that strengthen experiential learning and develop industry-oriented competencies among students.
Dr.Ratandeep Singh, Head, Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University (LPU)was the resource person and spoke about the growing importance of molecular techniques in modern biosciences, highlighting their applications in research, diagnostics, biotechnology and emerging life-science technologies.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Prof Sugandha Mahajan,
HOD Botany CLUJ and organising secretary of the workshop who also presented the vote of thanks
The workshop will provide participants with exposure to hands-on laboratory skills, molecular biology techniques, microbiology, instrumentation, biotechnology applications and other emerging areas of biosciences, thereby promoting experiential and skill-based learning as envisioned under NEP-2020.
The inaugural programme concluded with a commitment from the organizers to further strengthen academic-industry linkages, practical learning and skill development opportunities for students and faculty in the field of biosciences.
The event was successfully organised by the Organising team of CLUJ and Rapture biotech and attended by Controller examination, DSW, Principal GGM Sc College,Deans, Directors, faculty and students.
