Campus Times | Lucknow 

In a significant step towards implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Dr. Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University has made Multidisciplinary Courses (MDCs) mandatory for undergraduate students from the 2026-27 academic session. The move will allow students to explore subjects beyond their core discipline and gain exposure to diverse fields of study.

The decision was approved in the university’s 40th Academic Council meeting. As part of the new framework, every department has been directed to offer four MDCs that can be selected by students from other faculties and departments.

MDC mandatory in first three semesters

Under the revised curriculum, MDCs will be compulsory in the first, second and third semesters of undergraduate programmes. Each course will carry three credits, enabling students to earn a total of nine credits through multidisciplinary learning during the initial phase of their degree.

From astrology to journalism

The university has introduced a wide range of subjects under the MDC framework. Students from non-Sanskrit disciplines will be able to study Astrology: An Introduction, while the Hindi and Indian Languages Department will offer courses on journalism training, e-writing for technological innovation, functional Hindi and the practical applications of the language.

The Economics Department will introduce subjects such as Uttar Pradesh Economy: An Engine of Growth, National Security and Defence, and Globalization 4.0.

Digital marketing, taxation and public administration

Students from various streams will also have the option to study digital marketing, accounting and taxation through courses offered by the Commerce Department. Meanwhile, the Department of Political Science and Public Administration will offer papers on legal awareness and public administration in ancient India.

Several other departments, including Applied Sciences and Humanities, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Sociology, English and Foreign Languages, Intellectual Disability Studies, and Fine Arts, will also contribute MDC offerings.

Focus on skills and employability

According to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjay Singh, the initiative is aimed at promoting multidisciplinary education in line with NEP 2020. He said the new structure will help students broaden their academic horizons, strengthen practical skills and improve employability by combining knowledge from multiple disciplines.