Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) will soon offer students an elective course on Indian Knowledge Traditions (IKT) across all disciplines, including engineering and management, according to university sources. The initiative aims to familiarise students with India’s intellectual heritage through tailored content relevant to their respective fields of study.

IKT encompasses indigenous knowledge systems developed in India over centuries, covering topics like Vedic sciences, traditional engineering, ancient medicine, and philosophical texts. This move aligns with the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) push to integrate traditional knowledge systems into academic curricula, fostering a deeper understanding of India's intellectual and cultural history.

Each school and department at JNU will customise the course content to suit its academic focus. For instance, engineering students will explore traditional engineering practices, while management students may study ancient economic and administrative systems. “Schools and centres will design syllabi specific to their disciplines, ensuring the content is relevant and beneficial to students from diverse academic backgrounds,” a university source explained.

The university approved the proposal during a meeting last month and has asked all departments to submit suggestions for finalising the syllabus. The elective, expected to launch in the next academic session, will be optional and will carry academic credits. As per UGC guidelines, 5% of a student's total undergraduate or postgraduate credits should be allocated to IKT courses.

JNU's commitment to promoting traditional knowledge systems is further evidenced by the recent establishment of centres dedicated to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist studies on campus.

With 13 schools and 38 centres specialising in various academic disciplines, along with 8 special centres, JNU continues to expand its academic offerings. The addition of the IKT elective reinforces the university’s effort to bridge modern education with India’s rich intellectual traditions, ensuring students gain a holistic understanding of their cultural roots.