📚 Knowledge Connect (28): Two-Week Online Refresher Course on “Smart Information Systems: AI in Action” scheduled from 8th to 20th December 2025

 Dear Sir/Madam,

Greetings from the University Library, Central University of Punjab!

The Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), Central University of Punjab, is pleased to invite applications for the Two-Week Online Refresher Course on “Smart Information Systems: AI in Action”, scheduled from 8th to 20th December 2025 under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme of the University Grants Commission, Ministry of Education, Government of India. This programme is being organized in collaboration with the University Library, Central University of Punjab.

This course aims to enhance the professional competency of library and information science faculty by focusing on Artificial Intelligence integration, digital library tools, and emerging information systems. The programme will contribute toward fulfilling the requirements laid down in the UGC Career Advancement Scheme (CAS).

Who Can Apply:
Library Professionals and  Faculty members  (Permanent, Contractual, or Ad-hoc) working in universities and colleges recognized under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act. Teachers from affiliated colleges in existence for at least three years are also eligible.

Important Dates:

• Course Dates: 8th – 20th December 2025
• Last Date for Registration: 20th November 2025
• Confirmation Email: 25th November 2025
• Mode: Online (Google Meet Platform)

Registration Details:

1. There is no registration fee for participation.
2. Register yourself at 
3. https://mmc.ugc.ac.in
4. On the MMTTP dashboard, apply for the Refresher Course and select Centre Name: Central University of Punjab.
5. Upload the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your parent institution.

In case you are unable to obtain the NOC immediately, you may submit a self-declaration at the time of registration and forward the NOC before the programme starts. 

You may visit https://mmc.ugc.ac.in to register. After registration, kindly update your profile with your photograph and ID card. Once your profile is updated, go to Programme → Refresher Course → Month: December → Date: 8th, and from the list of events, select Central University of Punjab, then click Apply Now.

As the number of seats is limited, selection will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

For any queries, please contact:

Dr. Bhupinder Singh Brar
Assistant Librarian & Course Coordinator
Central University of Punjab
Email:  bhupinder.brar@cup.edu.in

Phone: +91-98886-31058

https://cup.edu.in/mmttc/activities.php 

FDPs on cards as AICTE and DST take the quantum leap

Under the AICTE FDP scheme faculty will get to visit industries and get hands-on training at research labs

To train faculty, develop infrastructure for quantum technologies, and create appropriate study materials for students is on the map charted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), following the launch of the Undergraduate (UG) Minor Programme in Quantum Technologies.

The regulatory bodies will ensure faculty members have a solid understanding of quantum mechanics and technologies. They will provide financial support to conduct the Faculty Development Programme (FDP) to institutions/individuals under the AICTE FDP scheme, which will facilitate faculty visits to industry/research labs for hands-on training. Meanwhile, the UG Minor course will be available starting from the 2025-26 Academic Year (AY), and students can opt for it from the fifth semester of the UG programme, that is, the third year onwards.

“The curriculum is designed to include practical projects encouraging students to collaborate directly with quantum startups. Students will have opportunities to work with startups through internships, fellowship programmes and project-based themes. AICTE will facilitate networking events, hackathons, and innovation challenges where students undergoing this course can solve the real-world problems presented by startups. Through partnerships with quantum startups supported under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), students can engage in research, co-develop solutions, and gain mentorship. Thematic Hubs established under NQM will also serve as platforms for student-startup collaboration,” says TG Sitharam, chairman, AICTE.

In the first phase, AICTE will designate the best 50 AICTE-approved institutions to run minor degree programmes and establish quantum labs.

“As per mutual collaboration with DST, the financial and technical support for creating quantum technology laboratories in the institutions will be provided by DST through their Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) established under NQM. AICTE will assist in mapping existing resources and facilitating the procurement of essential equipment through grants and funding programs. Institutions will also receive access to shared facilities in T-Hubs,” says Sitharam.

FDPs will be initiated to upskill educators in quantum technologies, ensuring they are equipped to teach theoretical and practical components. Hands-on training sessions, recorded lectures, conferences, workshops, and online certification programmes will be conducted so faculty members can stay updated on the latest developments and trends in quantum technologies. The development of related textbooks and course materials on quantum technology for faculty and students and the creation of infrastructure and resources for quantum labs in the institutions will be prioritised.

“The curriculum supports NQM’s objectives of creating a quantum-ready workforce and fostering a robust quantum research and innovation ecosystem. By nurturing talent at the UG level, the programme lays the groundwork for research and industry-ready professionals, aligning with NQM’s workforce development goals. Plans are underway to develop specialised PG programmes in quantum technologies, for which collaborations with leading research institutions and universities will be explored to design advanced coursework and interdisciplinary modules,” says Sitharam.

“India can succeed in quantum technologies only if we have trained manpower. The biggest bottleneck in implementing this initiative is determining who will teach the courses and where the teaching materials will come from. We must ensure that all these resources are readily available. The NQM team has agreed to train faculty, and the programme will commence soon. Elite institutions such as IISc Bangalore and IITs will also participate in this initiative. We are developing MOOCs on quantum mechanics and recording lectures to support the programme. Releasing the curriculum was the first step; it will be followed by faculty training and lab establishment. Universities and colleges offering this programme will connect with these labs through a hub-and-spoke model,” says Prof Rajive Kumar, member secretary, AICTE.

Kumar adds, “We are writing to the universities to adopt the programme or some courses. But in the initial phase, access to trained faculty could be a challenge.”