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Mohali's CGC Group of Colleges becomes CGC University, stresses AI-led education, tech-first learning and innovation
The Chandigarh Group of Colleges, based in Jhanjeri in Punjab's SAS Nagar district, officially transitioned into a 'tech-driven, autonomous university' on Tuesday, with officials saying that CGC University's aim is to position Mohali as India's new capital for AI-led education, tech-first learning, and innovation.
The officials said at a press conference held in Chandigarh that with studies showing that over 90 per cent of graduates remain unemployable in emerging sectors, CGC University, Mohali, has introduced a curriculum built on live industry exposure and co-certified corporate programmes. A 50:50 learning model will allow CEOs, entrepreneurs, and professionals to share classroom responsibility equally with faculty.
Founder-Chancellor Rashpal Singh Dhaliwal said, 'This university is my commitment to society. Quality education must not be a privilege for a few but a right for all. CGC University stands on this promise to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue a life of dignity and purpose.'
Managing Director Arsh Dhaliwal said,'We are curating a futuristic, tech-enabled curriculum that speaks the language of innovation, industry, and employability. Our mission is also to provide students internships with a minimum stipend of Rs 75,000–1,00,000 while they study.'
Dr Sushil Prashar, Executive Director (DCPD), unveiled the learning framework. 'We are bringing the industry to campus. Students will learn not just from textbooks, but from boardrooms, case studies, and live projects,' he said.
The event saw strong corporate backing, with leaders from IBM, KPMG, EY, Cognitel, Microsoft, Autodesk, Meta, and Imarticus Learning pledging support. Gagan Agrawal, Leader Academic Partnerships, Career Education at IBM India; Amit Choudhary, Technical Director at KPMG India; Anand Akhouri, Director at EY India; Ashutosh Kumar, Vice-President, University Relations & Skilling Initiatives at Cognitel; Harsh Chhabra, Head of Learning and Development and channel partner for Microsoft, Autodesk and Meta; and Ahmed Khalid, Senior Vice-President at Imarticus Learning also attended the event.
Rashpal Dhaliwal also announced initiatives to bridge the rural-urban skill gap, support freelancers and MSMEs, and align the university with NEP 2020, Skill India, Startup India, and Digital India.
According to the officials, CGC University Mohali seeks to produce future-ready, globally competitive leaders blending education, innovation, and employability at a 'scale never seen before'.
