KATRA, Nov 6: In a significant step towards strengthening academic collaboration and expanding access to higher education, an a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between SMVDU and IGNOU for establishment of the IGNOU Learner Study Centre (LSC) at SMVDU.
The signing of the MoU was in the presence of the Vice Chancellor SMVDU, Registrar SMVDU, Ajay K Sharma and the Senior Regional Director, Prof. Mohan Sharma and Regional Director, Dr. Asha Upadhaya, IGNOU Regional Centre, Jammu.
The inspection of the IGNOU Learner Support Centre at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, was also conducted by the visiting team from IGNOU.
The MoU signed between the two institutions marks an important milestone in fostering institutional cooperation and creating avenues for academic engagement, knowledge sharing, and mutual support by leveraging the respective strengths and resources of both institutions.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the infrastructure, academic facilities, administrative arrangements, and overall preparedness of the Learner Support Centre to facilitate effective delivery of IGNOU’s academic programmes and learner support services.
The initiative is expected to provide enhanced educational opportunities to students, particularly those seeking flexible and accessible modes of higher education.
SMVDU earlier in June-July 2026 had also successfully conducted the Term End Exams for IGNOU as an exam centre.
Speaking on the occasion, VC , SMVDU Prof. Pragati Kumar, emphasized the importance of institutional partnerships in promoting inclusive, accessible and quality higher education. He highlighted the University’s commitment to extending academic opportunities and facilitating initiatives that contribute to the educational and professional development of learners.
The Senior Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Jammu, appreciated the initiative and expressed confidence that the collaboration with SMVDU would further strengthen learner support mechanisms and facilitate greater academic opportunities for students in the region.
Prof. Ratna Chandra, Coordinator of the LSC at SMVDU, along with the Co-Coordinators, Dr. Jatin K Soni and Dr. Manpreet Sharma, expressed their commitment to making the Centre an effective platform for academic guidance, learner facilitation, and institutional coordination.
The Deans of Academic Affairs and Research & Development, SMVDU were also present on the occasion.
The inspection and signing of the MoU reflect the shared commitment of SMVDU and IGNOU towards promoting educational excellence, institutional cooperation, and the broader objective of making quality higher education accessible to all.
The event concluded with a shared resolve to translate the objectives of the MoU into meaningful academic initiatives and effective learner support services for the benefit of students and the wider community.