Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University (JGND PSOU), Patiala , established by the State Legislature Act No. 19 of 2019, is the first Open University in the state of Punjab. The motto of the University is SEWA (skill enhancement, employability, wisdom, and accessibility). Prof. Karamjeet Singh is the first Vice-Chancellor of JGND PSOU, Patiala. The University offers Postgraduate and Undergraduate programmes. These include MA English, MA Punjabi, M.Com, M.Sc (Computer Science), B.Com, B.Sc and BA. The university also provides skill enhancement certificate programmes. JGND PSOU has implemented unique initiatives of University Grants Commission (UGC).
The University admits students in two cycles, viz., January and July. The University conducts various seminars, symposia, conference and workshops. JGND PSOU signed MoU with Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Gujarat (BAOU), Indian Development Foundation (IDF), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Deaf Cricket Federation (DCF), Indian Accounting Association (IAA), Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), Guru Nanak Institution of Global Studies, Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), TAXO Academy & Young Progressive Sikh Forum (YPSF).
JGND PSOU offers conventional as well as innovative Certificate programmes and Diplomas which are in consonance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The University follows Credit system and learner-centric model with flexibility for completion of Programmes. The mode of delivery of course content is through four Quadrants: e-Tutorials, e-content, web resources and self-assessment. The University offers special schemes to employees, teachers, jail inmates and differently-abled. Divyangjan are provided free education.
The University has different Schools: School of Languages, School of Business Management and Commerce, School of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, School of Sciences and Emerging Technologies, School of Education and Vocation & School of Religious Studies. The University also has 128 Learner Support Centres across the state of Punjab. Regular counselling sessions are conducted for learners. The University has established several cells for effective functioning and providing the best services to learners of diverse backgrounds.
To be a pioneering Open University that empowers learners through affordable and accessible education, enriching them intellectually, socially, and professionally, and enabling them to make significant contributions to the society at large.
Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University is guided by these core values in its pursuit of excellence and in fulfilling its mission to shape knowledgeable, skilled, and responsible individuals for the betterment of the nation and society at large, while ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in education.