Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), one of India’s leading central universities, has announced the launch of three new academic programmes for the 2025–26 academic session, expanding its portfolio of courses with an eye on global connectivity and national priorities. The university has introduced a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in German Studies, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Japanese Studies, and an Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counseling. All three courses are designed under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and form part of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP).

The announcement comes at a time when Indian higher education institutions are increasingly aligning their academic structures with NEP 2020, which emphasizes flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and a global outlook. By introducing courses in foreign languages and child counseling, Jamia Millia Islamia aims to meet the rising demand for professionals equipped with specialized skills in both international communication and mental health support. The application process for these courses is already underway and will remain open until September 6, 2025, with entrance examinations scheduled for September 14, 2025.

The two undergraduate honours programmes in German and Japanese Studies are self-financed and have been designed with a focus on combining linguistic proficiency with broader cultural knowledge. These programmes will not only immerse students in the complexities of the respective languages but also expose them to literature, translation, interpretation, and applied fields such as diplomacy, trade, and industry collaboration. By doing so, Jamia seeks to build a talent pool that can contribute to India’s cultural and professional engagement with Europe and Japan. In a global economy where multilingual skills are often considered a gateway to international careers, the initiative reflects JMI’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding while creating employable graduates.

According to academic planners, the BA in German Studies and BA in Japanese Studies will give students an in-depth grounding in the language, culture, and historical contexts of these nations. Beyond academics, the courses are structured to prepare graduates for careers in translation, interpretation, foreign trade, tourism, international relations, media, and corporate sectors where multilingual expertise is valued. The programmes also encourage cultural exchange and aim to bridge the gap between India and key global partners through education.

Conversely, the Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counseling tackles one of the most urgent demands of modern society: the lack of qualified mental health and child development specialists. Accredited by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the diploma is a self-financed course preparing students to work in several institutional situations. Graduates of this program will be qualified to register as RCI-approved professionals, a credential accepted in government agencies, hospitals, schools, non-profits, and clinics. The diploma seeks to develop a workforce able to give evidence-based psychological and developmental aid as awareness of child welfare and mental health in India grows. 

Experts feel the diploma programme might have far-reaching effects in social welfare projects in addition to the fields of healthcare and education. The supply of qualified counselors is anticipated as India battles challenges like growing rates of children’s stress, learning problems, and developmental disorders. to be instrumental in solving these problems. Providing organized training under RCI standards, JMI is making sure that its graduates have the skills needed to offer significant help in these sectors. 

The choice to launch these initiatives also fits NEP 2020’s broader vision of creative, multidisciplinary education with a focus on skill development and global exposure. JMI is following the policy’s call for internationalization of education by integrating German and Japanese Studies into the undergraduate curriculum. Similarly, the Child Counseling certificate shows how the policy stresses mental health, social interaction, and overall growth. 

Officials at JMI have emphasized that the university aims to enhance India’s language education system as its academic offerings grow and satisfy social demands. Rising academic partnerships with foreign institutions, exchange programmes, and joint research projects should follow the German and Japanese programmes. In the meantime, the counseling certificate is regarded as an essential addition to India’s developing area of psychology and child development.

Candidates wishing to apply for these courses may do so on the university’s official portal. Applicants must finish a fresh registration, provide personal and academic information, choose the preferred course, and submit the form through the application process. Performance on the entrance test planned for September 14 will be used to determine the final admissions. 

Jamia Millia Islamia’s new programmes highlight its proactive role in implementing the changes envisaged under NEP 2020 as the higher education scene in India changes. Through language training that helps to cross cultural boundaries and by tackling the serious shortage of mental health experts, the university is setting itself as a progressive intellectual hub. The mix of local social relevancy and worldwide outreach gives these initiatives a unique appeal, offering pupils avenues that are intellectually stimulating, professionally fulfilling, and socially significant. 

Jamia Millia Islamia strengthens its image as a vibrant institution sensitive to the evolving educational and professional demands of the twenty-first century with these developments. The new courses open doors for students wishing to have global careers or aid the critical area of child therapy to opportunities that are both relevant and transformational.