Our admissions process seeks to understand the whole applicants beyond numbers, says Deputy Director Admissions

Indu Kaul, the programme director at the Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability, speaks in-depth about the genesis of the institution in an interview with Shiksha.com. She goes into great length when discussing the available programmes, the application procedure, and numerous criteria used to choose candidates. Nowadays, preparing students for the workforce is a key component of the curricula at educational institutions. Kaul discussed a number of measures that support this goal.

Kaul is a former Principal and Director of Schools with over 15 years’ experience in School leadership and education management. Currently, she has been working with O.P. Jindal Global University as Deputy Director Admissions and Outreach.

Read the complete interview below.

Q: Tell us a brief about Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability:

A: Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability (JSES) aims to lead the world (India/Asia/Global South) toward a sustainable future with cutting-edge teaching, research and practice-based engagement. The School is developing a strategic plan that builds a sustainable future in this extraordinary time. Through national and international collaborations, Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability is promoting interdisciplinary studies, joint teaching and research programmes, and a comparative perspective on environment and sustainability issues.

Q: About the inception of Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability, various courses/specializations offered

A: Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability opened admissions to the BA (Hons) in Environmental Studies programme started in 2020 and BA/BSc Hons Sustainable Development programme in 2022. In the near future, Jindal School of Environment and Suatainability will integrate Summer School; Study Abroad; Postgraduate (Master of Environmental and Sustainable Development, Master of Environmental Legal Studies, Master of Environmental management/Sciences and policy); and Doctoral programme (Doctor of Philosophy in Environment and Sustainability). The BA (Hons) in Environmental Studies opens the pathway for working in the international and national arenas in this complex, challenging and exciting discipline which is set to become more and more sought after with the time. A large number of businesses, government bodies and organisations in India and across the world are seeking ways to be more sustainable, energy efficient and climate-appropriate, and require experts in this area. The BA/BSc Hons. Sustainable Development aims to support the global efforts (India/Asia/Global South) toward a sustainable future with cutting-edge teaching, research and practice-based engagement. Through national and international collaborations, Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability promotes interdisciplinary studies, joint teaching and research programmes, and a comparative perspective on environment and sustainability issues.

Teaching methodology

A primary goal of the Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability is to offer undergraduate students a concentration in environmental studies with an opportunity to explore how humans interact with the environment, including physical, biological, philosophical, social and legal elements. By attracting internationally qualified faculty members and pooling together interdisciplinary scholars under a single school, Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability is positioning itself as a producer of knowledge and shaper of careers in environment, climate change and energy.

Q: What is the admission process? How does the format make sure that the right students get selected/shortlisted?

A: Jindal Global University (JGU) pursues a holistic admissions policy for most programmes. Our admissions process seeks to understand the whole applicants beyond numbers and asks whether a applicant will be a good fit in a programme and whether they will thrive. This is in keeping with best practices of international universities and allows us to select the best applicants for our programmes. Imbibing the best practices from international universities, Jindal School of Environmental and Sustainability follows a holistic admission process. An applicant is evaluated on the basis of a combination of scores. The selection process of B.A. (Hons.) Environmental Studies/ BA Sustainable Development involves evaluation based on an applicant’s personal statement, supplementary questions, Class X and XII scores, faculty interview, and JSAT/SAT/ACT/LSAT-India score.

Q: Apart from academics what other aspects of a student are checked while selection.

A: All applicants are required to submit a personal statement - a brief, reflective piece about themselves and their aspirations. Applicants are also asked to submit supporting documents to substantiate their extra-curricular interests and activities. These include any relevant certificates, artwork, writing samples, letters of recommendation etc.

Q: What are some initiatives being taken/planned by you school to make its student’s industry ready?

A: The principal outcome of the University’s efforts and the core of its activity are the attributes of its graduates who are expected to reach their full potential whether as global citizens or as leaders in an internationally competitive environment. The University’s Academic Council has therefore adopted a clear statement of Graduate Attributes aimed at: providing an anchor to the students by clarifying the essence of their programme of study and also providing lasting impact of their JGU experience and informing potential employers and other stakeholders of the qualities to be expected of a JGU graduate.

Q: As a School, How does Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability ensure that students gets extra exposure apart from academics?

A: Jindal School of Environment and Sustainability works hard to ensure that its graduates have the following attributes for a successful career:

• A deep knowledge of subject areas in the programme of study they have successfully completed at JGU.
• The capacity to engage in self-reflection and lifelong learning.
• Transferable skills including team building and leadership skills, communication, creative and critical thinking skills, and problem-solving skills suitable for a variety of fields of employment.
• The capacity to take up their social and civic responsibilities relating to the environment and the society. A deep understanding of, and respect for, diversity, pluralistic societies and other cultures.
• Adherence to the highest standards of ethical behaviour.