The Chronicles
Monthly Newsletter of NICMAR University Pune
Nurturing Ideas and Shaping the Built Environment of Tomorrow!!
June 2026, Volume 4, No. 6Centre of Excellence for Academic Practices: Enabling Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Innovation
As higher education continues to evolve in response to rapid technological, societal,
and industry transformations, universities must reimagine learning as a dynamic,
future-focused, and student-centred endeavour. At NICMAR University, Pune, the Centre of
Excellence for Academic Practices has been established with the purpose of serving as a
strategic enabler of academic innovation, teaching excellence, and transformative
student success.
The Centre is committed to creating learning ecosystems that empower students not only
with disciplinary knowledge but also with the adaptability, critical thinking, and
professional competencies required to thrive in an increasingly complex world. By
fostering meaningful partnerships between students and faculty, we seek to create
engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong
learning.
The most important strategic objective of the Centre of Excellence for Academic
Practices is to foster a culture of academic excellence by championing innovation in
pedagogy and curriculum design. Its primary focus is to ensure that the University's
academic practices remain relevant, industry-aligned, and future-ready. Equally
important is the Centre’s commitment to strengthening faculty capabilities through
continuous professional development, the adoption of evidence-based teaching practices,
and the enhancement of research competencies.
In pursuit of these objectives, the Centre has organized a wide range of Faculty
Development Programs (FDPs) aimed at enriching teaching and learning practices. These
initiatives have focused on innovative pedagogical approaches, the effective integration
of technology in education, problem-based learning, project-based learning (PBL),
team-based learning (TBL), gamification, and the use of simulations in teaching etc.
Through these interventions, the Centre seeks to empower faculty members with
contemporary instructional strategies that enhance student engagement and learning
outcomes.
Recognizing that academic excellence extends beyond classroom teaching, the Centre has
also undertaken several capacity-building initiatives to strengthen academic leadership
and interpersonal effectiveness among faculty and staff. These programs have addressed
critical areas such as leadership development, team building, collaboration, emotional
intelligence, and conflict management, thereby fostering a supportive and
high-performing academic environment.
Furthermore, in today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape, it is imperative for
faculty members to remain abreast of emerging trends, tools, and technologies in
research. To support this goal, the Centre has organized specialized FDPs on pedagogical
research, case study writing, design thinking, qualitative research methodologies, and
the application of Artificial Intelligence in research. These initiatives are designed
to enhance research capabilities and equip faculty members with the skills required to
produce high-quality scholarly work.
Since its inception, the Centre of Excellence for Academic Practices has successfully
conducted numerous faculty development and capacity-building programs across these
domains. Through its sustained efforts, the Centre continues to play a pivotal role in
advancing teaching excellence, strengthening research competencies, and promoting the
holistic professional development of faculty members at NICMAR University, Pune.
As a bridge between teaching, learning, and research, the Centre promotes pedagogic
scholarship and cultivates a culture where innovation, experimentation, and academic
leadership are valued and celebrated. Through these collective efforts, we aspire to
position NICMAR University, Pune as a benchmark for educational excellence and graduate
employability, while shaping leaders capable of creating meaningful impact in their
professions and communities.
The future of higher education will be defined not only by what we teach, but by how we
inspire learning, innovation, and impact. As we continue our journey towards academic
excellence, the Centre for Academic Practices remains committed to empowering faculty,
enriching student learning, and fostering a culture of continuous growth and innovation.
The Global NICMARIans’ Alumni Meet - AGNI Aspire 2026
The Global Alumni Meet - AGNI Aspire 2026 was successfully
held on 30 May
2026 at Taj The Trees, Mumbai. The event brought together
distinguished
alumni, industry leaders, academicians, entrepreneurs, and professionals for
a day of insightful discussions, meaningful networking, and a celebration of
alumni excellence. The gathering was honoured by the presence of Dr.
P. R.
Swaroop, Director General, Construction Industry Development Council
(CIDC),
as the Chief Guest. In his address, he shared valuable insights on
nation-building and highlighted the significant role that the Association of
Global Nicmarians (AGNI) can play in driving industry transformation and
strengthening professional networks.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from the NICMAR leadership team,
faculty, and staff members. Representing the institution were Dr. Anil
Agarwal, Vice Chancellor (I/c), NICMAR University, Pune; Dr. Shrikant
Charhate, Vice Chancellor, NICMAR University of Construction Studies,
Hyderabad; and Dr. Jonardan Koner, Dean – Career Services & Alumni
Relations, along with other faculty and staff representatives.
Beyond the thought-provoking discussions, AGNI Aspire 2026 provided a
vibrant platform for alumni to reconnect, exchange experiences, strengthen
professional relationships, and celebrate the enduring spirit of the NICMAR
community. The event reflected the strength of the alumni network in
fostering collaboration, inspiring future leaders, and contributing to the
advancement of the industry. AGNI Aspire 2026 was more than an alumni
gathering—it was a collective step towards building a more innovative,
collaborative, and future-ready industry while reinforcing the lifelong bond
of the NICMAR family.
Placement Season 2025–26: Concluding on a High Note
The Placement Season 2025–26 marked another
milestone year for our university, reflecting resilience and continued industry confidence.
This year witnessed strong participation across diverse sectors, including Infrastructure,
Real Estate, EPC, Oil & Gas, Consulting, and Conglomerates.
With the placement season nearing its conclusion, we are proud to share that our university
achieved notable growth in both recruiter engagement and student placements, recording a
placement rate of 95.66%, with 1,189 students securing
offers.
Key Highlights of the Season
- 163 companies participated during the placement season out of which 40 companies were newly added to the campus hiring pool.
- The mean salary for the 2025–26 placement season reached a high of 9.70 LPA, compared to 9.25 LPA in 2024–25.
- The median salary for the 2025–26 placement season reached a high of 8.72 LPA, compared to 8.0 LPA in 2024–25.
- Despite a significant increase in the number of students opted for placements from 1052 in 2024-25 to 1,243 in 2025-26, we recorded our highest mean and median salaries in this placement cycle, reflecting the strength of our industry engagement and the continued confidence recruiters place in our students.
As the placement season draws to a close, we celebrate not only the numbers achieved but also the journeys, perseverance, and aspirations behind every offer.
Patron
Dr. Anil Agarwal
Vice Chancellor (I/c), NICMAR University, Pune
Advisor
Dr. Rahul Deshpande
Dean QA, NICMAR University, Pune
Editor
Dr. Amit Hiray
NICMAR University, Pune
Editor
Dr. Pallavi Nimbalwar
NICMAR University, Pune
Assistant Editor
Dr. B. Hemanth Sai Kalyan
NICMAR University, Pune
25/1, N.I.A. Post Office, Balewadi, Pune - 411 045, Maharashtra, India
NICMAR University, Pune is Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum Certified Green Campus
