A visionary leader in digital education, Prof. (Dr.) Gurpreet Singh has spearheaded transformative initiatives, making Chandigarh University North India’s first UGC-entitled online degree provider with 20,000+ global learners. His contributions to AI-powered learning, digital libraries, and 24/7 global student support systems have elevated the university to India’s top 20 institutions in NIRF rankings and also to a QS-ranked private university.

Director of Chandigarh University Online, Professor Dr. Gurpreet Singh, is a visionary leader redefining education beyond geographical, time-related , and mental boundaries.

With a firm belief in anytime, anywhere learning, Dr. Gurpreet launched Chandigarh University Online in January 2021, inspired by the Digital India initiative led by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4)—both aimed at providing equitable, high-quality education worldwide.

Under his leadership, Chandigarh University Online introduced 10 comprehensive online degree programs, spanning Management (BBA, MBA), Computer Applications (BCA, MCA), Journalism & Mass Communication, Sciences (MSc Mathematics, MSc Data Science), and Humanities (MA English, MA Economics). This diverse online academic portfolio ensures learners across the globe can access top-tier education in multiple disciplines.

Understanding that online learners come from diverse backgrounds, Chandigarh University has developed a personalized learning ecosystem, catering to professionals, students, and international learners across various age groups, occupations, and linguistic backgrounds. The introduction of an AI-powered Learning Management System (LMS) has been a game-changer. Chandigarh University became the first university in India to integrate AI-driven personalized learning, enhancing student engagement, adaptive learning, and real-time academic support.

With a commitment to breaking educational barriers, Chandigarh University Online has leveraged cutting-edge AI-driven solutions to make learning accessible, flexible, and personalized. A major breakthrough in this initiative has been the integration of AI-powered regional language conversion tools. Understanding that India is a linguistically diverse country, the university implemented technology that allows learners to instantly translate English lectures into their preferred regional languages. This feature, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), has empowered thousands of students across India, making complex academic concepts easier to grasp.

This AI-powered learning ecosystem has quickly gained traction, leading to a surge in enrollment. Within a short span, Chandigarh University Online has crossed 20,000 learners, reinforcing its position as a leader in online higher education in India. However, innovation didn’t stop there. Recognizing that students in an online setting require continuous guidance, the university has developed a robust 24/7 AI-powered Student Support System, ensuring seamless academic and technical assistance.

Expanding beyond national boundaries, Chandigarh University Online has become a part of e-Vidya Bharti, a prestigious initiative launched by Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide higher education to students across 18 African nations. Through this program, over 500 international learners have been enrolled, and to accommodate different time zones, the university extends its support services to a global standard, ensuring accessibility for students worldwide.

Before pioneering Chandigarh University Online, Dr. Gurpreet Singh had an illustrious career in Computer Science Engineering. As the Founding Head of the University Institute of Computing (UIC) at Chandigarh University Mohali Campus which was started by him in 2012, he played a pivotal role in elevating the institute to national prominence within three years and international recognition within a decade. Transitioning from traditional education to the digital learning revolution, he has been instrumental in training faculty and learners to adapt to the future of education.

Pioneer of Chandigarh University’s Online Education System Professor Dr. Gurpreet Singh’s vision for Chandigarh University Online was not an overnight development—it was a path shaped by years of academic leadership, technological evolution, and a deep understanding of digital learning frameworks. His early exposure to Digital India, introduced by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2015, played a crucial role in shaping his perspective on technology-driven education. It was during this period that Chandigarh University launched its local chapter of SWAYAM, India's Study Web of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds, a Government of India initiative to make quality education accessible to all.

By integrating SWAYAM’s digital learning model, Chandigarh University became a part of a prestigious network of nine nodal agencies, including NPTEL (IITs), NITTTR, NCERT, CEC, and UGC. These platforms provided certification courses across multiple disciplines, from Engineering and Law to Management and Media Studies, empowering both faculty and students to embrace online education. The goal was clear—to provide academic flexibility, allowing learners to enhance their skill sets without geographical constraints.

However, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that truly accelerated the global need for online education. As digital learning became the norm, Dr. Gurpreet Singh and his team at Chandigarh University saw an opportunity beyond short-term certifications—a chance to launch full-fledged online degree programs. This was no easy feat. At the time, only 1% of Indian universities had been granted the ‘Entitled’ category status by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to offer fully accredited online degree programs. Chandigarh University emerged as the first university in North India to achieve this milestone, thanks to its NAAC A+ accreditation and strong NIRF rankings in 2019.

Transitioning from a traditional academic system to a digitally-driven education model required extensive knowledge of UGC regulations, AICTE guidelines, and statutory compliance standards. Leveraging his deep expertise in these areas, Dr. Gurpreet Singh led the university’s transition, ensuring that each program met the highest quality benchmarks. Unlike conventional lecture-based models, online degree programs required a structured digital framework, following the SWAYAM 2017 guidelines and its quadrant-based approach (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4)—an essential foundation for online curriculum design in India.

To enhance the overall learning experience, Chandigarh University Online is set to introduce two groundbreaking initiatives in January 2025. The first is an AI-enhanced digital library, aptly named "Library at Your Fingertips." This feature-rich platform will be accessible via Android, iOS, and web browsers, offering a vast collection of academic textbooks, research papers, journals, magazines, and even fiction and non-fiction books. Recognizing that Generation Z and working professionals prefer on-the-go access to knowledge, this library will serve as a one-stop resource for self-paced learning and research.

The second major initiative is the Campus Immersion Program, designed to bridge the gap between online education and real-world campus experiences. While online students remain connected virtually through the Learning Management System (LMS), this unique initiative allows them to visit Chandigarh University for a week-long on-campus experience. The program is specially designed for lifelong learners, including professionals aged 50 and above, offering them an opportunity to relive their university days while gaining new skills.

During this immersive week, students will participate in academic classes, leadership sessions with top corporate executives, career upskilling programs, peer networking events, and cultural sightseeing tours. This initiative is not just about education—it’s about building a strong emotional and professional bond between students and the university. Learners who have only interacted in virtual classrooms will now get a chance to engage in real-world interactions, network with peers, and enhance their leadership and career prospects.

With these transformative initiatives, Chandigarh University Online continues to redefine digital education, blending AI, global accessibility, and immersive experiences to create a future-ready learning ecosystem.

As Chandigarh University Online continues to revolutionize digital education, its impact is no longer limited to India. The upcoming June 2025 Campus Immersion Program is set to welcome learners from around the world, including Canada, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, further strengthening its global presence. Among them, a student from Indonesia will be attending too, a symbolic moment as the Honorable President of Indonesia was the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day 2025 celebrations.

This global integration is more than just an academic experience; it fosters strong professional networking. As online learners visit the campus, they become part of Chandigarh University’s huge alumni network, which spans 50,000+ graduates across all seven continents. This unparalleled access to global peers, professionals, and industry leaders ensures that students don’t just gain a degree—they gain a lifetime of opportunities.

Beyond networking, Chandigarh University Online is introducing another game-changing innovation—Examinations on Demand. Understanding the challenges faced by working professionals, business executives, and international students, the university has integrated an AI-powered examination platform that offers flexibility like never before.

Students can now schedule their exams based on their availability, selecting a time slot that aligns with their work commitments, time zones, and personal schedules. The platform ensures seamless, secure, and AI-proctored assessments, eliminating the constraints of traditional examination systems. To make the process even smoother, students receive pre-exam training, ensuring they are comfortable with the system before their actual test.

This on-demand examination model, combined with a world-class AI-driven learning environment, 24/7 student support, and global networking opportunities, positions Chandigarh University Online as a leader in flexible, high-quality, and career-focused education.

As the July 2025 admissions open, prospective students are invited to be part of a learning experience that goes beyond just academics. They would get an opportunity to become an alumnus of Chandigarh University Online, build lifelong connections, and embrace a future of limitless possibilities.

With Digital Education rapidly evolving, Chandigarh University Online stands as a trailblazer in AI-driven, globally accessible higher education, fulfilling its mission to bridge the gap between traditional learning and the future of education.

Talking about his childhood, Digital Education Expert Professor Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Director of Chandigarh University Online, traces his path back to a humble village near the Pak- Punjab border, where he completed his high school and intermediate education. Growing up in the early '90s, when education in border areas came with numerous challenges, the unwavering dedication of his teachers became his guiding light. Their commitment extended beyond school hours, offering career mentoring, academic guidance, and personal counseling, shaping his aspirations.

Among all his mentors, one teacher left an indelible mark—Dr. Mohit Bhandari, his mathematics professor from 7th to 12th grade. As a child, Dr. Singh admits he was drawn toward history and debates, fascinated by colonial timelines and public speaking. However, his mathematics teacher saw a potential in him beyond mere memorization of dates. Encouraging him to embrace numbers, Dr. Bhandari instilled confidence in him, transforming a once-intimidated student into a passionate learner. The subject he once struggled with soon became his strength, leading him to pursue engineering and even marrying a mathematician.

Throughout his academic years, Dr. Singh consistently excelled, securing first-division scores in all board examinations, including 5th, 10th, and 12th-grade CBSE boards. He completed his engineering in the First Division, followed by a master's degree, proving that dedication and the right mentorship can shape success.

Like many in Punjab, he contemplated moving abroad. His student exchange programs took him to the U.S., Canada, Spain, and the UK, fully funded by prestigious universities seeking bright students. Witnessing the developed world, the idea of pursuing a career overseas was tempting. However, after deep reflection, he chose to stay in India and contribute to his own country. Instead of seeking opportunities abroad, he decided to create them at home.

With this sense of purpose, Dr. Singh embraced teaching as his first choice, beginning his career in 2006. Over the years, his passion for education has remained unwavering, evolving beyond just classroom lectures. As he progressed in teaching, research, and administration, he discovered a new dimension to his role—mentorship and leadership.

His commitment to service extends beyond academics. Driven by discipline and patriotism, he volunteered as an officer in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the world’s largest youth organization.

Director Dr. Gurpreet Singh is not only an academic leader but also a Commissioned Officer in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) with the rank of Captain. As an Associate NCC Officer (ANO), he serves as the crucial bridge between universities, colleges, and the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, ensuring that the values of discipline, leadership, and service are instilled in young cadets.

His training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Kamptee, Nagpur, was a defining experience. Excelling among 500+ professors, he secured the second position in order of merit in the prestigious 161st Diamond Jubilee Course and was awarded the Commandant’s Silver Medal for his outstanding performance.

Even during his training, his passion for technology and innovation shone through. Recognizing the future of digital education, he developed a blueprint for online examinations, which he presented to the Director General of NCC during his visit to OTA. The visionary general immediately saw its potential, awarding Dr. Singh the DG NCC Appreciation Award. Today, this initiative has transformed NCC examinations, making them fully online, revolutionizing the assessment system for thousands of cadets.

Beyond his contributions to academic and technological advancements, Dr. Singh is deeply committed to grooming the next generation of leaders. His passion for mentoring cadets has led to 52 of his students being commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces, serving in prestigious establishments such as the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun, Air Force Academy Dundigal, Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai and Gaya. Each year, his students successfully qualify for pre-commissioned training, securing positions in Category A establishments of the Indian Defence Services.

His interactions with senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force keep his enthusiasm for service and leadership alive. This same passion, discipline, and strategic thinking are evident in his role as Director of Online Education at Chandigarh University, where he is pioneering technology-driven learning experiences. Whether guiding cadets toward a career in the armed forces or transforming higher education through digital learning, his commitment to mentorship, innovation, and nation-building remains unwavering.

His NCC and OTA experience further shaped his leadership skills, sense of duty, and ability to inspire students, qualities that continue to define his role even today. With every step, Professor Dr. Gurpreet Singh remains a beacon of motivation, proving that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about transforming lives and giving back to society.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Singh credits his school teachers, especially Dr. Mohit Bhandari, for shaping his academic path. Dr. Bhandari played a pivotal role in removing his fear of mathematics, mentoring him through competitive engineering entrance exams, and later, even during his PhD at SRM University. The influence of his mentor is so profound that mathematics continues to play a central role in his life—even in his personal life, having married a mathematician.

His dedication to education, his cadets, and his students at Chandigarh University Online ensures that his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Completing his engineering with high grades was a significant milestone for Dr. Gurpreet Singh, but it was the mentors he met along the way who truly shaped his path. While many teachers played a crucial role, some left a lasting impact, becoming guiding forces in his academic and professional life. One such mentor was Dr. Manjeet Kaur, who played an instrumental role in strengthening his coding skills.

In his second semester, coding was entirely new to him. However, the strong mathematical foundation laid by Dr. Bhandari helped him grasp logical structures, and under Dr. Manjeet Kaur's guidance, he developed a deep understanding of programming. Starting with basic languages, he dedicated himself to extensive hands-on practice. Today, as the world moves towards Machine Learning and Python, he credits his early training for his ability to adapt to emerging technologies with ease.

Determined to master coding, he, along with a small group of equally passionate students, often stayed back beyond lab hours, refining their skills and solving complex problems. This rigorous practice built a rock-solid foundation, enabling them to learn and adapt to new programming languages even after graduating. The discipline and precision he developed during those sessions have been invaluable in his career.

Beyond academics, his time at the Officers Training Academy, Kamptee proved to be another defining phase in his life. Here, he encountered some of the toughest yet most inspiring trainers—the Ustads. Drill training is the backbone of the armed forces, instilling not just physical endurance but also mental discipline and resilience.

One Drill Ustad, who remains in service today, became a key figure in shaping his perspective on discipline and leadership. He recalls the early mornings at 5:30 AM, standing in the drill square, feeling the intensity of his instructor’s voice commanding them to push beyond their limits. The energy, rigor, and unwavering discipline of the training left a deep impact on him. There was no room for hesitation—only focus, perseverance, and absolute dedication.

Even today, he maintains a strong connection with his Drill Ustad. As his mentor approaches retirement, Dr. Gurpreet Singh has invited him to join Chandigarh University and continue inspiring the next generation of cadets. He firmly believes that his students should experience the same passion, leadership, and discipline that shaped his own life.

For him, motivation is not limited to role models—it comes from within. While mentors and teachers provide the spark, the real drive to excel must be self-generated. His philosophy is simple: surround yourself with driven individuals, volunteer for causes greater than yourself, and engage in constant learning.

Above all, his greatest source of motivation comes from working with students. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination fuel his passion for teaching. Every day before stepping into the classroom, he reminds himself of the responsibility he holds—to deliver his best, stay updated, and inspire students just as his mentors once inspired him.

For him, volunteering, engaging with like-minded individuals, and constantly seeking knowledge are the real catalysts for growth. He finds inspiration in students—their energy, curiosity, and hunger for learning push him to deliver his best every single day. Before stepping into the classroom, he reminds himself that his students deserve nothing less than his absolute best, and that thought alone fuels his passion for teaching.

One of his greatest inspirations has always been Lord Krishna. Growing up, Mahabharata was one of the few sources of entertainment available on television, and he watched every episode with fascination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the epic was re-telecast, he watched it again, this time with a deeper understanding. The wisdom of Lord Krishna's teachings to Arjuna resonated with him even more, especially the philosophy of karma—that one’s duty must always come before anything else.

This belief was reinforced during his training at the Officers Training Academy, Kamptee, where he was introduced to the principle of Naam, Namak, and Nishan—a core value system of loyalty, integrity, and honor. These values have shaped his professional and personal life, instilling in him an unshakable commitment to his work and students. He firmly believes that if one continues to do good work, recognition will follow—and even if it doesn’t, the satisfaction of knowing that one has given their best is reward enough.

For prospective students considering joining Chandigarh University Online, Dr. Gurpreet Singh emphasizes the unparalleled advantages of joining an institution committed to student success. The university goes beyond academics, ensuring that students are supported even after they graduate, making them lifelong members of an elite alumni network. With a strong global presence spanning all seven continents, Chandigarh University provides unparalleled networking opportunities, allowing students to leverage connections for career growth and professional development.

The university’s academic reputation speaks for itself. Recognized under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, Chandigarh University ranks among India’s top 20 universities, standing shoulder to shoulder with the prestigious IITs and IIMs. This distinction not only strengthens a student’s academic profile but also adds a valuable credential to their CV, opening doors to global career opportunities.

Beyond national recognition, Chandigarh University has also made its mark on the international stage, securing top rankings in the QS World University Rankings. It proudly holds the title of India’s top private university in the QS rankings, solidifying its position as a leader in higher education. This global recognition enhances students’ employability and academic credibility, making them stand out in competitive job markets.

Another key advantage of enrolling at Chandigarh University Online is the direct industry exposure that students receive. The university maintains strong industry partnerships, regularly hosting corporate leaders, industry experts, and recruiters on campus. This allows students to gain practical insights, build valuable industry connections, and stay updated with current market trends—all of which significantly enhance their career prospects.

The state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) of the university is another game-changer for students. Designed to adapt to individual learning needs, it provides a seamless, interactive, and engaging educational experience. Courses are taught by renowned faculty members, including some of the world’s top 2% scientists and leading industry experts. With access to 24/7 student support, digital libraries, and AI-powered learning modules, students receive a world-class education at their convenience.

Exam on Demand Promoter Dr. Gurpreet Singh also highlights the exceptional support system available to the students of Chandigarh University. Understanding the global nature of online education, the university has designed its student assistance services to be accessible across all time zones. No matter where the students live in the world, they can connect with academic mentors, technical support teams, and career advisors, ensuring that they never feel isolated in their educational journey.

One of the most rewarding moments for students is the grand convocation ceremony held at the Chandigarh University’s campus. The university ensures that online students receive the same honor and recognition as their on-campus counterparts. During these convocations, students are awarded degrees by prominent industry leaders and dignitaries. In the last convocation, former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, was the chief guest, adding a sense of prestige and motivation to the event.

Chandigarh University is not just known for academic excellence—it is also a powerhouse in sports. Recently, the university was awarded the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy, the highest honor in Indian university sports, presented by the Honorable President of India on January 17, 2025. This recognition reaffirms the university’s commitment to holistic development, encouraging students to excel in both academics and athletics.

The university takes immense pride in its outstanding athletes, including Arjuna Awardee sports personalities and international champions. Among its most celebrated alumni is cricketer Arshdeep Singh, who was recently honored as the ICC Cricketer of the Year. Such achievements underscore the university’s dedication to nurturing talent across diverse fields, allowing students to pursue their passions beyond academics.

Dr. Gurpreet Singh emphasizes that joining Chandigarh University Online is not just about earning a degree—it’s about becoming part of a legacy. The university provides students with the resources, connections, and opportunities needed to succeed in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Through all ups and downs, Dr. Singh’s philosophy remains unchanged—Karma is Dharma, and he continues to dedicate himself to empowering students, shaping futures, and upholding the highest standards of education.