Pune University to Award Academic Credits to Students Assisting at Nashik Kumbh Mela
Pune, 5th February 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has decided to award academic credits to students who assist the administration during the Nashik Kumbh Mela scheduled for 2026–27. The initiative, primarily aimed at colleges in Nashik district, is expected to be finalised in the coming days.
The Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad, requiring large-scale planning and coordination. Students will be able to contribute in areas such as traffic management, healthcare services, CCTV monitoring, crowd and disaster management, research, environmental protection and other support activities.
The proposal to grant credits was moved by SPPU Management Council member Sagar Vaidya and has received approval from Vice-Chancellor Dr Suresh Gosavi, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Parag Kalkar, as well as the Management Council and Academic Council.
Under the scheme, students will be awarded two credits under the ‘Open Elective Credit’ system after completing 60 hours of work. Eligible students will also receive certificates from the Kumbh Mela administration.
University officials said the initiative will provide students with hands-on experience in administration, planning and research, while also supplying much-needed manpower to the authorities. Meetings have already been held with the Kumbh Mela administration and police, and further discussions with college principals will be conducted to finalise the framework.
