Category education

Fr. Nelson A. D’Silva, S.J., Acting Director – XLRI Delhi-NCR
The plan to develop five University Townships along India’s major industrial and logistics corridors is a transformative step toward bridging the gap between education and industry. These townships are not mere clusters of buildings; they are integrated ecosystems where universities, research hubs, and skill centers coexist with residential spaces.

By colocating academia and industry, we create a living laboratory where learning is informed by real-world industrial challenges. The introduction of a ‘challenge route’ to guide States is particularly innovative—it encourages the creation of high-performance hubs rather than just additional infrastructure. This initiative ensures that graduates are ready to step directly from campus into leadership roles in India’s emerging sectors.

 Mr. Kanwal Jeet Jawa, President – DESDS (DJIME)
Placing University Townships adjacent to industrial and logistics hubs is a pragmatic approach to skill development. True mastery comes from learning in proximity to real-world operations, not in isolation. By integrating universities, skill centers, and research labs with industrial corridors, we establish a continuous pipeline of professionals attuned to India’s industry needs from day one.

The ‘challenge route’ is a forward-thinking measure, compelling States to focus on building sustainable ecosystems rather than just opening institutes. Students and mentors living and working near industrial hubs ensures a workforce that is genuinely industry-ready, transforming India from a nation of job seekers into a nation of skilled practitioners and innovators.

Mr. Avik Chattopadhyay, Chairperson, XADM & Founder, INDEA
The establishment of a new NID in Eastern India is a landmark move toward democratizing access to world-class design education. For too long, top-tier design opportunities were limited by geography; this initiative invites talent from every corner of the country to contribute to a nationwide creative renaissance.

Beyond addressing regional imbalances, this initiative fuels India’s growing demand for visual content—from digital media to immersive experiences. By linking education directly to enterprise via the new standing committee, we shift from producing mere stylists to nurturing problem solvers capable of driving Atmanirbhar innovation. This is about cultivating design as a national capability—transforming students into founders, creators, and value generators for tomorrow.

Pathikrit Dasgupta, Co-Founder,SabPaisa

By prioritizing AI and digital innovation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has outlined a roadmap for the next phase of India’s fintech revolution. At SabPaisa, we interpret this mandate as a call to action to make financial technologies more accessible than ever. We are committed to translating this national vision into practical solutions—building AI-ready, partner-first platforms that remove operational bottlenecks and drive tangible business value. This is a growth-oriented budget, and it fuels our resolve to empower Indian enterprises.

Mr. Shri Mahavir Goel, Chairman, Venkateshwar International School

“The Budget adopts a system-level approach to strengthening the education sector. It prioritises stronger school foundations through improved digital access, regional-language learning, and greater exposure to science and innovation. In higher education, the focus shifts towards advanced research, artificial intelligence, medical and professional training, and closer engagement with industry. By bringing schools, colleges and careers into closer alignment, the Budget positions education as a practical, outcome-driven system equipped to support India’s evolving economic and workforce needs.”

Mr. Ajit Chauhan, Chairman, Amity University Online

“The rise in education spending to ₹1,39,289 crore in Budget 2026–27, an 8.27% increase over last year, signals a strong national resolve to build future-ready human capital through sustained investment in learning.

The creation of the high-powered Education to Employment and Enterprise Standing Committee is a timely step, especially with its focus on the services sector as a growth engine for Viksit Bharat. By assessing how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping jobs and skill requirements, it can keep curricula and career pathways aligned with real market demand and help institutions respond faster. The priority now is outcome-led implementation and wider, high-quality online participation so future-ready skills scale beyond a few campuses.

These proposed measures will help make India’s talent pipeline a global growth engine, powering our country’s next phase of productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.”

“India’s approach to AI is becoming more grounded and outcome-focused. By positioning AI and emerging technologies as growth multipliers rather than a prestige race, the focus shifts to human-AI collaboration. Further, the proposal to set up a committee to review AI’s impact on the services sector with the ambition of capturing 10% of global services exports by 2047 highlights the scale of opportunity ahead and makes one thing clear: large-scale upskilling is a non-negotiable so the workforce can use AI confidently, ethically, and productively. Regulation will matter, but real value will come from enabling talent to apply AI effectively in everyday work.”

Chandigarh, Jan 31: In a significant step towards advancing India Japan cooperation in skilled workforce mobility, NSDC International  under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  Government of India, today organised a Send-Off Ceremony for a new batch of Indian candidates who have successfully completed Japanese language training and are proceeding to Japan for various opportunities across key sectors.

The ceremony was held at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi, and marked the departure of 39 candidates trained under NSDCI’s structured Japanese language and cultural readiness programme. The candidates will take up various opportunities in sectors such as caregiving, hospitality and agriculture, across multiple prefectures in Japan, including Tokyo and Ibaraki, Hokkaido etc.

The send-off ceremony represents a key milestone in NSDCI’s ongoing efforts to build a steady pipeline of India-ready talent for overseas employment through structured language training, cultural orientation and employer alignment. The Japanese language and cultural readiness programme is designed to ensure smooth workplace integration, enhance employability and support long-term retention of Indian professionals in Japan’s labour market.

Smt. Archana Mayaram, Economic Advisor, MSDE mentioned about the visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to Japan in August last year where the Leaders of India and Japan had reaffirmed the special strategic and global partnerships and had adopted a joint vision for the next decade.  An action plan of Human Resource Exchange of 5,00,000 personnel in the next 5 years, including 50,000 skilled professionals and potential talent from India to Japan has been envisioned. As structural realignment of the Global economy continues, India’s contribution to services sector is emerging as a strong pillar of the Global economy. The youngsters who are embarking on a journey to Japan are the real ambassadors of India and are representatives of growing presence of India in the global economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. ArunKumar Pillai, Chief Executive Officer, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), said,

“Skilled workforce mobility has become a defining pillar of international cooperation. As these young professionals take their first steps into the world, they are carrying not just their skills but the pride and values of India with them. Their journey to Japan reflects the growing global trust in India’s talent and in the quality of our skilling and language preparation. Through partnerships like these, we are creating real, life-changing pathways for our youth to build meaningful international careers  and in doing so, to strengthen India’s reputation as a dependable, future-ready partner for global workforce needs.”

NSDC International has so far trained over 400 candidates in Japanese language programmes aligned with Japanese industry requirements, with 185 candidates already successfully working in Japan. The current group has completed nearly nine months of language training, equipping them with both Japanese language proficiency and cultural understanding essential for workplace success.
Alongside the current cohort, preparations are underway to enable more than 100 candidates to undertake this journey as part of the engagement.

The candidates hail from diverse regions including Manipur, Mizoram, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on inclusive access to global opportunities, regardless of geography or background. The candidates will be working in reputed Japanese organisations across multiple prefectures, supporting Japan’s workforce needs while enhancing India’s global talent footprint.

The Send-Off Ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced India’s commitment to skill-led international mobility, positioning Indian youth as reliable contributors to global value chains.

NSDC International remains committed to expanding language training capacity, deepening international partnerships, and strengthening India’s role as a trusted source of skilled talent for the world.

BENGALURU, India, Jan 31: Wipro Limited today hosted the 15th edition of the Wipro earthian Awards 2025 at Azim Premji University, Bengaluru. The annual program promotes integrated sustainability education and recognizes schools and colleges across India that demonstrate meaningful and enduring engagement with sustainable practices and principles.

The 2025 Wipro earthian program saw over 2,000 submissions, with an independent jury selecting 25 winning teams. The projects showcased fresh insight into biodiversity, waste, and water, combining hands-on activities with reflective written work.

Anurag Behar, Chief Executive Officer, Azim Premji Foundation, and Narayan P. S., Global Head of Sustainability and Societal Initiatives, Wipro Limited, and Managing Trustee, Wipro Foundation, presented certificates and cash prizes to the winning teams.

“The strength of the Wipro earthian program lies in grounding sustainability in lived reality, helping students understand water stress through nearby lakes and rivers, biodiversity through neighborhood species, and waste through everyday community practices,” said Narayan P.S. “Across regions and schools, students have moved well beyond awareness to sustained engagement, approaching real environmental challenges with curiosity, rigor, and empathy. Their work reflects a deep understanding of sustainability as a shared responsibility. At a time when global crises can feel distant or overwhelming, it reinforces an essential principle that meaningful care for the planet begins at home.”

This year, 24 sustainability educators from 14 regional non-governmental organizations (NGOs), part of the Wipro Sustainability Educators Network (SEN), collaborated closely with local communities to lead activities such as nature camps, library sessions, and winter and summer sustainability schools. In addition, over 100 schools were recognized by the Wipro Foundation at events conducted by the NGOs, enabling deep, localized learning and building student awareness of real-world environmental challenges.

Wipro earthian also supports sustainability in higher education through the ‘Ideas to Impact (i2I)’ challenge, run in collaboration with IIT Madras since 2023. The contest encourages students to validate and develop eco-innovative ideas into workable prototypes that deepen understanding and promote action toward ecological sustainability. Since launch, i2I has seen national participation of 2,700 entries from over 1,300 colleges, with 10 teams being recognized this year for innovations in Energy, Building Materials, and Water.

Since its inception in 2011, Wipro earthian has engaged with more than 51,000 schools, 210,000 students, and 41,000 teachers. Its impact has grown through collaborations with partners such as CEE (Centre for Environment Education), CPREEC (C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre), Wild Ecologues, IIT Madras, IIM Bangalore, state governments, and educators in the Sustainability Educators Network.

In a watershed moment for Indian defence education and technological advancement, the Indian Institute of Technology  Ropar formalized a historic Memorandum of Agreement  with the Indian Army to launch the M.Tech programme in Defence Technology. This pioneering initiative, designed exclusively for officers of the Armoured Corps Centre & School  marks an unprecedented collaboration between premier academic institutions and the armed forces, positioning India firmly on the path to becoming a global defence technology leader by 2047.

A First for Indian Institutes of Technology

This groundbreaking programme represents the first time any IIT in India has established such a comprehensive defence technology partnership with the armed forces. The initiative goes beyond conventional academic offerings, creating a robust ecosystem where cutting-edge research, applied innovation, and military operational expertise converge to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, emphasized the transformative nature of this partnership:

“This collaboration marks a paradigm shift in how India approaches defence technology education. By bringing together the intellectual rigor of IIT Ropar with the operational excellence of the Indian Army, we are creating a unique model that will produce defence technology leaders capable of driving India’s self-reliance in critical defence sectors. This is our contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Empowering Mid-Level Officers with Advanced Defence Technology

The M.Tech  programme has been meticulously crafted through joint efforts of ACC&S and IIT Ropar, ensuring perfect alignment between academic rigor and military requirements. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning, hands-on research, and innovation-driven problem-solving, preparing officers to become technology leaders within the armed forces.

Upon successful completion of the programme, officers will be awarded an M.Tech  degree from IIT Ropar, a credential that represents the highest standards of technical excellence and innovation. This qualification will enable them to spearhead technological modernization initiatives across armoured formations and contribute significantly to indigenization efforts in defence manufacturing.

Comprehensive Research and Development Ecosystem

Beyond the academic programme, the MoA establishes an expansive framework for joint research and development initiatives that will address critical technological challenges facing India’s defence sector. The partnership encompasses several strategic focus areas like Joint Research & Development Initiatives, Next-Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle  Technologies, Advanced Armament Solutions and New Materials and Technologies for Armoured Platforms

Distinguished Presence at Inaugural Session

The inaugural session witnessed the participation of distinguished leaders from both institutions, underscoring the strategic importance of this collaboration. The MoA was formally signed by Maj Gen Vikram Varma, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, ACC&S and Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar.

The ceremony was graced by eminent personalities including Lt Gen S S Mahal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM Professor of Practice, IIT Ropar; Shri Virbhadra Singh Rawat, Professor of Practice, IIT Ropar; Prof. Sarang Gumfekar, Associate Dean (PG and Research), IIT Ropar; Brig Kaushal Panwar, Commander SOTT; Col Tarun Badola, Senior Instructor, HQ SOTTT; and esteemed faculty and staff from both ACC&S and MIC&S.

Setting a New Benchmark for Defence Academia Partnerships

The IIT Ropar-Indian Army partnership is expected to serve as a template for similar collaborations across the country. It demonstrates how academic institutions and defence establishments can pool their respective strengths to address complex national security challenges while fostering innovation ecosystems.

The research outcomes from this collaboration are anticipated to benefit not only the armed forces but also contribute to civilian applications in areas such as autonomous vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and materials engineering. This dual-use approach maximizes the societal impact of research investments while accelerating technology transfer from laboratory to field.

A Testament to Innovation-Driven Leadership

As India aspires to become a global leader in defence technology and manufacturing, initiatives like the IIT Ropar-Indian Army M.Tech (Defence Technology) programme represent critical building blocks. This collaboration exemplifies innovation-driven leadership, strategic foresight, and commitment to national excellence that will define Viksit Bharat 2047.

Pune, Jan 31: Pune Knowledge Cluster, under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in collaboration with Salaam Bombay Foundation, organised EduConclave 3.0 on January 30, 2026, at Savitribai Phule Pune University.

The two-day conclave brought together educators, policymakers and STEM practitioners to explore new and practical approaches to STEM education in India. The programme featured hands-on workshops on Artificial Intelligence and Zero-Cost Game-Based Learning, a panel discussion on building future-ready classrooms, and a STEM showcase highlighting emerging education technologies.

A key highlight of EduConclave 3.0 was TechVision, a student-led technology exhibition where students from government and government-aided schools presented solutions to real-world challenges. More than 750 students from over 25 schools across Mumbai, Pune and Nashik participated, developing over 100 projects across robotics, artificial intelligence and other new-age technologies. The top 14 projects were showcased at the conclave, which was attended by over 1,000 students from 19 government schools in Pune.

Among the notable innovations was SpoilAlert, developed by students Ayush Bhosale and Shreyash Bile. The handheld food safety scanner detects whether food is fresh or spoiled by sensing spoilage gases and changes in colour and moisture, with results displayed instantly on a screen. Designed as a low-cost, non-destructive device, it aims to reduce food waste and help prevent foodborne illnesses.

In the agriculture category, ShetiSuraksha, an autonomous farming robot created by Arjun Vishwasroa and Soham Hajare, attracted attention for its practical application. The robot monitors plant and soil conditions, waters only dry areas, detects rainfall, deters pests, and sends real-time updates to the farmer’s phone. The solution is designed to save water and labour while supporting healthier crops and more efficient farm management.

Other innovations include: SalineGuard Pro (saline monitoring system that silently tracks fluid levels and alerts nurses in time – enhancing patient safety without disturbing hospital calm), NextGen Cart (a smart shopping cart that scans barcodes, verifies item weight, and shows real-time billing on your phone – making checkout faster, fairer, and hassle-free), Poll Wizard (digital voting system that ensures secure, duplicate-free polling with instant results and easy Excel-based data management), FallWatch (bike-mounted fall detection system that senses accidents and instantly shares live location with emergency contacts for faster lifesaving response), among others.

Dr. Priya Nagaraj, Interim-CEO, Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC) said,

“We are very happy to be hosting the third year of EduConclave, which is our annual education conference.  This year’s focus is on integrating digital pedagogies into school teaching and learning practices.  We are happy to see that we have more than 70 participants, and we have a very large student-led exhibition as part of EduConclave this year.  

We hope to continue this legacy of having education and STEM education conferences in Pune, and we hope this becomes a flagship event for many educators and organizations working in STEM pedagogies to come, collaborate, network, and bring about meaningful change and impact in education.”

Commenting on the conclave, Mr. Gaurav Arora, Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President – skills@school & Sports, Salaam Bombay Foundation, said,

“Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, EduConclave underscores the importance of experiential and inquiry-based STEM education in bridging learning gaps for students from resource-challenged backgrounds. By nurturing curiosity and confidence at the school level, our collaboration with Pune Knowledge Cluster aims to strengthen pathways to higher education and future careers in science and technology.”

EduConclave 3.0 concluded with a strong call to action to ensure equitable access to quality STEM education across regions and school systems. By placing students at the centre of innovation and learning, the conclave reaffirmed a shared commitment to building inclusive, future-ready education ecosystems that empower young minds to explore, innovate and lead.

ITM University, Raipur Legal Aid Clinic Organizes Drug Awareness and Health Guidance Workshop under NALSA Scheme

Raipur, Jan 30: The Legal Aid Clinic of ITM University, Raipur organized a workshop on Drug Awareness and Health Guidance under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) scheme. The objective of the workshop was to create awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and to encourage them to adopt a healthy and responsible lifestyle.

Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro Vice Chancellor of ITM University, Raipur, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the students of Mother’s Pride School, she emphasized the importance of managing academic stress wisely during student life and staying away from substance abuse. Dr. Murthy highlighted that making informed and healthy choices at a young age plays a crucial role in shaping a successful future.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jellis Subhan, Head of the Department, Faculty of Law, advised students to remain vigilant about the serious physical, mental, and social dangers associated with drug addiction and to consciously avoid such habits.

As part of the program, students of the Faculty of Law, ITM University presented an impactful street play focusing on drug awareness, which was well received by the audience. A short film titled “Dhuaan”, depicting the ill effects of drug abuse, was also screened for the students.

Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro Vice Chancellor, ITM University, Raipur, said, 

“Managing academic stress wisely and staying away from substance abuse are essential for students to build a healthy and successful future.”

Students and teachers from Mother’s Pride School, along with professors and students of ITM University, were present at the event. The program was conducted by Dr. Shivli Shrivastava, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, ITM University.

The workshop concluded with a strong message encouraging students to lead a drug-free life and to spread awareness in society about the harmful consequences of substance abuse.

SVKM’s NMIMS opens undergraduate registrations for 2026–27 admissions across Commerce, Engineering, Law, Design, and Mathematics

 As graduates build successful careers in consulting, banking, analytics, law, technology, design, and data science, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Deemed-to-be University, has opened registrations for undergraduate admissions for the academic year 2026–27. Registrations for all UG programs have begun from 28th January 2026 across its multiple campuses: Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Shirpur,  Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore and Chandigarh. The undergraduate programs span Engineering, Technology Management, Pharmacy, Commerce, Economics, Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, Management, Law, Design, and Mathematical Sciences. Exam dates vary by program and are available on the official NMIMS website. 

For students aspiring to careers in commerce, management, economics, humanities, and international studies, admissions are offered through the NMIMS Programme Aptitude Test (NPAT). It opens doors to the School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Liberal Arts, School of Branding & Advertising, Centre for International Studies, and the Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Management. The programs offered include BBA, B.Com (Minor in Business Analytics), B.Sc (Finance), BBA (FinTech), Integrated BBA–MBA, B.Sc (Economics), BA Liberal Arts, BBA Branding & Advertising, BBA International Business, BBA Management & Marketing, and BBA (Hons.) Finance. Known for interdisciplinary teaching, global exposure, and industry-aligned curriculum, NPAT is counted among India’s most desirable UG entrance pathways. Graduates secured jobs in leading companies with top packages of ₹24.30 LPA for BBA and ₹22.55 LPA for B.Com and B.Sc Finance.

Engineering, technology management, and pharmacy programmes are offered through the NMIMS Common Entrance Test (NCET). It is a gateway to the School of Technology Management & Engineering and the School of Pharmacy & Technology Management across NMIMS campuses, except Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The programs at these schools include B.Tech, the integrated five-year MBA Tech (B.Tech + MBA), and Pharma Tech (B.Pharm + MBA). From ABET-accredited engineering degrees to NIRF-ranked multidisciplinary technology-management pathways, NCET prepares students with strong technical and leadership skills. Graduates have benefitted with more than 500 recruiters visiting the campus for placements, with the highest package reaching ₹1.22 crore.  

Law aspirants can seek admission through the NMIMS Law Aptitude Test (NLAT). It gives aspirants entry to the School of Law and opens admission to B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.). These courses integrate legal education with humanities and management, equipping students to tackle the changing legal landscape. Students gain practical exposure through moot courts, internships, legal writing, and case studies, building foundations in subjects like Political Science, Economics, Sociology, History, and core legal principles including Constitutional, Criminal, and Contract Law. Graduates from SVKM’s NMIMS School of Law have secured placements with packages up to ₹19 LPA.

Design education at NMIMS is offered through the NMIMS Design Aptitude Test (NDAT). It provides access to the School of Design for its unique four-year AICTE-approved B.Des. in Humanising Technology degree program, which aims to make designing technology more humane, accessible and purposeful. The program offers specialisations into Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and Cognitive-science-based product design. Graduates have secured jobs across varied roles in EdTech, Gaming, Digital Media, IT Services, and Design Consulting with the highest package of ₹26.4 LPA.

For students inclined towards mathematics, analytics, and data-driven careers, the NMIMS Mathematical Sciences Test (MST) enables entry to the Nilkamal School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics & Analytics. The School offers B.Sc programs in Data Science, Applied Statistics & Analytics, and Applied Mathematical Computing. Graduates have secured placements in leading companies with the top package being ₹22 LPA.

DPS Hinjawadi Marks Republic Day with ‘Khushi Utsav’, Celebrating Empathy, Inclusion, and Shared Citizenship

Pune, Jan 30: Delhi Public School (DPS), Hinjawadi, celebrated Republic Day 2026 with its signature Khushi Utsav and Khushi Bazaar, an initiative designed to reinforce the constitutional values of empathy, inclusivity, and collective responsibility.

As part of the celebrations, the school welcomed 50 families from a nearby ZP school in Nande village, including students and their family members, as special guests. Thoughtfully prepared utility and learning kits were distributed with dignity, promoting equality, respect, and compassion.

Students actively participated in the festivities, embodying the spirit of service and celebration. Parent-led stalls, including food, ice-cream, and simple game counters, added warmth and vibrancy, while adventure and activity zones created an engaging experience for visiting children and families.

A highlight of the event was the flag unfurling ceremony, jointly conducted by the youngest child from the visiting ZP school and the Principal of DPS Hinjawadi, symbolising unity, equality, and collective national pride.

Addressing the gathering, Principal Dr. Jaya Parekh shared the message: “Anekta mein ekta hai, aur ekta mein bal hai”—unity in diversity and strength in unity. She emphasised that all children are equal and highlighted the joy of sharing as a powerful learning experience.

The initiative received strong appreciation from the ZP school’s principal, teachers, and students, who lauded the school’s culture, staff commitment, and student involvement. Conceived as the first step in a long-term vision, Khushi Utsav and Khushi Bazaar are planned to become an annual Republic Day tradition, reinforcing DPS Hinjawadi’s belief in nurturing empathy, responsibility, and citizenship alongside academic excellence.