Category education

Entry-Level Digital Marketing Hiring Holds Steady, Setting the Stage for Skill-Led Growth in 2026: Kraftshala’s Hiring Trends Report 2025

New Delhi, Jan 30: Kraftshala, India’s leading outcome-focused edtech platform for marketing and sales, has released its Digital Marketing Hiring Trends Report 2025, highlighting sustained momentum in entry-level digital marketing hiring and a distinctly skill-driven outlook for 2026.

The report analyses over 750 entry-level roles floated through Kraftshala’s placement processes across its flagship programs, offering a data-backed view of how hiring patterns are evolving for early-career marketers in India.

Agencies continued to dominate entry-level hiring, accounting for nearly 70% of all roles. Brands, while recruiting fewer candidates overall, demonstrated a sharper focus on depth of skill and ownership. Notably, brand-side roles were 62% more likely to offer higher CTCs, reflecting expectations around analytical thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and direct business impact.

From a geographic standpoint, India’s major metros remained the primary hiring hubs. Delhi-NCR (30%), Bangalore (27%), and Mumbai (18%) together accounted for over three-fourths of all entry-level roles. At the same time, cities such as Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Chandigarh showed rising participation, pointing to a gradual expansion of India’s digital marketing hiring footprint beyond the top three metros.

Workplace preferences remained largely consistent through 2025. As many as 91.5% of roles were in-office or hybrid, with employers continuing to prioritise collaboration, faster learning cycles, and hands-on problem-solving for early-career professionals.

The report also highlights a clear shift in demand toward high-impact roles. Growth marketing, e-commerce and D2C, programmatic, account management, and brand marketing emerged as some of the most sought-after—and better-paying—entry-level opportunities.

Commenting on the trend, Satish Kadu, CEO and Founder of YOptima, said,

“As brands push for measurable business outcomes, programmatic talent that can drive performance through data, automation, and cross-channel decisioning has become mission-critical.”

Expectations around AI proficiency at the entry level have also evolved. Shivaprasad Nair, Managing Director at Assembly Global, noted,

“AI is now basic hygiene for entry-level marketers. What sets candidates apart is learning agility—the ability to apply tools thoughtfully, interpret data, and adapt as workflows evolve.”

Sharing insights from the report, Varun Satia, Founder and CEO of Kraftshala, said,

“What 2025 clearly showed us is that entry-level digital marketing hiring in India is not slowing down—it’s maturing. As we move into 2026, there is real opportunity for candidates who build strong fundamentals and apply them thoughtfully. Recruiters are actively hiring, but they are being far more deliberate about the talent they bring in.”

The report also observes meaningful changes in recruitment processes. With the growing use of AI tools making resumes and assignments easier to standardise, recruiters increasingly moved away from automated screening. Instead, live problem-solving, case-based discussions, and practical exercises gained prominence—making hiring more competitive, but also more transparent for well-prepared candidates.

Mumbai, Jan 29: In a vibrant display of community spirit and environmental advocacy, the Senior KG students of Gopi Birla Memorial School took to the streets near their school premises, to host an impactful Environmental Protection Awareness Drive. This initiative was organized to foster a deep sense of responsibility toward the Earth from a young age while actively engaging the local community in sustainable practices.

The heart of the activity involved a group of young student representatives who shared brief, insightful messages on the pressing challenges of Air, Water, and Noise pollution, as well as practical solutions for saving our natural resources. Supporting their peers, the remaining students lined the area with hand-crafted placards and banners, creating a powerful visual reminder of the importance of going green.

This interactive flow not only enhanced the students’ public speaking skills but also boosted the school’s visibility as a centre for mindful education. By consistently integrating real-world issues into the early years of learning, Gopi Birla Memorial School successfully empowered its youngest learners to act as true catalysts for change.

New Delhi, Jan 29: NICMAR, India’s premier and dedicated institution for Construction, Real Estate, Infrastructure and Project Management education  has received an overwhelming nationwide response to its flagship Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge, with participation from more than 500 colleges across the country. The initiative aims to encourage undergraduate students to solve real-world infrastructure challenges has now evolved into one of India’s largest student-led innovation movements focused on the built environment.

Supported by the All India Council for Technical Education , the Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge offers prizes worth INR 30 lakh. Designed as a structured, multi-stage and multi-city programme, the challenge ensures wide grassroots participation while systematically identifying and nurturing promising ideas at a national level. Over 500 participating colleges are currently conducting their college-level rounds, each independently hosting evaluations to select one winning team. These rounds will conclude by 31st January, after which selected teams will advance to the next phase of the competition.

College-level winners will progress to city-level cohort rounds, where teams from peer institutions will compete regionally. City rounds are being hosted across 11 key venues including Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Winners from the city rounds will move on to the Regional Rounds, followed by the National Grand Finale, where finalists will present their ideas before industry experts, academicians and thought leaders.

The Bharat Nav-Nirmaan Challenge has also drawn participation from several leading and well-recognised institutions, underlining its academic relevance and national significance. Participating institutions include IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Hyderabad, along with NIT Calicut, NIT Hamirpur, NIT Kurukshetra, NIT Meghalaya, and hundreds of other engineering, architecture and planning institutions across metro cities and emerging education hubs.

Commenting on the scale and impact of the initiative, Gaurav Bajpai, Director, Marketing, NICMAR, said, 

“The response to Bharat Nav Nirmaan Challenge has been truly overwhelming. With participation from more than 500 colleges and students engaging across multiple cities and stages, the initiative has evolved into a genuine national movement. It clearly reflects the aspiration of India’s youth to contribute meaningfully to the country’s infrastructure and development journey. Bharat Nav Nirmaan is not just a competition-it is a platform where ideas meet opportunity, and young innovators begin shaping the future of the nation.”

The initiative is anchored in the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 is encouraging final-year and pre-final-year undergraduate students in civil engineering, architecture, core engineering and allied disciplines to move beyond classroom learning and engage with practical, future-ready solutions for India’s infrastructure needs. Student teams are developing ideas across key focus areas such as sustainable infrastructure, urbanisation, mobility, housing, energy efficiency, water management and resilient cities.

Greater Noida,  Jan 29: Galgotias University has been featured in the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 by Subject, earning global placements in Business, Computer Science, and Life Sciences. The recognition underscores the University’s commitment to academic excellence, research outcomes, and industry-aligned learning.

The rankings highlight Galgotias University’s continued focus on delivering high-quality teaching, practical learning experiences, and globally benchmarked curricula that prepare students for professional success across key disciplines.

Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said:

“This recognition reflects our continued focus on strengthening academic quality across key disciplines. We have built robust teaching frameworks, relevant curricula, and learning environments that prepare students for real-world professional roles. Galgotias University remains committed to delivering globally benchmarked education while staying closely aligned with industry and student aspirations.”

Subject-wise Global Performance:

• Business and Economics (601–800 band): Demonstrates strength in management education, cultivating analytical, decision-making, and business skills for corporate and entrepreneurial roles.

• Computer Science (601–800 band): Highlights focus on computing education and core technologies, preparing students for the digital and technology-driven global workforce.

• Life Sciences (801–1000 band): Reflects progress in life sciences education, aligned with healthcare, research, and innovation.

In an increasingly competitive global landscape, this recognition reinforces Galgotias University’s growing academic credibility, its emphasis on teaching excellence, and meaningful engagement with the professional world. By equipping graduates with the skills to adapt, contribute, and lead, the University continues to support India’s future-ready talent ecosystem and strengthen higher education outcomes.

BITS Pilani WILP Launches Cutting-Edge Programmes in AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity to Empower Professionals and Entrepreneurs

BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) today announced the launch of specialized courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), and Cybersecurity. The new offerings underscore WILP’s commitment to advancing India’s digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem by equipping working professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations with future‑ready skills to meet the growing demand for advanced technology expertise across industries.

The 11‑month Post Graduate Certificate in AI & ML is designed for graduates in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering (B.Sc., B.Tech., and higher). The programme builds expertise in Generative AI, Agentic AI, MLOps for production-grade AI systems, and computer vision through a mix of core courses, electives, and a capstone project. Foundation modules in Python and Math are available for those who require additional preparation, ensuring accessibility for learners from diverse academic backgrounds.

The 12‑month Post Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity is open to candidates with a four‑year Integrated First Degree of BITS or its equivalent such as B.E., B.Tech., M.Sc., or MCA. It focusses on advanced skills in AI/ML for security, modern cryptography, ethical hacking, and compliance frameworks, with emphasis on programming, computer networks, operating systems, and databases. The curriculum combines core courses, electives, and applied projects to prepare professionals to safeguard digital infrastructure against evolving threats.

Commenting on the launch, Prof. G. Sundar, Director, BITS WILP said,

“At BITS WILP, our focus is on bridging the skill gap that industries face today. These new programmes in AIML, and Cybersecurity are not just about mastering advanced technologies, they are about preparing professionals to lead responsibly, apply knowledge in real-world contexts, and strengthen the digital resilience of organizations. By embedding experiential learning and industry alignment into the curriculum, we ensure that learners graduate ready to drive innovation and safeguard the future of India’s digital economy.”

Both programmes are designed for working professionals, offering flexible, industry‑aligned learning while continuing in their professions. Enrolment opens in January 2026, with the first batch commencing in April.

The scholarship is designed to help students develop career-ready skills aligned with the evolving demands of the global workforce. It forms part of the University’s wider commitment to investing more than £3 million in international talent, reflecting its long-standing focus on graduate employability. This focus is recognised by leading recruiters, with the University, regularly featuring at the top of the Highfliers rankings for institutions most targeted by graduate employers.

As industries are reshaped by rapid technological change, demographic shifts, and complex global challenges, the ability to adapt, innovate, and apply interdisciplinary knowledge has become critical. Developing future skills, such as data literacy, digital fluency, systems thinking, and policy awareness is no longer optional but essential for long-term employability and leadership. 

For India, with a young and globally mobile talent pool, access to education that builds these capabilities equips graduates not only to succeed in international careers, but also to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, public health resilience, and sustainable development at home. 

Commenting on the initiative, Professor Mark Lee, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (India), University of Birmingham, said,

“The Future Skills Scholarship reinforces the University of Birmingham’s commitment to supporting Indian students as they pursue world-class education and develop the skills that will shape tomorrow’s industries. Education opens doors, expands horizons, and creates new possibilities, and we are committed to ensuring that more Indian students can access these opportunities.”

The scholarships are open to students domiciled in India who are prepared to commence full-time study in September 2026. 

The scholarship applies to the following programmes:

• MSc Business Analytics
• MSc Marketing
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Advanced Engineering Management
• MPH Public Health
• MSc Molecular Biotechnology
• MA International Relations
• LLM programmes (excluding LLM Energy and Environmental Law – Distance Learning)

From Campus to Global Stage: Win INR 2 Lakh, National Recognition & a Trip to AiVancity, France at KRUU & ASME’s GRASP 2026 AI Hackathon

KRUU, in association with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), has announced the launch of KRUU GRASP 2026, a national-level AI hackathon designed to recognise clear thinking, applied reasoning, and real-world problem solving among college students across India. Winners will receive cash prizes totaling INR 1.85 lakh, certificates jointly issued by Kruu, ASME, and partners, national-level recognition, structured expert feedback, internship opportunities, and potential global exposure, including opportunities with France-based AI institutions.

The hackathon is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students across engineering, science, healthcare, management, design, and interdisciplinary programs, with teams of three students each. Cross-disciplinary participation is strongly encouraged.

Students can apply across 4 strategic domains: AI for Social Good, AI for Education, AI for Medicine and Applied engineering.

Conceptualized and led by KRUU as the program architect, GRASP 2026 is delivered in collaboration with ASME, leveraging their global engineering excellence and professional adjudication. Supported by outreach partners CGSSC (Capital Goods & Strategic Goods & Strategic Skill Council) and Information and Communication Technology Academy of Kerala (ICTAK), the program combines KRUU’s AI-based evaluation systems with industry-aligned assessments.

Scheduled for February 6–8, 2026, GRASP departs from traditional speed-coding marathons. It introduces a thinking-first, worksheet-driven framework that mirrors professional R&D and global innovation ecosystems. Rather than focusing on interface polish, participants are judged on:

• Problem Framing & Logic
• Data Reasoning & Feasibility
• Ethics & Execution Thinking

Participants will be evaluated through a multi-layered process, including AI-based scoring of reasoning worksheets, validation through working demos, and final adjudication by a joint jury comprising professors, industry experts, and ASME representatives.

With GRASP 2026, the organizers aim to address a growing gap in AI education — shifting the focus from tool usage to reasoning quality, responsible design, and decision-making clarity.

Important Dates & Program Milestones

•       February 5, 2026 – Registration & National Launch

○        National announcement of GRASP 2026

○        Registrations open

○        Domains, challenges overview, and evaluation philosophy released

•       February 6, 2026 – Kick-Off & Masterclass

○        9:00 AM: Public reveal of 12 national AI challenges

○        11:00 AM: Mandatory masterclass led by industry leaders

○        2:00 PM: Execution window opens

•       February 6–7, 2026 – Deep Design & Submission Phase

○        System design sprint and reasoning refinement

○        Thinking audits and worksheet-based submissions

○        11:59 PM (Feb 7): Final submission deadline (Worksheets + working demo/prototype)

•       February 8, 2026 – Evaluation, Jury Review & Awards

○        6:00 AM: AI-based national shortlisting

○        2:00 PM: Jury deep-dive with faculty, industry experts, and ASME representatives

○        8:00 PM: Grand finale and winners announcement

By: Prof. Seema Mahajan, Pro Vice Chancellor and Director, School of Entrepreneurship & Family Business Management, SVKM’s NMIMS Mumbai

On International Day of Education, it is imperative to recognise that education has shifted from a degree-granting function to a strategic capability-building engine for global readiness. In a hyper-connected world, learning can no longer be geographically siloed or confined to institutions. Competitive advantage in education now emerges through purposeful cross-border knowledge exchange—where institutions, faculty, industry, and learners co-create solutions to complex and competitive global challenges.

Equally critical is the design of inclusive learning ecosystems that democratize access across gender, geography, and generations, enabling every learner to participate in and benefit from global opportunity structures.  International partnerships must evolve from symbolic MoUs to outcome-driven collaborations encompassing joint degrees, faculty co-creation, applied research, and mobility frameworks. As disruption accelerates across industries, education must develop adaptive leaders with systems thinking, ethical judgment, cultural intelligence, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The future of education will be shaped by globally aligned institutions that collaborate, not compete, to build resilient and future-ready societies.

By:  Mr. Roy Aniruddha, Co-Founder & Chairman of TechnoStruct Academy

“The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹1.28 lakh crore to education, including ₹20,000 crore for private R&D and ₹500 crore for AI Centres of Excellence. Despite this, results remain limited: India produces 1.5 million engineers each year, yet only 42.6% are employable (Mercer-Mettl 2025). R&D spending is just 0.7% of GDP, and nearly 99% of graduates from non-elite institutions struggle due to outdated, theory-heavy curricula that lack practical skills like BIM, VDC, and advanced manufacturing. The construction sector alone loses over ₹1.5 lakh crore annually due to digital skill gaps.

Budget 2026 must focus on vocational engineering skills rather than just credentials. Key measures should include lowering GST on skill-based courses to make them more affordable, offering tax incentives for industry-led skilling platforms and digital labs, and launching a National Construction Tech Skilling Mission with hands-on project learning and apprenticeship programs. Industry-aligned vocational training already achieves up to 95% placement for non-elite graduates. Targeted skilling reforms are essential to improving employability, boosting productivity, and driving long-term economic growth.”

Patna, Jan 22: Noted author and legendary socio-cultural thinker Dr. Birbal Jha has issued a national appeal urging citizens, students, educators, and educational institutions to observe Saraswati Chaturthi, the day preceding Basant Panchami, as a day of introspection, discipline, and reverence for knowledge.

Highlighting India’s civilisational ethos of preparation before celebration, Dr. Jha said the proposed observance draws inspiration from the ancient gurukul tradition and the Indian concept of sankalp—a conscious resolve that precedes all meaningful beginnings.

“In India, we do not rush into celebration. We prepare before we pray, reflect before we rejoice, and purify before we celebrate. Saraswati Chaturthi is about restoring that lost rhythm of reflection in our educational and cultural life,” said Dr Birbal Jha, known as the ‘Youngest Living Legend of Mithila’.

Basant Panchami is traditionally celebrated across India as the auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of wisdom, learning, language, music, and the arts. Dr. Jha proposes that observing Saraswati Chaturthi a day earlier would serve as a spiritual and intellectual prelude to the festival.

“Basant Panchami is the celebration of knowledge; Saraswati Chaturthi can be the preparation for it. Knowledge blossoms only when approached with humility and preparedness,” he remarked.

According to the appeal, Saraswati Chaturthi may be observed as a day for students and educators to reflect on their educational journey, renew their commitment to lifelong learning, and cultivate discipline, curiosity, humility, and gratitude. The initiative also encourages people to buy, collect, organise, cherish, and honour books and learning materials, reaffirming the cultural sanctity of knowledge.

Dr. Jha emphasised that the appeal does not seek to replace or alter any existing religious or cultural traditions, but rather aims to enrich the celebration of Basant Panchami by reviving the preparatory spirit intrinsic to Indian philosophy.

“This is not about changing traditions; it is about deepening them. When preparation is restored, celebration becomes more meaningful and purposeful,” he said.

Calling educational institutions, the “temples of modern India,” Dr. Jha urged schools, colleges, and universities to play a proactive role in adopting the observance.

“Education should not be reduced to mere employability. It is a sacred journey of character, culture, and consciousness. Saraswati Chaturthi can remind students that learning is a lifelong pursuit, not a transactional activity,” Dr Jha added.

Dr. Jha expressed hope that the observance would strengthen India’s knowledge tradition and inspire future generations to approach learning with devotion and dignity.

The appeal has been issued by Dr. Birbal Jha, Managing Director of British Lingua and Chairman of the Mithilalok Foundation, both institutions known for their work in education, language, and cultural advocacy.

The proposed observance concludes with a collective call to the nation to prepare before celebrating, reflect before rejoicing, and learn before proclaiming.
“Jai Maa Sharde,” the appeal concludes.