Category education

Jamshedpur, India: Building on the successful launch of its pioneering executive education initiative in public policy and leadership, XLRI – Xavier School of Management has commenced admissions for the second batch of its flagship Public Policy & Sustainable Leadership (PPSL) programme.

Launched in collaboration with the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Government of India, PPSL, the one-year hybrid executive programme, has emerged as a distinctive interdisciplinary platform bringing together policymakers, administrators, academicians, development professionals, sustainability practitioners, professionals from private sector under one academic ecosystem. One of the unique elements of the programme is the eclectic class mix comprising of both government sponsored candidates and self-sponsored candidates.

The inaugural cohort includes officers from the Government of India (IAS, IPS, IFoS and State Civil Service officers) and various state governments, senior professionals from UN Women, PSI India, Council on Energy, Environment & Water (CEEW), PCI India, IBM Research Labs, and academicians from public administration institutes.

The 180 hours programme has been carefully designed to accommodate working professionals through a hybrid delivery format combining two short immersive campus residencies with interactive online sessions held on Sundays. It offers a multidisciplinary curriculum covering public policy, public finance, public management, public systems, governance, sustainability, leadership, stakeholder engagement, business strategies & non-market strategies and emerging developmental challenges.

Speaking about the programme’s relevance and impact, Prof. Kalyan Bhaskar, Associate Professor, XLRI and Programme Director of PPSL, stated:

“The PPSL programme reflects XLRI’s larger vision of creating responsible leadership at the intersection of public policy, governance, civil society and public value creation. The diversity of the participants enriches classroom discussions, peer learning and enables meaningful dialogue between administration, academia, development sector and industry.”

With increasing complexities in public policy, governance, sustainability transitions and public administration, the programme aims to create a new generation of leaders capable of designing inclusive, ethical and evidence-driven solutions for society.

The second batch is expected to further strengthen the programme’s relevance by fostering collaborative learning among officers, practitioners and professionals working across public systems and developmental institutions.

The last date for application is 18th August 2026. The program commences on 18th September 2026 with the inaugural campus component at XLRI Jamshedpur.

More details about the programme, eligibility and admissions are available at the XLRI website. Link: https://application-portal.xlri.ac.in/ppsl

Guwahati, May 16 : Indian Institute of Technology Guwahatikicked off the 44th Astronomical Society of India (ASI) Annual Meeting with a formal inauguration event today, 16th May 2026. The five-day conference has brought together over 600 astronomers, researchers, students, and science communicators from across the globe.

This event marks a special milestone for IIT Guwahati and the Northeast scientific community, as ASI Annual Meeting has returned to the region after 30 years. The conference was last hosted in the Northeast by Gauhati University in 1996.

The inaugural ceremony of the event was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Devendra Ojha, President, Astronomical Society of India, and Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati.

Other dignitaries present during the event included, Prof. Sukumar Nandi, Dean of Administration; Prof. Santabrata Das, Chair, Local Organizing Committee, IIT Guwahati, along with Prof. Sarita Vig, Secretary, Astronomical Society of India; Prof. Anandamayee Tej, Chair, Scientific Organizing Committee; Prof. Yashwant Gupta, Director, National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune; Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru; Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Vice‑Chancellor, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), and Prof. Manish K. Naja, Director, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, among others.

Welcoming the participants, Devendra Jalihal, Director, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, said,

“We are delighted to host the 44th Annual Meeting of Astronomical Society of India at IIT Guwahati and bring together researchers, students, and members of the scientific community on our campus. Such gatherings play an important role in inspiring young minds, especially in the Northeast, to connect with the wonders of STEM and innovation. I am confident that this initiative will foster new ideas, collaborations, and greater engagement with science among students and researchers across the region.”

Established in 1972, the Astronomical Society of India is the professional association of astronomers in the country. With more than a thousand members dedicated to advancing astronomy and related sciences in India, this annual meeting serves as the Society’s flagship platform for scientific exchange, collaboration, and outreach.

Speaking during his ASI Presidential Address, Devendra Ojha said,

 “The Astronomical Society of India has a rich legacy spanning more than five decades since its establishment in 1972 and has evolved into a diverse and vibrant scientific community. I am particularly excited about this year’s conference as ASI returns to the Northeast after three decades. With new facilities such as large telescopes and next-generation observational infrastructure on the horizon, the future of astronomy in India is bright and offers immense opportunities for the astronomical community. Through this conference, we aim to create new avenues for young researchers to engage in meaningful scientific discoveries and foster collaborative research efforts.”

The five-day conference will feature more than 140 scientific talks and 355 poster presentations covering a diverse range of themes, including –

·Sun and Solar System

·Exoplanets and astrobiology

·Stars and galaxies

·Cosmology

·Astrochemistry

·Astronomy technologies

·Data science

·Astronomy education

·Heritage

·Gender equity in science.

A key highlight of the pre-event activities held on 15th May 2026 was a public lecture on the topic, “A Decade of AstroSat – India’s First Space Observatory”, delivered by Prof. Annapurni Subramanyam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and recipient of the Vigyan Shri Award 2024.

Additionally, three workshops on thematic areas including “Compact Objects in the AstroSat Era”, “Radio Astronomy from Space”, and “Rubin LSST: Exploring the Transient Sky” were also conducted on the opening day of the conference.

The inaugural event also included ASI award presentations recognizing excellence in astronomy and astrophysics. This year, the ASI Zubin Kembhavi Award was presented to the team behind the GROWTH-India Telescope in Hanle, Ladakh. Other major honours included the Laxminarayana and Nagalaxmi Modali Award to Dr. Girish Kulkarni of TIFR and the Justice Oak Award for Outstanding Thesis in Astronomy to Dr. Prateek Mayank.

Alongside the scientific activities being conducted at IIT Guwahati, the Public Outreach and Education Committee (POEC) of ASI is conducting astronomy-themed outreach activities across Guwahati and other parts of the Northeast. As part of this initiative, astronomers visiting Guwahati will engage with students at nearly 20 schools and colleges. In addition to this, exhibitions of astrophotography are being showcased at both the Guwahati Planetarium and Guwahati Science City to inspire the researchers of tomorrow.

The 44th ASI Annual Meeting at IIT Guwahati is expected to strengthen astronomy research and collaborative scientific engagement in the Northeast while inspiring students and the public to engage more deeply with astronomy and space science.

Amity School of Engineering & Technology (ASET), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida campus is organizing its prestigious annual student-oriented Engineering Projects and Posters Exhibition, “TECHNOVATE-2026,” from May 14–15, 2026.

TECHNOVATE-2026 serves as a vibrant platform for students to showcase innovative research, creative engineering solutions, and industry-relevant projects through projects and poster presentations. This year, the exhibition features more than 500 projects spanning cutting-edge domains such as Cloud Computing & Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), Drone Technology, Healthcare & Agricultural Automation, VLSI, Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, Communication Engineering, Industrial & Production Engineering, Energy Systems, Thermal Engineering, Automotive Technology, Electric Vehicles, Power Systems, Sustainable Construction Materials, Waste Management, Smart Health Monitoring, and Software Applications for Buildings and Structures.

The exhibition has also witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 300 school students of Classes VIII to XII representing leading schools including Amity International School, Cambridge School, Pacific World School, Step by Step School, and Sarvottam International School.

Among the key attractions at the exhibition are innovative student projects such as “Trimorph: A Transformable Multi-Terrain Robot,” capable of functioning both as a drone and a robot; “Autonomous Trash Picker”; “Agro Sense AI: An Intelligent Decision Support System for Sustainable Agriculture”; “AI-IoT Based Real-Time Stress Detection and Alert System Using Wearable Sensors”; “A Real-Time AI Assistant for the Visually Impaired”; and “Ayudha: AI-Powered Women Legal Assistant System,” among many other impactful innovations.

Addressing the students during the Inaugural Session, Mr. Chetan Sethi, Senior Leader Telecom and AI, Delivery Head at Tech Mahindra, said, “The use of AI across industries has transformed the way innovation happens. Today, with just a laptop and internet connection, students can create remarkable innovations. In this era of AI, interdisciplinary learning is the key to future success.” He urged the students to continue to learn, unlearn, and relearn to remain relevant in an ever-evolving industries. He also advised them to use communication skills along with technical expertise and foster ethical use of AI.

Sharing her insights, Ms. Shalien Kishore, Associate Director – Design and Head of Product Design at SBS, stated, “AI has accelerated the pace of transformation globally. Design thinking is an intersection of technology, psychology, and business and every innovation must aim to solve real-world problems and create meaningful impact. Students today have the opportunity to lead the AI-driven future through continuous learning and innovation and they must use it to address the real-world challenges.”

Dr. Sunil K. Khattri, Additional Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh said, “TECHNOVATE-2026 is an excellent platform that encourages students to transform innovative ideas into impactful technological solutions. The exhibition reflects the spirit of creativity, research, and interdisciplinary learning among the young engineers. Such initiatives not only nurture technical excellence but also inspire students to develop solutions aligned with the evolving needs of industry and society.”

Welcoming the guests, Dr. Manoj Kumar Pandey, Director, Amity School of Engineering & Technology, remarked, “TECHNOVATE-2026 is a celebration of the innovative mindset, creativity, and technical excellence of our students. The exhibition reflects the hard work and dedication of students across all four years of engineering education, presenting solutions to complex challenges through working prototypes, research models, and industry-relevant innovations. The platform also enables students to connect with industry mentors and support systems to transform their ideas into market-ready products.”

The student projects will be evaluated by the esteemed jury members and wards will be presented to the winners during the Valedictory Ceremony, thereby strengthening Amity’s commitment towards fostering innovation, research excellence, entrepreneurship, and industry-academia collaboration.

Mumbai, May 14 : Billabong High International School, Malad, powered by Lighthouse Learning Group, one of India’s most progressive K–12 school networks, today announced the strong performance of its learners in the CBSE Grade 12 examinations for the academic year 2025–26. The graduating cohort demonstrated commendable academic performance across streams, with students delivering exceptional results in Commerce, Humanities, and Science.

Leading the cohort, Vihaan Singhal emerged as the School and Commerce topper with an outstanding 98.4%, followed by Avani Pagedar, Humanities topper, with 96%, and Trinoy Moulik, with 84.8%.

Among the stream-wise achievers, in Commerce, Kshitij Garg secured the second position with 96.4%, followed by Ashwini Kannan with 94.8%. In Humanities, Yaana Deshpande secured the second position with 91.4%, while Oyishiki Gupta secured the third position with 88.8%. In Science, Trinoy Moulik secured the first position with 84.8%, followed by Manaal Parkar in second position with 84.6%, and Anushka Gupta in third position with 83.2%.

This year’s results reflected consistent academic excellence and subject proficiency across disciplines, highlighting the school’s learner-centric approach and commitment to holistic development.

Speaking on the results, Ms Kavita Sadanand Panikar, Principal, Billabong High International School, Malad, said,

“We are extremely proud of our Grade 12 CBSE Board results this year. Our students have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and academic excellence. A special congratulations to our school topper, Vihaan Singhal, who secured an outstanding 98.40%, along with our stream toppers and subject achievers who have brought immense pride to the school community. What makes these results truly special is not just the scores, but the consistent hard work, discipline, and perseverance shown by our students throughout the year. I would also like to acknowledge the relentless efforts of our teachers and the unwavering support of parents, whose partnership has played a vital role in this success. At Billabong High International School, we remain committed to nurturing confident, compassionate, and future-ready learners. We congratulate every student on their achievement and wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.”

The school attributes this success to the collaborative efforts of students, educators, and parents, along with a strong academic framework that balances curricular excellence with life skills, critical thinking, and creativity.

As learners take the next step in their academic journey, Billabong High International School, Malad, continues to focus on building confident, self-aware, and future-ready individuals prepared to thrive in a dynamic global environment.

May 14: Sigma University successfully organized the International Conference on Advanced Research in Science, Technology & Management (SICARSTM–2026) on 28th and 29th April 2026, in collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and the University of Economics & Finance, Vietnam. The conference served as a dynamic platform, bringing together academicians, researchers, industry experts, and students from across the globe to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange of innovative ideas.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by eminent scientist Prof. Anil Bhardwaj, Director, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, as the distinguished guest. The event was also attended by the university leadership, including Patron Shri Shaileshbhai Shah, Vice Patron Smt. Jyotshanaben Shah, President Dr. Harsh Shah, Vice President Dr. Shreya Shah, Managing Director Dr. Jigar Patel, Provost Dr. Priyesh Gandhi, Registrar Mr. Priyank Patel, and Controller of Finance and Accounts (CFAO) Mr. Harshank Patel, along with Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, faculty members, and participants from various institutions.

The conference received an overwhelming response, with more than 300 abstracts submitted for oral presentations across three thematic tracks, showcasing innovative and impactful research. Additionally, 25 full-length research papers have been submitted for publication in reputed Scopus-indexed journals. Collaborations with leading journals further provided participants with valuable opportunities for global academic dissemination.

SICARSTM–2026 featured distinguished speakers from premier institutions, including IIT Gandhinagar, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Wollongong, GIFT City, Osmania University, Agro-Economic Research Centre, IIT (BHU), Kamla Nehru Mahavidyalaya, CSIR–Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Nirma University, Islamic University, and KIU.

In a significant step towards enhancing global academic engagement, Sigma University formalized Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on 29th April 2026 with two esteemed international institutions—University of Economics & Finance (UEF), Vietnam, represented by Dr. Ngo Minh Hai, Vice President, and Ural Federal University, Russia, represented by Ms. Svetlana Kurbatova, Head – International Program and Project Management Office. These collaborations are expected to create new opportunities for student mobility, joint research, academic exchange, and international exposure for both students and faculty.

The organizing committee expressed sincere gratitude to all keynote speakers, session chairs, presenters, and participants for their valuable contributions. Special appreciation was extended to faculty members, staff, and student volunteers whose dedication and coordinated efforts ensured the seamless execution of the conference.

SICARSTM–2026 continues to host technical sessions, keynote addresses, and interactive discussions, reinforcing its role as a vibrant platform for innovation, intellectual exchange, and global collaboration.

London, May 11 : Despite rising inflation and the weakening value of the Indian Rupee, the demand for studying abroad continues to grow every year. Visa queues are getting longer, education loan enquiries are rising, and students are planning overseas education earlier than ever before.

What stands out, though, is this: students are still choosing some of the world’s most expensive destinations.

In 2026, the United States remains the top choice for study abroad, followed closely by the United Kingdom. Even though countries like Germany, Canada, and Australia are rising, the US and UK still continue to dominate student demand globally.

For many Indian students, studying in the US is more than just education; it’s a dream tied to better opportunities, global exposure, and long-term career growth. And, for many who plan carefully, choose the right university, and align their studies with long-term career goals, it can absolutely lead to incredible opportunities and successful careers.

But there’s another side to the story that people don’t talk about enough. A growing number of students are choosing universities simply for the sake of getting an “international degree”, without properly researching the university, job outcomes, or long-term value. Some start planning immediately after school because of pressure, trends, or social perception, not because they fully understand the roadmap ahead. 

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, says this is where students often make costly mistakes.“Today, we’re seeing students as early as Class 11 enquiring about education loans and overseas education pathways. Ambition is good, but without proper planning, studying abroad can quickly become financially and emotionally stressful.” 

Sonal adds that one of the biggest issues is the “late realisation problem”. “We’ve seen students join universities without fully understanding career opportunities or post-study outcomes, only to realise midway through the course that the university or programme isn’t helping them move forward. In many cases, students later try to switch universities or reapply elsewhere once they understand the gap. That transition often comes with a major financial and emotional cost.”

She further added, “This is especially common among Indian students who prioritise destination over long-term fit. Sonal says, “One wrong decision in studying abroad can impact much more than finances. We’ve interacted with students who struggled mentally and emotionally because they rushed the process or followed trends instead of asking the right questions early.” 

At the same time, there is a positive shift happening. Master’s programs and more senior students, along with their parents, are becoming far more aware of the return on investment. They are asking questions not only about employability, visa pathways, post-study work opportunities, and salary outcomes.

Sonal added, “That is why we at Prodigy Finance always encourage students to ask questions, connect with alumni, and use open forums to understand the reality of studying abroad before making a decision. Platforms like NovaGrad can also help students explore scholarships, guidance, and university options early in the process. The more informed a student is before applying, the better their overall experience tends to be. Unplanned decisions usually only create more pressure later.”

Bengaluru, May 11: Singapore-origin preschool brand Red SchoolHouse (RSH) has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its first centre in Bengaluru. The brand has partnered with Franchise India as its master franchise partner to drive its expansion across the country. As part of its India growth strategy, Red SchoolHouse is targeting the launch of 150+ schools across India over the next 2–5 years through a franchise-led expansion model.

Founded in 2004, Red SchoolHouse is a multi-award-winning preschool brand from Singapore, known for its globally inspired early childhood education approach and proprietary SPICE™ curriculum focused on Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Emotional development.

India marks a key strategic market for the brand as demand continues to grow for premium and internationally aligned preschool education among urban families.

“India is an extremely important market for us, given the strong demand for quality early childhood education and globally aligned learning models. Through our partnership with Franchise India, we look forward to building a strong and scalable presence across the country over the coming years,” said Rachel Goh, CEO & Founder, Red SchoolHouse.

The Bengaluru launch marks the beginning of the brand’s larger India expansion plans, with the company actively exploring partnerships and franchise opportunities across major metro and high-growth cities.

“India’s preschool and early learning segment continues to see significant growth, particularly among parents seeking international education standards and holistic learning environments. Red SchoolHouse brings a globally established education model with strong long-term expansion potential for the Indian market,” said Gaurav Marya, Chairperson, Franchise India.

With its India entry, Red SchoolHouse aims to build a premium preschool network focused on globally inspired learning and scalable education-led growth across the country.

May 09, Bengaluru: As India’s skilling ecosystem increasingly focuses on employability and job readiness, Tally Education, the education arm of Tally Solutions, has crossed 1 million learners. This milestone marks a significant step in building a job-ready workforce in accounting and finance across India, backed by certifications that employers trust and hire from.

India’s skilling outcomes have long been constrained not just by access to learning, which is abundant and getting more so in the AI era, but by employer trust in credentials. Tally Education’s certification operates as an employer-trusted signal at the point of hiring. This is particularly relevant in MSMEs formalising under GST and digital compliance, a segment where most of India’s incremental jobs will be created over the next decade.

This milestone also reflects the scale at which learners are engaging with Tally’s structured, outcome-driven skilling that translates into real employment opportunities. Though it represents only a part of Tally’s wider impact, with generations of professionals having built careers and businesses by learning and working on Tally over the years, long before formal certification pathways were introduced in 2016 through Tally Education.

In response to the growing demand for job-ready talent in accounting and finance, the organisation has since expanded access to learning through a strong network of academic and skilling partners, anchored in certification that employers across sectors trust at the point of hiring, ensuring learners not only acquire skills but also demonstrate real-world job readiness.

Today, it reports an average placement rate of approximately 75% across its certified learners, and crucially, the strongest concentration of that reach is in Tier II and Tier III markets, where formal employment opportunities are limited. Many of these learners are entering the workforce as first-generation professionals, accessing employment opportunities across sectors such as BFSI, retail, and MSMEs.

This is supported by a robust ecosystem of over 3,600 partners, including colleges, training institutes, government skilling missions, and CSR/NGO programmes, across more than 500 towns and cities. Through this network, it continues to enable access to both learning and employment opportunities at scale.

Speaking on the milestone, Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions, said: “For years, people have learned Tally in many different ways, but the real challenge was giving employers confidence in those skills. Our focus has been on building that trust through certification, so businesses can hire with confidence and learners can enter the workforce better prepared. This milestone reflects how that shift is playing out at scale.”

Bhuwaneshwari B, Executive Vice President, Tally Education, added: “Learners today are looking for clear outcomes, whether it is a job, career progression, or entrepreneurial opportunity. Our approach has been to support this journey end-to-end, combining accessible learning with credible certification that employers trust.”

Looking ahead, Tally Education plans to deepen its investment in the same model, expanding employer-aligned certification depth, growing its partner network into more towns and government skilling programmes, and strengthening the connection between learner outcomes and the formal accounting and finance workforce that India’s MSME economy is building. As the country’s economy continues to formalise, Tally Education’s continued focus on employer-trusted credentialing positions it as a foundational contributor to India’s evolving skilling architecture.

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has generated around 36.33 lakh employment opportunities across the country, reinforcing its role as a key driver of grassroots entrepreneurship and livelihood creation, according to an official statement.

Implemented through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the scheme supports the setting up of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by providing credit-linked subsidies to aspiring entrepreneurs.

During the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26), the scheme utilised its entire approved allocation of ₹13,554.42 crore and facilitated the establishment of over 4.03 lakh micro-enterprises, slightly surpassing its target.

Officials said this performance reflects both strong demand for entrepreneurship support and effective implementation on the ground.

A major highlight of the programme is its focus on inclusion and social equity. Women account for nearly 40% of total beneficiaries, while around 45% of subsidy support has gone to women-led enterprises, encouraging greater participation in business creation.

In addition, about 54% of beneficiaries belong to SC, ST, and OBC communities, underscoring the scheme’s wide social outreach. Nearly 80% of the supported enterprises are located in rural areas, helping boost local employment and promote balanced regional development.

Overall, officials said PMEGP continues to play a crucial role in expanding self-employment opportunities, strengthening small businesses, and supporting India’s broader goal of entrepreneurship-led and inclusive economic growth.