Category education

Hyderabad/ New Delhi, Feb 10: TEDxMahindraUniversity successfully concluded its latest edition, bringing together students for a day of ideas, reflection and collective imagination. Designed as a platform to share and engage with original thinking emerging from their own community, the event reinforced the role of young voices in shaping the future.

This edition unveiled the theme for 2026, ‘Unwritten Futures: Imagining tomorrow, together’, positioning the future not as a predetermined outcome, but as a blank page open to authorship. The theme challenged students, speakers and the audience to move beyond passive observation and step into active participation, emphasising that meaningful change begins with the courage to imagine beyond existing systems and constraints.

Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, emphasized,

 “The theme of this year reflects our belief that education is not just about understanding the world as it is, but about equipping our students to define what comes next. At Mahindra University, we strive to inspire young thinkers to imagine boldly, act with purpose and build futures that are inclusive, compassionate and impactful.”

Through a series of talks and conversations, speakers explored how true transformation requires more than incremental progress. The ideas presented encouraged a fundamental rethinking of how success is defined, shifting the lens from competition and output towards contribution, compassion and long-term impact. Central to this dialogue was the dismantling of outdated paradigms and the emergence of new frameworks for living, learning and leading in a rapidly evolving world.

The event featured a lineup of inspiring speakers, including Mr. Aaboo Varghese, Founder and Executive Director, Purnata, Dr Bhulakshmi V, Founder, GapSkills Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Dr G Madhavi Latha, Professor, IISc and Chair of Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Dr Sarita Subramaniam, Director and Co-found Earth Brigade Foundation (NGO), Sqn Ldr. Neeraj Sharma (retd.), Cybersecurity Leader, Mr Shrinivas, C S Educator, EduVision TLS, Ms. Sharanbir Kaur, Client Partner – Financial Services, Real Estate and Travel, Meta and Mr. Vivek Sundaram, Technologist Exploring Purpose Presence and Human Potential.

A recurring insight across sessions was that outward innovation must be anchored in inner alignment. Speakers underscored the importance of personal rewriting, recognising that shaping an unwritten future requires internal transformation as much as external action. Discussions highlighted the need for holistic growth that integrates emotional resilience, intellectual courage and purposeful intent, while building the emotional infrastructure necessary to navigate continuous change.

The event examined how collaboration, empathy and cooperation must become foundational principles as societies adapt to shifting global realities. Speakers challenged inherited norms around interaction and resource-sharing, offering perspectives on how shared authorship of the future can lead to models of progress that unite rather than divide.

As industries continue to evolve at breakneck speed, traditional degrees alone are no longer enough to stay relevant. In 2026, learners and professionals are increasingly turning to outcome-driven upskilling platforms that offer real-world exposure, mentorship, and career acceleration rather than just certificates.

Here are some of the top upskilling platforms to watch in 2026, based on their focus on employability, learner outcomes, and alignment with future-ready skills.

1. NextLeap: 

For young professionals who want to break into tech jobs, NextLeap is a strong job accelerator that helps users find successful paths into high-demand technology-specific positions such as Product Management, UI/UX Design, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, and Software Engineering. NextLeap’s unique fellowship-based approach uses a combination of live training sessions, hands-on projects, peer-based learning, and interview preparation. Unlike traditional passive learning styles, NextLeap’s approach focuses on real-world case studies, solving problems and helping develop skills through structured mentorship. Due to a rapidly increasing audience of users, and recognition as one the most exciting EdTech startups in South Asia, NextLeap is well-positioned to become a primary resource for young professionals who want to obtain practical job-focused skills in 2026.

2. Coursera

Ideal for students looking for a structured program from one of the top global universities and corporations. Coursera provides access to both sub-programs and complete degree programs in many fields, including artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing, business, and cybersecurity. Coursera combines the academic quality of college courses with industry-relevant material as of 2026, making COURSES from accredited institutions of higher learning (and professional certifications) appealing to many learners.

3. upGrad

Ideal for working professionals who want formal recognition for their skill development. Build on its success as a key player in the upskilling sector in India by partnering with colleges to create long-term programs. upGrad focuses on four major themes: management, technology, data science and digital marketing. Professionals who wish to leave their current jobs to pursue structured professional development while continuing to earn an income are drawn to upGrad’s robust support of students through career services, alumni network connections and partnerships with their industry, making it a very popular choice for professionals.

4. Scaler

Best for people looking to improve their skills in Software Engineering and Coding If you’re looking for a way to become a better developer, Scaler (originally known as CareerMonk) can help improve your DSA, System Design and Software Engineering skill sets. Their extensive curriculum allows you to take live classes, receive mentorship and prepare for the top technology jobs available today. With the exponential growth of highly-skilled engineering professionals in 2026, expect Scaler to remain a significant player in developing talent and helping to build India’s developer workforce.

5. Udacity

Best for those seeking cutting edge technology skills and nano-degrees, the Nano-Degree Courses at Udacity are created for emerging technology areas, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Autonomous Systems and Cloud Computing. Many of these courses were created in collaboration with leading Technology Companies, and are structured as Project-based courses. Expect Udacity to continue as a great option for learners who want to gain a high degree of specialization in emerging technology areas after 2026.

6. Simplilearn

Top choice: Professional certifications and enterprise education. Among the various certification training provider options available today, most people recognize Simplilearn for their entire suite of certification courses in cloud computing, DevOps, information security, project management and digital marketing. They also have an impressive enterprise education platform providing solutions for individual learners as well as corporate teams. With its many industry-aligned certifications Simplilearn maintains its relevance amongst up-and-coming professionals looking to rapidly gain additional skill sets.

The Road Ahead

The trend towards practical-based learning; through industry alignment; by having measurable learning outcomes; and finally having a greater emphasis placed on mentorship; hands-on or real-life applications; and how ready students are for careers rather than simple learning will drive the next phase for upskilling. In 2026 whoever(s) is/are expected to lead will likely be doing so from platforms like NextLeap, which connects the dots between learning and being employable in the eyes of the employer; thus, these types of businesses will help define the next generation of professionals.

Bengaluru, Feb 09 : Reap Benefit, a leading nonprofit building India’s largest movement of youth changemakers known as Solve Ninjas, will host the 10th edition of SolveCon on 21 February 2026 at PES University, Bengaluru. The national gathering will bring together over 1,500 young people and 80+ organisations, including Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies (RNP), Azim Premji University, and Teach For India, alongside practitioners from across sectors for a one-day, youth-led festival of action and learning. SolveCon 2026 will feature interactive spaces and creative experiences focused on civic action, climate, mental health, science, art, and community-led problem-solving. The event will also host renowned speakers such as Kailash Nadh, CTO, Zerodha, and Board Member, Rainmatter Foundation; Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, RNP; Ashwini Hiremath, Founder, Wild Wild Women; and Deepak Dhananjaya, Organisation Coach, Psychotherapist, and Founder, Prabhava Institute of Inclusive Mental Health (PIIMH).

SolveCon ’26 marks the first national edition of SolveCon—an initiative that has grown over the past 18 months through nine editions across multiple cities. Built around three simple ideas—Connect, Learn, and Lead—the event is designed to help young people meet like-minded peers, try hands-on learning and real-world problem solving, and explore ways to step into leadership and action in their own communities. This edition also celebrates the shared journey of Reap Benefit and thousands of Solve Ninjas over the years, recognising young people who have consistently driven change in their cities and neighbourhoods.

Across nine previous editions, SolveCon has engaged close to 1,700 youth from Tier 1, 2, and 3 cities, hosted over 40 short, hands-on learning sessions, and enabled more than 40 young changemakers to publicly share their journeys in civic and climate action. Around 20 organisations—including funders, educators, and civic groups—have participated not as observers but as collaborators, creating interactive spaces, mentoring young participants, and sharing practical tools and experiences.

Speaking on the upcoming edition, Kuldeep Dantewadia, Co-Founder and CEO of Reap Benefit, said,

“SolveCon was born from what we were witnessing on the ground through Reap Benefit’s Solve Ninja programme. When young people are trusted to act, they deliver real outcomes—over 1.5 lakh youth have taken more than 1 lakh civic actions, initiated thousands of local campaigns, and built hundreds of community solutions across India. As this work grew, we realised that reports couldn’t fully capture what youth-led changemaking actually feels like. SolveCon was created to make that lived experience visible—bringing young people and the ecosystem together to learn by doing, act collectively, and see what becomes possible when the right conditions are created for youth leadership.”

For many participants, SolveCon becomes a starting point for continued civic and climate action helping them find peer networks, mentors, and pathways such as Reap Benefit’s Solve Ninja programme.

SolveCon ’26 will bring these experiences together through three core spaces:

• A Mela with interactive stalls and installations hosted by partner organisations and Solve Ninjas
• Short, hands-on learning sessions across themes such as civic action, climate, mental health, art, and science
• Addas, or small reflection circles focused on sharing lived experiences and peer learning

The event will close with a leadership forum and a collective cultural programme celebrating youth voices and creativity.

Manipal, Feb 09: The 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon concluded successfully at KMC Greens, Manipal, on 8th February 2026, organized by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence and Deemed to be University. Recognized as one of India’s largest student-led community fitness events, the marathon drew over 20,000 participants, including 100+ international athletes, competing across categories for a prize pool exceeding ₹25 lakhs.

Themed “Miles for a Greener Tomorrow  Run for a Sustainable Future”, this edition reinforced MAHE’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The event aligned with ongoing sustainability initiatives, including tree plantation, biodiversity conservation, solar energy utilization, waste management, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable mobility, extending its impact beyond campus into the broader community.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, remarked,

“The overwhelming response to the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon demonstrates MAHE’s vision of fostering holistic development beyond academics. By bringing together over 20,000 runners, we are promoting fitness, wellness, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. What began as a student initiative has grown into one of India’s largest community fitness events, attracting participation from over 10 countries.”

Over 100 international athletes participated, representing countries such as Dubai, England, Ethiopia, Germany, Kenya, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the USA, strengthening the marathon’s global profile. The scenic beachside route for the 42K runners provided a memorable experience, while the newly introduced 10K route, including the Manipal Hospice Respite Centre (MHRC), emphasized the marathon’s enduring focus on social impact.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd.), Vice Chancellor, along with Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), Dr. Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor (Mangalore Campus), Dr Anand Venugopal, COO Operations, Dr Gopalakrishna Prabhu, Vice Chancellor, Sikkim Manipal University, and other MAHE officials.

In line with MAHE’s focus on equity and inclusivity, the marathon featured dedicated categories for differently-abled and visually challenged runners, with age-wise classification, receiving enthusiastic participation.

MAHE expressed its gratitude to the title sponsors including ICICI Bank, UNEXT, Deloitte, BOBCARD, and all partners whose support contributed to the success of Manipal Marathon 2026.

The names of winners across various categories are:

42K Fastest Male

1 Sathish Kumar

2 Sachin Poojari

3 Desye Endalew

42 Fastest Female

1 Senait Kefelegn Lesharge

2 Yenealem Ayano Buli

3 Neeti Kriplani

21K Fastest Male

1 Rijwan Ali

2 Shashwath Rajesh Poojary

3 Nalinakshan Kizhakkedath

21K Fastest Female

1 Bhawana Negi

2 Nandini G

3 Rutuja Patil

10K Fastest Male

1 Shivanand Chigari

2 Shreedhara SN

3 Mubarak R Dantali

10K Fastest Female

1 Shahin S Dharwad

2 Shreya Moodekallu

3 Chaithra TP

5K Fastest Male

1 Nagaraj Divate

2 Ranga

3 Manjunath Belurappanavar

5K Fastest Female

1 Nagini Nagini

2 HV Deeksha

3 Rekha B.P. Basappa Piroji

The event concluded with a vibrant post-run carnival by fitness enthusiasts and students, featuring music and interactive fitness and Zumba sessions to celebrate the Manipal Marathon.

DPU School of Allied Health Sciences and AREF Announce Strategic Collaboration to Strengthen Healthcare Skill Development and Community Health Research

Feb 09: D.Y Patil University, School of Allied Health Sciences and Adiuvaret Research & Education Foundation (AREF) today announced a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing holistic healthcare education, enhancing skill-building capabilities, and fostering community-focused health initiatives across the allied health and healthcare management education sectors.

This partnership brings together the academic excellence of DPU School of Allied Health Sciences with AREF’s proven expertise in healthcare management learning, curriculum development, and educational support systems. The collaboration will focus on developing structured skill ecosystems in public health and biomedical research, interdisciplinary learning modules for community health, and research-driven models that address the evolving needs of students, educators, and communities.

Dr. Abhay Saraf, Director, DPU School of Allied Health Sciences, said,

“With AREF’s proven capabilities and our shared vision for holistic development, this partnership marks the beginning of a transformative journey that will reshape how students learn, engage, and contribute to society. Together, we aim to build future-ready skill ecosystems, encourage impactful research, and strengthen our community outreach initiatives. By uniting academic excellence with real-world application, I believe this collaboration will set new benchmarks in skill-building, interdisciplinary innovation, and sustainable community impact.”

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Dr. Biranchi Jena, Director, AREF, said,

“Collaborating with DPU School of Allied Health Sciences is a tremendous opportunity to integrate our practical experience in health management education with a leading academic institution. Our shared commitment to quality, accessibility, and innovation positions us to create meaningful change. We look forward to co-creating programs, resources, and learning pathways that elevate student readiness and deliver long-term value to the communities we serve.”

The partnership will further explore joint programs, research initiatives, field training, community engagement activities, and development of educational tools and materials. Both institutions aim to position the collaboration as a model for future academic-industry partnerships in India.

PhysicsWallah Announces Free Doubt Resolution Support and Mock Preboards for Class 10 CBSE Students across India

Bengaluru, Feb 09: Education company PhysicsWallah (PW) announced a student support initiative aimed at assisting aspirants appearing for the Class 10 CBSE Board Exams in 2026. Students across the country can avail free doubt resolution and expert guidance. This initiative is not only open for PW students but any Class 10 student across the country. The initiative is designed to help reduce academic pressure during the exam season.

PW will also facilitate offline preboards in Science and Mathematics nationwide in an attempt to strengthen student readiness. These examinations will be conducted at PW’s physical centres like Vidyapeeth, Pathshala, and Tuition Centres to simulate real board exam conditions and help students improve proficiency and time-management skills under exam-day constraints.

Ankit Gupta, CEO of Vidyapeeth-Offline of PhysicsWallah (PW), said,

 “Education should never be restricted by boundaries, especially when a student is preparing for a defining moment like the Board Exams. Many students lack immediate access to quality exam support and we know even a single unresolved doubt can cause stress. By opening our Vidyapeeth, Pathshala and Tuition centres to every student, regardless of whether they are enrolled with us or not, we are simply doing what is right for the student community. We want aspirants to feel supported, confident, and ready to perform to their full potential.”

Students across India can visit their nearest PW Vidyapeeth, Pathshala or Tuition Centre to obtain a Doubt Buster Pass, valid till the board exams, and book a slot for doubt resolution. Experienced faculty members will address specific queries, explain complex topics, and offer strategic guidance on answer-writing techniques. Students can clarify doubts across subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology, and also receive revision cards for the CBSE Class 10 syllabus to support their preparation.

Students can book a slot at their nearest centre for the Science exam scheduled on 1 February 2026 and the Mathematics exam scheduled on 8 February 2026 through the PW app.

The initiative is being rolled out through PhysicsWallah’s network of 192 tech-enabled Vidyapeeth and Pathshala centres located across 132 cities in India as of 30th September 2025.

New Delhi, Feb 6: Amity School of Business (ASB), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, successfully hosted the 4th Edition of the International Conference on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Development (ICESBD’26). The conference centered on the theme: “Evolving Enterprises: Navigating GIG Innovation, Green Operations and Digital Relationship”, bringing together researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss innovative and sustainable business practices.

Conference Highlights:

• Keynote Addresses:

  • Ms. Simin Askari, Chief Human Resource Officer, DS Group, emphasized the importance of sustainability, gig economy recognition, and digital transformation in today’s evolving business landscape.

  • Ms. Saranya Pradhan, Head – Sustainability and Corporate Communication, McCain Foods, highlighted how sustainable practices, gig innovation, and digital relationships drive growth, customer loyalty, and long-term value creation.

  • Mr. Santosh Sharma, Founder & CEO, Book My Jet, underlined how eco-friendly operations and leveraging global freelance talent foster innovation, cost efficiency, and enhanced customer engagement.

  • Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor, AUUP, stressed the synergy between entrepreneurship and sustainability as a key driver for economic growth while minimizing environmental impact.

• Panel Discussions & Workshops:

  • Panel discussion on “Sustainable Innovation in the Gig Economy: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges”.

  • Paper presentations covering topics such as gig economy entrepreneurship, circular business models, digital relationship management, and resilience in entrepreneurial ecosystems.

  • Research paper development workshop on crafting high-quality submissions for Scopus-indexed journals.

• NEXT GEN – INNOVATE EXPO 2026:

  • The conference featured an exhibition of 29 start-ups and businesses founded by young entrepreneurs, showcasing sustainable, digital, and disruptive innovations.

Dr. Sujata Khandai, Director – ASB, said,

“Entrepreneurs are increasingly integrating eco-friendly products, renewable energy, and ethical supply chains into their business models. ICESBD’26 provides a platform for thought leaders and innovators to share insights, inspire students, and explore transformative strategies for sustainable entrepreneurship.”

ICESBD’26 reinforced Amity University’s commitment to nurturing future-ready entrepreneurs, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation as cornerstones for the next generation of business leaders.

Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) today announced the winners of the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards (OCLA) in India, recognising exceptional academic performance by secondary school students in the November 2024, March 2025, and June 2025 Cambridge examination series.

A total of 227 students from India have been honoured for outstanding achievement in Cambridge IGCSE™, International AS & A Level examinations, including 86 students who secured the highest marks in the world and 107 students who achieved the highest marks in India in a single subject. In addition, 72 students were recognised from the November 2024 examination series, while 155 students received awards from the March and June 2025 series.

The awards highlight India’s strong performance in core academic disciplines, with 85% of ‘Top in the World’ awardees excelling in Mathematics, Science, and English. Cambridge also noted a growing interest among Indian learners in foreign languages such as Spanish, German, French, Chinese, and Arabic at the AS & A Level stages.

The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards programme celebrates student excellence across more than 40 countries worldwide, recognising learners who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, critical thinking, and subject mastery. Cambridge qualifications are globally recognised and highly valued by leading universities and employers for preparing students to succeed in higher education and beyond.

Commenting on the achievement, Vinay Sharma, Regional Director, South Asia – International Education, Cambridge, said, “Cambridge learners are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners from India, whose success reflects exceptional academic ability, dedication, and perseverance. These awards recognise the highest levels of performance worldwide and honour not only learners, but also the vital support of their teachers and parents. As part of the University of Cambridge, we deliver qualifications that are trusted globally and equip learners with the skills and confidence to pursue their future ambitions.”

In addition to recognising top academic performers, the awards also celebrate High Achievement winners in subjects with lower candidature in India, as well as students who achieved the highest cumulative marks across multiple subjects, having outperformed thousands of candidates globally.

The awards ceremony was attended by representatives from two UK Russell Group university branch campuses in India, both of which announced exclusive scholarship opportunities for award recipients.

University of York Mumbai, a campus of the University of York, UK, announced three scholarships for Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award recipients seeking admission in the 2026–27 academic year. Each scholarship will offer a full waiver of tuition fees for the first year of study and will be available for the following undergraduate programmes:

• BSc (Honours) Computer Science

• BSc (Honours) Economics

• BA (Honours) Business of the Creative Industries

Similarly, University of Liverpool Bengaluru, a campus of the University of Liverpool, UK, announced that Cambridge International A Level students who are OCLA recipients will be considered for five University of Liverpool Bengaluru–Cambridge Scholarship Awards starting in 2026. These scholarships will offer a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study, subject to meeting entry requirements.

The Cambridge Scholarship Awards reaffirm the universities’ commitment to recognising academic excellence and supporting high-achieving Cambridge learners in their pursuit of global higher education opportunities.

Hyderabad, Feb 5: Reinforcing the Government of Telangana’s strong focus on youth workforce development and education, WE Hub—India’s first state-led nodal organisation for women entrepreneurs—has taken a significant step toward bridging the gap between education and employability through its Campus to Career initiative.

As part of this effort, WE Hub signed MoUs with over 20 academic institutions to roll out the Campus to Career program across colleges in Telangana. Through these partnerships, WE Enable, WE Hub’s flagship student-focused intervention, will be implemented to strengthen industry readiness, employability, and career pathways for women students across the state.

The Campus to Career initiative aligns seamlessly with the government’s budgetary emphasis on strengthening higher education outcomes, skilling youth for future industries, and building a resilient, future-ready workforce. Through structured academic partnerships, WE Hub is enabling colleges to integrate industry exposure, mentorship, and skill-based learning directly into campus ecosystems—ensuring students graduate not just with degrees, but with direction.

The list of 20 colleges with whom the MoUs singed were Methodist College of Engineering and Technology; RBVRR Women’s College of Pharmacy; Veeranari Chakali Illamma Women’s University; Vidya Jyothi Institute of Technology; Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology; St. Joseph’s Degree & PG College for Women, Toli Chowki; Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Hyderabad; R.B.V.R.R Women’s College; St. Francis College for Women; St. Francis Institute of Management Studies; Malla Reddy College of Engineering; Sultan ul Uloom College of Pharmacy; Stanley College of Engineering and Technology for Women; Sultan ul Uloom College of Law; Woxsen University – School of Arts & Design; Ghulam Ahmed College of Education; G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Sciences; Amjad Ali Khan College of Business Administration; Government Degree College for Women, Begumpet; Sreenidhi University; and St. Joseph’s Degree & PG College, King Koti.

The MoUs mark a significant expansion of WE Hub’s Urban Student vertical, bringing together universities, engineering colleges, professional institutions, and women’s colleges from Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts. These collaborations will enable sustained, institution-led pathways from classrooms to careers through WE Enable and complementary programs.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Sita Pallacholla, CEO, WE Hub, said:
“The recent Union Budget underscores a strong commitment to youth empowerment, education, and workforce readiness. WE Enable sits precisely at this intersection—where policy intent meets on-ground impact. Through Campus to Career, we are ensuring that young women are not only educated, but empowered with the skills, exposure, and confidence to lead Telangana’s future workforce.”

WE Enable goes beyond conventional skilling by offering students real-world industry immersion, mentorship from professionals, and opportunities to build problem-solving and leadership capabilities. With Cohort 2, the program aims to scale its impact across more campuses, directly contributing to the state’s vision of a future-ready and inclusive workforce.

This milestone further reinforces WE Hub’s role as a strategic partner to academic institutions and the government, translating policy priorities into actionable, scalable programs that prepare women students to participate, perform, and lead in the evolving economy.