Category education

Bhopal, Jan 22: Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Bhopal, a premier multidisciplinary institute in Madhya Pradesh, has recorded a remarkable placement season so far for the 2026 graduating batch, with outcomes at the halfway point reflecting sustained recruiter confidence and steady hiring momentum across sectors. With highest Cost to Company (CTC) package so far at ₹70 lakh per annum, the institute renews confidence among the young graduates, who are set to lead across domains.

The placement season officially started from July 2025 and will go on till May 2026. Out of 2,023 students who registered for placements, 874 students have received job offers so far, with results of many rounds yet to be announced. With nearly half the placement cycle still ahead, these numbers point to a robust trajectory for the remainder of the season.

The institute, standing at the foundational threshold of empowering the young generations with innovation and tech-enabled future-ready learning, has seen demands for diverse talents soaring high this season. With average CTC approximately at ₹5.2 lakh per annum, demand has increased across technology, core engineering, analytics, consulting, and allied domains.

Over 400 recruiters, including more than 20 first-timers, have participated so far in the recruitment process at VIT Bhopal. Top recruiters this season so far include Amazon, HP, CISCO, Deloitte, UBS, PWC, EY, Honeywell, Mindtree, Intel, MediaTek, Philips, Nokia, Volvo, Labcrop. This continued expansion of the recruiter base underscores the university’s growing industry engagement and the relevance of its academic and skill-focused training frameworks.

Commenting on the placement progress, a university spokesperson said, “The midway placement outcomes for the 2026 batch reaffirm the confidence that industry continues to place in our students. The diversity of recruiters and the quality of roles on offer reflect the emphasis we place on industry-aligned curriculum, experiential learning, and holistic student development. With a substantial part of the season still ahead, we remain optimistic about achieving even stronger outcomes.”

With the second half of the placement season underway, VIT Bhopal University expects further growth in the number of offers, recruiter participation, and overall placement performance. The core of VIT Bhopal’s placement outreach remains at enabling a strong youth leader ecosystem that can lead India across critical and evolving domains.

Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool), Mumbai, hosted the 10th Responsible Netism National Cyber Psychology Conference, led by Ahaan Foundation through its pioneering cyber wellness initiative Responsible Netism. Centred on the theme ‘Being Responsible Netizens’, the conference positioned children as key stakeholders in conversations around digital safety, cyber well-being and responsible technology use.

Marking a significant milestone, the conference was officially recognised as a Pre-Summit Event of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, underscoring its relevance at a time when children’s digital exposure, AI adoption and online risks are rapidly increasing.

The conference brought together over 300 students, school authorities, educators, policymakers, law enforcement officials, technology leaders and civil society representatives, with 35 schools joining virtually from Maharashtra, Goa and Jaipur, alongside global participation from organisations in the UK, US and other countries.

Welcoming the gathering, Mrs. Sonali Patankar, Founder & CEO, Ahaan Foundation, said;

“Responsible Netism was initiated 13 years ago, when online safety and digital literacy were not even recognised as concerns. Today, as digital harm intensifies with evolving technologies and AI, safeguarding children has become critical. This conference reflects our belief that children must be actively involved in shaping the conversations, policies and safeguards meant for their own protection.”

She highlighted that Ahaan Foundation’s Responsible Netism initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, empowering over 18 lakh children and 10 lakh adults, supporting the resolution of 65,000+ digital harm cases, and establishing India’s first Cyber Wellness Centres across five states, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Speaking on WeSchool’s continued association with the initiative, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, WeSchool, said;

“Education today must address the realities of the digital world children inhabit. Partnering once again with Ahaan Foundation and Responsible Netism reinforces WeSchool’s commitment to enabling young minds to navigate technology with responsibility, resilience and ethical awareness.”

Designed as a unique ‘for children, by children’ platform, the day-long conference featured child-led panels, interactive demonstrations and performances covering critical aspects of digital life. Key sessions explored real-life case stories of digital harm, building cyber resilience and effective reporting mechanisms, and the impact of online gaming and gaming safety.

With a strong future-facing lens, sessions such as ‘AI: Friend or Foe’ examined children’s preparedness for artificial intelligence, ethical AI use and emerging risks, while discussions on trust and safety in technology focused on kindness, empathy and responsible online behaviour. The conference also showcased student-led skits and live demonstrations, reinforcing cyber safety concepts through peer learning.

Each panel and discussion will be consolidated into a Children’s Online Safety Manual, capturing children-led recommendations on cyber wellness, to be shared with schools and government bodies to support the adoption of safer digital practices across school ecosystems.

Addressing students and educators, Mr. Kaustubh Dhavse, Chief Advisor to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, emphasised that “the internet is no longer a place we visit, but a space we live in,” highlighting the need for awareness, guidance and collective responsibility in safeguarding children online.

Reinforcing the urgency of responsible digital conduct, Mr. Brijesh Singh, IPS, Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, cautioned students about the permanence of digital footprints and stressed the importance of protecting identity, reputation, privacy and mental well-being in the online world.

With participation from technology leaders such as Google and Snap Inc., mental health experts, educators, policymakers and law enforcement, the conference reaffirmed Ahaan Foundation’s leadership in advancing child digital safety, supported by academic institutions like WeSchool.

As India advances towards a digitally empowered and AI-driven future, the 10th Responsible Netism National Cyber Psychology Conference, hosted at WeSchool and led by Ahaan Foundation, emerged as a defining platform, celebrating children’s voices, advocating ethical technology use, and working towards a safer, more inclusive internet for all.

New Delhi, Jan 21: Mankind Pharma Limited has inaugurated Digital Smart Classrooms across government schools in Uttar Pradesh as part of its CSR platform, KindCare, marking a continued expansion of the company’s social investment beyond healthcare delivery. The initiative has enabled 460 digital classrooms across 400 government schools, supporting technology-led learning in underserved communities.

While healthcare remains central to Mankind Pharma’s CSR strategy, the Digital Smart Classroom Initiative reflects a broader focus on strengthening education as a key determinant of long-term public health outcomes and human capital development. A core component of the programme is teacher empowerment, with over 2,400 teachers trained to effectively integrate digital tools into classroom teaching.

The initiative was inaugurated in Ghaziabad by Shri Sunil Kumar Sharma, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and is being implemented in partnership with SEEDS Impact.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sunil Kumar Sharma, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said,

“Mankind Pharma deserves recognition for its commitment to strengthening education in underserved communities through the Digital Smart Classroom Initiative. By enabling technology-led learning in government schools, the initiative addresses critical gaps in access and quality at a time when digital literacy is essential for future opportunity. Its community-first approach, with a strong focus on empowering teachers and strengthening local school ecosystems, ensures that the benefits are sustainable and reach those who need them most.”

Sheetal Arora, Promoter & CEO, Mankind Pharma Limited, said,

“Education has the power to shape not just individual futures but the destiny of communities. Through KindCare, our CSR platform, we have consciously taken a community-first approach, focusing on areas where access to quality education remains a challenge. The Digital Smart Classroom Initiative is rooted in empathy and responsibility, recognising that true progress begins when students and teachers are given the right tools, confidence, and support to succeed. This initiative is not about technology alone; it is about dignity, opportunity, and ensuring that children in remote and underserved regions are not left behind in an increasingly digital world.”

Mumbai, Jan 21:  Aditya Birla World Academy marks 12th year of ‘Infinity’, an engaging and interactive mathematics challenge bringing together 120 teams, 360 students across 68 schools, across five countries including pan India participation and students from UAE, Qatar, Dubai, Kuwait. Founded by Mrs. Neerja Birla, ABWA anchors the initiative in its commitment to nurturing minds that think, create, collaborate, and lead with impact. Infinity is a school-led initiative designed to encourage students to engage with mathematics through reasoning, collaboration, and application, rather than speed-based testing alone.

The three-day programme is designed around a combination of individual and team-based rounds that rigorously assess logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and conceptual understanding. By moving beyond an overemphasis on speed and scores, the format makes mathematics engaging and meaningful for students. Participants navigate a diverse set of challenges, culminating in the selection of the Mathematician of the Year. In 2026, Agastya B. Khare from Oakridge International School, Bengaluru (Seniors), and Yerin Choi from Indus International School, Pune (Juniors), were crowned Mathematician of the Year, while Utpal Shanghvi Global School secured the Champion Trophy in the Senior category. The programme places strong emphasis on clarity of thought and methodological approach, alongside accuracy.

Over the past 12 years, more than 6,000 students from schools in India and overseas have participated in Infinity, reflecting the initiative’s steady growth and relevance in the school-education landscape.

Unlike conventional mathematics competitions, Infinity encourages students to explore multiple solution pathways and collaborate with peers from different schools and regions. This approach allows participants to engage more deeply with mathematical concepts while building teamwork and communication skills

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Shalini John, Principal, Aditya Birla World Academy, said,

“Infinity was started to give students a different experience of learning mathematics — one that values thinking and discussion as much as arriving at the right answer. Its continuity over 12 years reflects the sustained interest among schools and students.”

Mr. Prodipta Hore, Convener and Conceptualiser of Infinity, said,

“Platforms like Infinity allow students to apply classroom learning in a collaborative setting. Such experiences are increasingly important as education systems place greater emphasis on analytical and problem-solving skills.”

The 2026 edition of Infinity was supported by academic partners including BITS Pilani and Plaksha University, with faculty members and education leaders from these institutions engaging with students through keynote addresses and interactive sessions. Students also had the opportunity to interact with Dr. Mark Saul, a globally recognised American mathematician and educationist known for his work in mathematics education and gifted-student programmes, and for his leadership roles with the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). In addition, the initiative received support from organisations including the Lodha Foundation and Britannia Industries.

At Aditya Birla World Academy, learning is designed to extend beyond the classroom through platforms that encourage curiosity, collaboration, and real-world application. This year, the Infinity Trophy was sponsored by ABWA alumni who went on to build sortmyprep, an AI-powered exam-preparation platform supporting IB, IGCSE, and A-Level students through step-by-step solutions to past papers, real-time doubt solving, personalised performance analytics, and exam builders for unlimited practice. Founded by Aryaman Adhikary (CPO), Naman Kothari (COO), and Ananya Pritam (CEO)—all ABWA Batch of 2021 pass-outs—the venture stands as a reflection of how early exposure and opportunity at ABWA can translate into scalable, real-world impact.

Reflecting on their journey, Aryaman Adhikary, Co-founder, sortmyprep, said,

“At ABWA, we learn to think beyond boundaries, take initiative, and believe in our ideas. The values and exposure we received here laid the foundation for our entrepreneurial journey.”

New Delhi, Jan 21: Prior to attending the 71st edition of the Maghey Sankranti Mela, the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, today duly inaugurated the newly constructed auditorium-cum-10-room school building of PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Jorethang today.

It is noteworthy that the newly inaugurated auditorium-cum-10-room school building is equipped with modern facilities designed to support academic, cultural, and co-curricular activities. The auditorium, with a seating capacity of 300 persons, is fitted with a public address (PA) system and fully functional air-conditioning units. The infrastructure further comprises eight classrooms, two laboratories dedicated to Chemistry and Biology practical sessions, green rooms, and adequate sanitation facilities.

During the inaugural programme, the Principal, Ms Nisha Rai, in her welcome address, expressed her sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister, the Education Minister, and the MLA for their continued support in strengthening the school’s infrastructure. She stated that the new facility would play a pivotal role in enhancing the academic environment and reinforcing the overall institutional framework of the school. She also highlighted the commendable progress of students in academics, sports at the national level, and various co-curricular activities.

The PCE-cum-Secretary, Education Department, Mr Chetraj Mishra, presented the technical details of the project. As a gesture of appreciation, the School Management Committee presented tokens of gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister. 

 The programme concluded with the Chief Minister visiting the newly constructed classrooms and laboratories of the school.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Minister for Education Mr Raju Basnet,  Minister for Urban Development Department Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, MLA and Chief Patron Mr Madan Cintury, MLA Mr L N Sharma, along with Advisors, Chairpersons, Secretary ( Education Department), PCE-cum-Secretary Education Department, District Collector Namchi, Senior Superintendent of Police Namchi, Heads of Offices, and other officials from various line departments. 

Also present on the occasion were the Principal of PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Jorethang, Ms Nisha Rai, members of the School Management Committee, teaching and non-teaching staff and students.

Later in the day, Chief Minister Tamang arrived at the Public Playground, Jorethang, and graced the Grand Finale of the Golden Voice of Sikkim, Golden Feet of Sikkim, and Golden Beat of Sikkim competitions as the Chief Guest, held on the seventh day of the Maghey Sankranti Mela.

MumbaI, Jan 21:Eros Innovation today announced its strategic foray into education with the launch of Eros AIVidya, a next-generation learning initiative designed to re-skill and empower the creative arts industry through ethically trained artificial intelligence.

Envisioned as a modern Gurukul for the AI age, Eros AIVidya integrates creativity, culture, and technology to enable students and professionals to become AI-augmented filmmakers, actors, writers, singers, composers, and digital creators. The platform leverages advanced AI tools purpose-built for the creative economy, while firmly prioritising ethical governance and creative rights.

The first Eros AIVidya Centre will be implemented in partnership with Achariya Educational Public Trust, which administers institutions affiliated with Pondicherry University.

AI for Creative Expression, Not Replacement

Eros AIVidya is founded on the principle that AI should amplify human creativity, not replace it. The platform is powered by Eros GenAI models, trained exclusively on licensed content, proprietary intellectual property, and culturally grounded datasets—ensuring responsible, transparent, and industry-compliant AI usage.

Learners will gain hands-on experience across key creative disciplines, including:

• Film direction, screenwriting, and story development

• Acting, performance augmentation, and digital avatars

• Music composition, voice synthesis, and sound design

• Virtual production, VFX, and immersive storytelling

• Ethical AI governance and creative-rights protection

The curriculum is closely aligned with real-world creative workflows, preparing learners for careers across cinema, OTT platforms, music, gaming, animation, and immersive media.

Achariya Named First Implementation Partner

As the inaugural physical implementation of the AIVidya model, Eros Innovation has partnered with Achariya Educational Public Trust, which administers Achariya College of Engineering Technology and Achariya Arts and Science College.

Through this collaboration, a Centre for Ethical AI & Creative Technologies will be established on the Achariya campus, serving as the launchpad for AIVidya’s academic and industry programs.

The Centre will feature:

• AI compute labs powered by Eros GenAI models

• Virtual production and immersive media studios

• Music, voice, and performance AI laboratories

• Faculty development programs, industry masterclasses, and live projects

• Accredited academic delivery under university norms

Academic governance will remain with Achariya institutions, while Eros AIVidya will lead curriculum design, AI infrastructure, and industry integration.

A Blueprint for India’s Creative-AI Talent Economy

Eros AIVidya is envisioned as a scalable national and global model, with plans to expand across institutions, disciplines, and regions. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving creative economy by combining:

• Ethical AI adoption

• Cultural and creative literacy

• Industry-ready skills

• Future employment pathways

Through this approach, Eros Innovation aims to contribute meaningfully to India’s ambition of becoming a global hub for creative, ethical, and culturally rooted AI talent.

Leadership Commentary

Ridhima Lulla, Co-Founder, Eros Innovation, said:

“Eros AIVidya represents our belief that the future of education lies at the intersection of creativity, ethics, and technology. Through ethically trained Eros GenAI models and strong academic partnerships like Achariya, we are building a new pathway for creators to thrive in the AI era—without compromising values, rights, or artistic integrity.”

Dr. J. Arawindhan, Managing Director, Achariya Group of Educational Institutions, said:

“This partnership with Eros Innovation enables us to establish an Immersive AI and Ethical Technology Centre at Achariya, integrating artificial intelligence and industry-led training into our academic ecosystem. Eros Innovation’s leadership in ethical AI and creative technologies gives this initiative strong industry relevance and reflects our commitment to preparing students with future-ready skills.”

Bengaluru, Jan 20: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, Bengaluru Campus, is set to host the first-ever MAHETHON 2026. Branded as “Bengaluru’s biggest running festival,” this flagship sporting event will take place on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The run will start and finish at the MAHE Bengaluru Campus in Yelahanka and will follow an AIMS-certified route, ensuring international measurement standards.

MAHETHON 2026, powered by Axis Bank, brings together fitness, sustainability, and community spirit. Designed as an inclusive platform, it welcomes runners of all levels, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants. Celebrating the theme “Run Green. Breathe Free” and the tagline “Bengaluru Runs for Earth,” the event highlights MAHE Bengaluru’s commitment to eco-friendly, sustainable practices.  It showcases the campus’s green initiatives, including biodiversity conservation and sustainable mobility, while encouraging participants to embrace healthier, eco-friendly lifestyles.

Elaborating on the vision behind this flagship event, Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice Chancellor of MLHS, MAHE Manipal, and MAHE Bengaluru Campus, said,

 “MAHETHON 2026 is more than a sporting event; it is a movement that reflects our collective spirit of resilience and progress. We see this marathon as a bridge connecting the academic community with the vibrant energy of Bengaluru. By bringing together thousands of runners under the banner of health, sustainability, and ecology, we are taking a meaningful step toward building a fitter, more conscious, and ecologically aware society.”

Further reinforcing its pan-India commitment to health and sustainability, MAHE, Manipal, will host the 8th edition of the Manipal Marathon on Sunday, 08 February 2026, at KMC Greens, Manipal. Recognised as one of India’s largest student-organised community fitness events, Manipal Marathon, together with Mahethon, underscores MAHE’s nationwide efforts to promote fitness as a shared social responsibility.

Race Categories and Highlights: MAHETHON 2026 features multiple race categories and highlights to suit all age groups and fitness levels:

• • Half Marathon (21.1K): The flagship race for endurance runners.
• 10K Run & 10K Forces Run: Open to the general public and armed/police forces.
• 5K Run: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
• 3K Fun Run: Designed for children and beginners to enjoy running.

“MAHETHON 2026 promises to be a celebration of community, camaraderie, and well-being, ensuring every participant enjoys a safe, supported, and seamless race-day experience,” said Dr. Raghavendra Prabhu P, Additional Registrar, MAHE Bengaluru, who is spearheading the event.

Sambalpur, Jan 20: IIM Sambalpur, one of India’s premier management institutions, hosted the 6-day Business Accelerator Program for SC-ST entrepreneurs in collaboration with the National SC-ST Hub, Ministry of MSME, GOI, from 19th to 24th January, 2026. The objective of this programme is to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem by building capacity and upskilling SC-ST entrepreneurs with essential business, financial, and digital skills, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The event was graced by Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, Mr. Sambit Tripathy, Ex- IRS, CMD, Livelihood Alternatives, as the Chief Guest, Dr. Anupam Gayen, Zonal Head, NSIC, as the Guest of Honour, Ms. Nibedita Nayak, Former Chairperson, Odisha State Social Welfare Board, as the Keynote Speaker. 

The programme consists of 12 days of training, including 6 days of on-campus sessions at IIM Sambalpur and 6 days of online learning, followed by 6 months of handholding support for participating entrepreneurs. The first cohort of the Business Accelerator Programme included 25 participants from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The second cohort of the Business Accelerator Program will commence in February 2026, offering a 72-hour hybrid learning experience through virtual weekend sessions and a 6-day on-campus module at IIM Sambalpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur,

“IIM Sambalpur’s vision is to nurture responsible leaders with an entrepreneurial mind-set. Entrepreneurship is not just about creating wealth for oneself; it is about creating value for society, the nation, and the planet. India’s vision of Viksit Bharat cannot be achieved by building only large corporations; we must nurture responsible entrepreneurs at the grassroots who innovate without harming the environment or displacing communities. Aligned with National Education Policy 2020, entrepreneurship must focus on knowledge creation, innovation, and responsible wealth generation through modern technology.”

Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest, Mr. Sambit Tripathy, Ex- IRS, CMD, Livelihood Alternatives, added,

“Developing robust business plans, refining ideas, and building capacity, along with understanding the fundamentals of what we produce, consume, and how we communicate, are essential to excel in entrepreneurship.”

 The Guest of Honour, Ms. Nibedita Nayak, Former Chairperson, Odisha State Social Welfare Board, highlighted,

“IIM Sambalpur stands at the confluence of knowledge, aspiration, and nation-building, and I congratulate IIM Sambalpur for introducing a programme that is not merely an academic initiative but a national milestone. Today, SC-ST entrepreneurship matters more than ever because inclusive growth is no longer a choice; it is an economic necessity.”

Through this initiative, IIM Sambalpur once again highlighted its commitment to fostering inclusive, sustainable, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship by supporting SC-ST entrepreneurs in scaling their ventures, generating local employment, and contributing to India’s grassroots economic development.

Bengaluru, India, Jan 17:  Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, on the occasion of National Youth Day, announced the certification of 1,750 students in Uttar Pradesh under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme, marking a significant milestone in the company’s youth-skilling efforts in the state.

The certification ceremony was held at the City Group of Institutions in Lucknow, in the presence of Smt. Rajni Tiwari, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with academic leaders and programme partners.

With this cohort, the total number of students trained under Samsung Innovation Campus in Uttar Pradesh has reached 3,900, making it one of the fastest-growing states under the programme. Samsung announced its intent to skill 5,000 youth in Uttar Pradesh, as part of its broader national target of upskilling 20,000 students, a six-fold increase over the previous year. The programme is currently operational across 10 states.

Under the Lucknow initiative, students received industry-aligned training in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (950 students), Coding & Programming (550 students), Big Data (150 students), and Internet of Things (100 students).

“At Samsung, our firm belief is that the future of India will be defined by its youth. Samsung Innovation Campus is designed to bridge the gap between education and industry by providing hands-on training in future-tech courses such as AI, IoT, or Big Data and Coding. The certification of 1,750 students in Lucknow underscores our commitment to support the Government of India’s skilling vision and empower young learners across Uttar Pradesh with industry-relevant capabilities. Samsung Innovation Campus is our flagship programme designed to empower the next generation and make them job-ready for the fourth Industrial revolution”, said Shubham Mukherjee, Head, CSR & Corporate Communications at Samsung Southwest Asia.

“As higher education evolves, it is essential that learning outcomes remain aligned with emerging economic and technological needs. Samsung Innovation Campus adds significant value by exposing students to advanced digital disciplines and experiential learning. Such collaborations strengthen our institutions and help create a knowledge-driven, competitive workforce for Uttar Pradesh. I commend Samsung’s commitment to empowering our youth and supporting the state’s vision of building a future-ready, skilled workforce. Our young people are the foundation of Uttar Pradesh’s progress and the driving force behind India’s growth story”, said Smt. Rajni Tiwari,  Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Launched in India in 2022, Samsung Innovation Campus focuses on expanding access to future-tech education, particularly in underserved and semi-urban regions. The programme is implemented in collaboration with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) through accredited training partners.

Nationally, the programme has recorded 44% women participation, underscoring Samsung’s focus on inclusive and equitable skilling. In addition to technical training, students receive soft-skills inputs and placement support to improve workplace readiness.

Together with initiatives such as Samsung Solve for Tomorrow and Samsung DOST, Samsung Innovation Campus reflects the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening and expanding India’s digital skilling goals.

By:  Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer, KidZania India.

“India‘s edutainment market is scaling toward INR 465 billion by 2030, and experiential learning has moved from being a nice-to-have to a must-have. When graduate employability sits at 54.81%, the government’s INR 1,28,650 crore education budget sends a clear message: skills aren’t taught in classrooms, they’re built through experience.

We’ve spent a decade at KidZania proving this works. Kids who engage in real-world role-play come out with genuine career confidence and employment readiness. But here’s the challenge: private sector innovation in immersive learning keeps hitting the same walls, constraints due to current GST classifications and infrastructure gaps that make scaling difficult.

The 2026 Budget is the moment to fix this. Reclassify experiential learning platforms as GST-exempt, enable public-private partnerships for skill centers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and tie government incentives to actual employment outcomes. These are practical steps to make experiential learning the backbone of India‘s education system, not a premium add-on.

We have 250 million students and a closing window. The infrastructure we build now determines whether India becomes job-ready or skills-constrained.”