ITM University Recognized Among India’s Top 100 Universities in IIRF 2025 Rankings

Raipur, India – June 25, 2025: ITM University is proud to announce its outstanding recognition in the Indian Institutional Ranking Framework (IIRF) 2025 Rankings, having been ranked 4th in the state of Chhattisgarh and 9th among all universities in Central India. These prestigious distinctions reflect the University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of its students.

Further strengthening its national presence, ITM University has also achieved the remarkable milestone of being ranked 92nd across India. This national ranking is a testament to the University’s dedication to maintaining high standards in higher education and its continued progress toward academic distinction at a national level.

This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of ITM University’s faculty, students, and administrative team. With a strong emphasis on research, industry-aligned curriculum, and holistic development, the university continues to set new benchmarks in the field of higher education.

Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro-Vice Chancellor, ITM University, shared their thoughts on this achievement, “This milestone is a proud moment for the whole ITM University community. It represents our commitment to excellence in our academic offerings, and our institutional intent to create graduates who are competent in a global context seeking to lead with knowledge, integrity, and purpose.”

Located in Raipur, ITM University is a multi-disciplinary institution that provides a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. ITM University’s world class infrastructure, useful faculty and student first approach continues to empower the future leaders and innovators.

upGrad Sees Surge in Short-format courses; Eyes Global Skilling Scale in FY26

Mumbai, 25 June 2025: As India’s skilling landscape shifts from credentials to careers, upGrad – one of Asia’s largest integrated learning and skilling majors has recorded 1.6 lakh sign-ups for its short-format Bootcamps and Certifications, under its Consumer (B2C) portfolio in FY25.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 63% of employers identify skill gaps as the top barrier to business transformation, 85% prioritising workforce upskilling and 70% planning to hire talent with newer skill sets by 2030. upGrad’s FY25 learner data reflects this urgency, with rising global adoption of shorter, job-aligned programs that deliver immediate ROI for both professionals and employers.
The sharp demands come from diverse international markets, with India leading in learner volume. Other high-enrolment regions included the US, Vietnam, UAE, Canada, UK, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Malaysia, Ireland, the Philippines, Switzerland, and France, amongst others. Within India, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Patna emerged as strong learning hubs.
Interestingly, Q1 (April-June) emerged as the highest-enrolling quarter, while Q4 (January-March) recorded a surge in women learners, highlighting growing demand for outcome-driven, industry-aligned programs, signaling deeper demographic penetration.
Bootcamps in Data Science with AI, Business Analytics & Consulting, Financial Modelling & Analysis, and UI/UX Design witnessed strong intent. On the Certifications front Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Project Management Professional (PMP), Leading SAFe (LS), along with free Certs like Introduction to Data Analysis using Excel, Programming with Python, Artificial Intelligence in the Real World, Fundamentals of Deep Learning for Neural Networks, and Introduction to Modern Public Relations appealed to learners globally.
Commenting on the growth, Anuj Vishwakarma, COO, upGrad said, “We’re seeing a definitive shift in how learners across India and global markets are approaching career growth – shorter, job-aligned programs are no longer optional; they’re essential. Micro-creds & short formats are now a preferred choice for those looking to improve speed, relevance, and ROI. As demand deepens across Bharat and international hubs, we’re strategically expanding our portfolio to build a globally fluent, industry-ready talent pipeline that can thrive in a borderless workforce. We partner with sector leaders to ensure our course remains relevant and drive maximum learning impact.”
All courses are delivered in an online-first, cohort-based format, equipping learners with in-demand technical and soft skills, alongside industry-recognized credentials, interview preparation, and career support.
As the global workforce undergoes rapid digital transformation, upGrad is doubling down on its skilling footprint with plans to launch 20+ high-demand partner-led certifications and expand deeper into global regions in FY26. This strategic push will strengthen upGrad’s brand as a leading skilling force, owning the entire learning journey and enabling smarter career acceleration through outcome-driven education at scale.
A testament to this is an upGrad learner Chinmay Nemade – who completed upGrad-enabled Professional Certificate in Business Analytics & Consulting with PwC and transitioned into a consulting role at a top digital marketing and analytics firm – achieving a 100% CTC hike in the process. “Coming from a civil engineering background, I wanted more than just tool knowledge – I wanted real-world business insights and this program delivered exactly that. The PwC mentors, hands-on learning, and career development helped me confidently transition into a consulting role”, he added.

Ryan International Academy and Rotary Club Plant 1,200 Saplings Across Bengaluru in Major Green Initiative

Bengaluru, 23 June 2025: In a move to foster environmental stewardship among the youth, Ryan International Academy partnered with Rotary Bangalore Orchards for a massive tree-planting drive across four of its Bengaluru campuses. Notable Rotarians and Ryan students, as part of the ‘Each One, Plant One’ program, planted over 1,200 fruit-bearing saplings this week. For students, it was an experiential lesson on ecological responsibility.

Ryan

The programme aligns with the 12-point vision of Dr AF Pinto, Chairman of the Ryan Group of Institutions, derived from the international theme “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” highlighting the strength of afforestation and environmental restoration in prevention of climate change and land degradation. The plantation drives were conducted at Ryan International Academy campuses at Sarjapur, Kanakapura Road, Magadi Road, and Horamavu. Ryan Group will take this partnership with Rotary Club on a national scale across all its schools.

This massive greening effort was made possible by the support of Rotary Bangalore Orchards, with all 1,200 saplings generously donated by Mr. Ravishankar Dakoju. Each student is entrusted to caring and nurturing a sapling — increasing personal ownership and ecological consciousness on the part of the students.

A variety of fruit-bearing saplings were planted, including 200 each of Laxman Phal, Mango, Jamun, and Jackfruit, along with 100 each of Seethaphal, Guava, Gooseberry and Rose Apple.

The events were a collaborative community affair, with eight Rotarians participating across the four campuses. The activity at the Horamavu campus was attended by students, staff, and two distinguished Rotarians, including Mr. Neil Michael Joseph, who participated at all the four campuses.

Mr. Neil Michael Joseph, a green leader, social entrepreneur, and Director of Bhagirathi Group and Happiness in Transit, said: “While we are in the transport business, we are contributing to pollution, so we asked ourselves, how do we reduce our carbon footprint? And that led us to plants. As a Rotarian, I care about environmental renewal. What Ryan is doing with Each One, Plant One is truly visionary—getting children involved in tree planting creates a long-term emotional and ethical connection to nature.

I’m especially impressed with the idea of entrusting children with nurturing saplings—what a beautiful way to grow both a child and a tree together. We at Rotary are restoring 1,500 acres of barren land in Challakere as Dakoju Rotary Forest. We are happy to spread the same here, and we commit to taking this initiative to more cities.”

The plantation drive was a live classroom, where children learned about how trees clean the air, prevent soil erosion, and support biodiversity. Children also took a Green Pledge to take care of their sapling and embrace sustainable practices such as water conservation and plastic reduction.

This project underscores Ryan Group’s abiding commitment to integrating academic excellence with environmental values. As the plants find root, so does a deeper awareness among students of their place in preserving Earth for generations to come.

University of Southampton Delhi and Deloitte India Partner to Develop Future Talent

23rd June 2025: Students at the University of Southampton’s flagship Delhi campus will get opportunities for internships, placements and graduate employment, thanks to an agreement with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

DELLOITE

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to strengthen industry-academia collaboration and foster work-ready skills among students, enhancing access to internships and industry placement opportunities.

Through this collaboration, students will benefit from Deloitte India’s deep expertise across technology and transformation, strategy, finance, and other critical services. The partnership will facilitate guest lectures, practical learning sessions, and career-shaping work opportunities at the University’s state-of-the-art campus located at the International Tech Park in Gurgaon.

The agreement aims to nurture future-ready graduates by connecting academic learning with real-world insights. In addition to student engagement, the partnership lays the foundation for long-term collaboration across innovation, civic and community initiatives, and joint research or knowledge-sharing platforms between Deloitte and the University.

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, said: “Our University prides itself on our excellence in education, our world-leading research and our strong global connections with business and industry. This triple helix of education, research and engagement sits at the heart of our strategy and is a defining feature of our Delhi campus.

“Our collaboration with Deloitte India will provide students at the University of Southampton Delhi with an exciting opportunity to connect with leaders in their fields to gain valuable real-life insights and experience, as well as work experience and employment opportunities.”

Kamlesh Vyas, Partner, Deloitte India added: “Quality higher education is the cornerstone of unlocking India’s demographic dividend. Internationalisation at home with entry of leading foreign universities marks an inflexion point for higher education in India.

“We are committed to supporting leading foreign universities entering India and Indian universities as they continue to strive for helping our students meet their aspirations. We believe that it will provide world class higher education and research opportunities to our students within the country.

“Our collaboration with the University of Southampton Delhi reflects Deloitte’s continued commitment to our higher education and to nation-building.”

Scheduled to open in August, the University of Southampton Delhi is the first international campus approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under India’s National Education Policy. The campus will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in economics, finance, computing, and business—curricula specifically designed to prepare students for global careers.

In addition to receiving support within the campus, students will have access to the wider University’s market-leading employability development offering, consisting of online resources, regular workshops, one-to-one guidance and support with qualified careers professionals.

This partnership with Deloitte India adds to a growing list of strategic collaborations at the Delhi campus, including those with Investec and Comviva—further cementing the University’s commitment to integrating industry engagement into academic delivery.

VAHDAM India Expands Scholarship Program for Grower Communities

June 23, 2025: VAHDAM® India, one of the country’s leading homegrown wellness brands taking India’s finest teas, herbs, and botanicals to the world, has announced the 2025 edition of the Nandlall & Savita Devi Sarda Scholarship under its flagship TEACH ME® initiative.

Launched in 2018, TEACH ME® is VAHDAM®’s long-standing social impact program that supports the education of farmers’ children. The initiative includes two key components — the establishment of Digital Learning Centres (DLCs) across rural India, and a scholarship program offering direct financial aid to deserving students.

The scholarship arm, formally launched in 2020, has now been significantly upgraded in the 2025 edition — expanding its reach and increasing the level of support through three structured programs: SPARK, ASCEND, and AIM.

The scholarship is open to students from key tea, herb, and spice-growing regions across India, including West Bengal (Darjeeling, Siliguri, Dooars, Terai), Sikkim, Assam, Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris), Himachal Pradesh (Kangra Valley), Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Key Programs Under the Scholarship :

SPARK – Foundation Program 10,000 scholarships for top-performing 10th-grade students.
Status: 20 students awarded in 2025

ASCEND– Preparation Program: Offers structured coaching and full or partial financial aid for students preparing for competitive exams including NEET, JEE, CAT, CLAT, and other government exams for Higher Education, in partnership with top coaching institutes. Applications for 2025 now open

AIM – Development Program Provides scholarships of up to 3 lakhs to students who have secured admission to recognised undergraduate or postgraduate institutions. 74 scholarships awarded to date

Bala Sarda, Founder & CEO, VAHDAM® India, said: “We launched the TEACH ME® initiative in 2018 with a simple belief — to support the very people who grow and nurture our teas, herbs, and botanicals with immense love, care, and passion.

We believe that every child from these farming communities deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background.

This scholarship is very close to our hearts. It’s our small way of giving back to the hands and families that make everything we do possible.

Through the 2025 edition, we hope to reach more deserving students and help unlock the power of education in shaping brighter futures.”

Queen’s University Appoints First Dean to lead India campus at GIFT City

INDIA, 23 June 2025: Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has announced the appointment of Prof. M. Satish Kumar, as first Dean of its new campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India. Prof Kumar will take up the role in July 2025 and will be based in GIFT City, providing academic leadership across the faculties for the new campus, which will welcome its first cohort of students in early 2026.

satish kumar

Prior to this appointment, Prof. Kumar was based in the School of Natural and Built Environment at QUB for over 25 years. He previously held role as Director of Queen’s Academy India and of Internationalisation, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the University’s global presence in South Asia.
In addition to his role at Queen’s, Prof. Kumar has also held several Visiting Professorships at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and the University of Calcutta, Kolkata.

Prof Kumar comments on his appointment: “I’m honoured to take on this pivotal role as we establish Queen’s University’s new international branch campus at GIFT City. This landmark development represents a signifcant step in our global engagement strategy – enabling us to extend Queen’s world-class education to new regions while forging deep, long-term partnerships with industry and academic stakeholders in India. Together, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the evolving transnational education and economic landscape of the region”.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor QUB, says: “I’m delighted to welcome Prof. Satish Kumar to lead Queen’s new campus in India. His leadership will strengthen our academic partnerships and foster collaboration with industry and government to deliver an enriching student experience. This marks a major milestone as we become the first UK Russell Group University in GIFT City. I look forward to working with him as we move towards our opening next year and unlock new opportunities for students, staff, and the wider community.”

Professor Margaret Topping, Pro-Vice Chancellor Global Engagement QUB, said: “We are delighted to appoint Satish as our first Dean of Gift City. This is a critical role which will set firm foundations for our staff, students and partners in the country. Satish brings with him a wealth of experience in developing intersectoral partnerships and a thriving collaborative learning environment.”

In addition to Prof. Kumar, we will soon be announcing the appointment of the academic staf who will lead on programme delivery on the campus. We will ofer a portfolio of fve postgraduate programmes initially, tailored to the specifc needs of the Indian economy.

Programming Legend Shri Yashavant Kanetkar Inspires Students at JAIN (Deemed-to- be University)

Bengaluru, Karnataka, 21st  June, 2025 – The  School of Computer Science and IT at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted an intellectually enriching interaction session featuring Shri Yashavant  Kanetkar, celebrated programming author and educator, as part of its mission to bridge classroom learning with real-world insights.
The event, held at JAIN Knowledge campus amidst an enthusiastic gathering of students and faculty from the CS & IT and Faculty of Engineering and echnology (FET), was graced by Shri Kanetkar as the Chief Guest and Dr. S.Sadagopan, a pioneer in Indian IT education and founding Director of IIIT Bangalore, as the Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries delivered compelling addresses that captivated and inspired the audience.
Widely acclaimed for his best-selling books like Let Us C, Understanding Pointers in C, and Data Structures Through C, Shri Kanetkar shared his transformative  journey from a mechanical engineering graduate to becoming at orch bearerin programming education. His keynote emphasized the importance of strong fundamentals in C, logical thinking, and the habit of lifelong learning resonating deeply with students and educators alike.
Dr. S.Sadagopan, currently an esteemed member of the Academic Council at JAIN Group, delivered an insightful message on the evolution of technology in India, the critical role of innovation, and the future of digital education. His words served as a guiding light for the next generation of tech professionals.
The interaction concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, where students directly engaged with Shri Kanetkar, gaining valuable advice on career development and mastering programming concepts. A formal voteof thanks was delivered by Dr.SuneethaK,Head of the Department, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, organizers, faculties and participants.
The event was a resounding success, reflecting JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)’s commitment to providing transformative educational experiences through direct exposure to industry icons and thought leaders.

BITS Pilani continues to be the fastest growing Indian institution as per QS World University Rankings 2026

20 June, 2025– BITS Pilani, an institute of eminence,  announces its exceptional performance in the newly released QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2026. The university has notably strengthened its distinction as the No. 1 private university in India for Employment Outcomes, a testament to its consistent excellence in preparing graduates for successful careers. BITS Pilani is the fastest-rising Indian university in the QS World University Rankings over the past four years. This achievement marks a significant leap forward in its global standing and reinforces its position as a premier institution for higher education in India.

BITS Pilani’s unwavering commitment to producing highly sought-after graduates is vividly reflected in its remarkable ascent in the Employment Outcomes metric. The university has made a substantial leap from a global rank of 461 in the 2025 rankings to an impressive 302 in 2026. This significant improvement underscores the institution’s robust industry connections, innovative curriculum design, and dedicated career services, all of which collectively equip students with the essential skills and knowledge demanded by today’s competitive global job market.

Speaking on the achievement, Prof Ramgopal Rao, VC, BITS Pilani said, “We are incredibly proud of our consistent recognition as India’s top private university for employment outcomes, a distinction we have held for many consecutive years. This achievement is a profound testament to the diligent work of our esteemed faculty, the unwavering dedication of our bright students, and the strong, synergistic partnerships we have meticulously cultivated with leading industries. Our core focus remains steadfast on providing an education that is not only academically rigorous and intellectually stimulating but also directly relevant and highly responsive to the evolving needs of the global workforce.”

Beyond its exceptional performance in employment outcomes, BITS Pilani has demonstrated significant progress across several other pivotal QS WUR 2026 metrics. The university saw a substantial leap in Citation per Faculty, improving from a global rank of 596 in 2025 to 480 in 2026. This remarkable advancement, coupled with an India rank of 2 among Private Universites, powerfully highlights the increasing impact and superior quality of research conducted by BITS Pilani faculty.

In the comprehensive QS World University Rankings 2026, BITS Pilani was rigorously evaluated among a vast pool of 8467 institutions globally, with 1501 institutions ultimately published across 106 diverse locations. Within this competitive landscape, and specifically among the 54 Indian institutions that were published, BITS Pilani achieved an impressive overall world rank of 668, reflecting its strong position among the world’s leading universities.

The institution remains deeply committed to fostering a truly global, inclusive, and diverse academic environment that attracts talent from across the world and promotes collaborative research.

Flipkart Fuels Academic Ambitions with Tech-Packed ‘Back to Campus’ June 2025 Rollout

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has announced the June 2025 edition of its flagship ‘Back to Campus’ program, set to run from June 21 to 27. The program aims to equip students across India with easy access to the latest technology and tailored offers on essential gear to support their academic goals. Alongside a wide assortment of student-focused selections, Flipkart aims to enhance the experience with convenient payment options and a range of products that add long-term value to every purchase.

Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s program offers a wider selection of tech essentials designed to meet the needs of today’s digital-first community. From high-performance laptops and versatile tablets to smartwatches, immersive audio gear, gaming setups, and everyday accessories, the range caters to diverse study, play, and lifestyle needs, empowering students to stay productive, entertained, and ahead of the curve.

Flagship launches such as the WHOOP 5.0 Smart Band, Lenovo LOQ Essential Laptop, and Mivi’s AI-integrated earphones highlight Flipkart’s commitment to equipping students with technology that’s fast, functional, and trendy. As hybrid learning and digitally driven lifestyles become the norm, this program bridges academic demands with everyday flexibility. By making advanced tech more accessible across student communities, Flipkart reinforces its commitment to delivering quality and seamless user experiences.

The ‘Back to Campus’ program unlocks significant savings across key tech categories. Students can avail attractive offers on laptops and tablets from top brands including Apple, ASUS, Acer, and HP. Gamers can redeem Supercoin rewards on a wide selection of gear, from consoles and gamepads to CDs and motion controllers. Brands have curated offers across IT peripherals like printers, monitors, and projectors. Meanwhile, accessories such as mouse, keyboards, and USB hubs come with offers of up to 10%, making essential tech more accessible. Additionally, exchange offers are available across all major laptop brands, making upgrades more affordable and accessible.

The smart audio lineup, including TWS earbuds, bluetooth speakers, and smartwatches, delivers both utility and convenience for students balancing learning and recreation. To support thoughtful purchase planning.

Top performing categories & key insights from the May 2025 edition

  • Laptops and tablets sustained their leadership in sales value, reflecting continued consumer demand across segments
  • The automobile category witnessed high growth, with 18–24-year-old students driving 20% of sales. Preferred brands included TVS Apache, Bajaj Pulsar, Ather 450X, and Jawa 42
  • Samsung topped sales in both laptops and tablets, followed by OnePlus in tablets and Philips in audio devices
  • Top brands that drove high demand include ZEBRONICS, Mi, SAREGAMA, Mivi, Nu Republic, PTron, and SONY, highlighting steady consumer demand and strong brand performance in the category
  • Niche but high-demand segments like gaming tablets and laptop power banks saw increased traction, reflecting evolving academic and recreation needs
  • Notably, over 55% of total sales originated from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, underlining the campaign’s broad appeal and effective penetration across diverse consumer demographics.

To enhance the student shopping experience, Flipkart has also introduced on-demand video assistance for real-time product walkthroughs and Gen-AI-powered chat support that helps students make informed buying decisions. The program includes various payment options, exchange deals, and enhanced customer support through video and AI-powered chat assistance.

ITM Skill University Expands Tech Horizons with New M.Tech in CSE

Navi Mumbai, June 19, 2025 —In a move designed to align with the rapidly emerging global tech ecosystem, ITM Skill University is delighted to announce the launch of its next generation of M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering(CSE) under the School of Future Tech. This new postgraduate program has popular specializations of Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and Cyber Security. These will give students the skills required to be leaders in the current digital first world.

What sets this program apart is its deep integration with industry expertise, developed in collaboration with prominent tech leaders including Mr. Chennakesh Saka (Wells Fargo), Mr. Gaurav Shirude (PwC), Mr. Dipan Mehta (LogiNext), Mr. Mrinal Shankar (Beem), Mr. Ummed Meel (Grant Thornton Bharat LLP), Mr. Abhishek Dwivedi (Vista), and Mr. Ajay Kumar (JP Morgan Chase & Co.). Their involvement ensures the curriculum is aligned with current industry needs, blending academic excellence with real-world relevance.

Curriculum-based learning has been implemented in the program with live case studies, capstone projects, and internships to allow students an opportunity to solve business problems. The students will be nurtured through one-on-one mentorship from seasoned professionals, experiential workshops, and training to build deep skills and gain real-world readiness.

Dr. Ritu Jain, Head of M.Tech (CSE), commented “This program represents the perfect synergy between academic depth and industry relevance. At ITM Skill University, we’re not just preparing students for the workforce — we’re empowering them to become innovators, technology leaders, and entrepreneurs ready to lead the future of digital transformation.”

The program also provides Global Immersion Experiences in tech hotspots such as Dubai and Singapore boosting worldwide tech knowledge. Students can join over 40 tech groups giving them chances to take part in hackathons, workshops, and meetups both at home and abroad.

ITM Skill University supports this program with a strong career help system full placement aid through 700+ hiring partners, and complete job prep resources. People who want to start businesses can also try to win up to ₹1 crore in seed money, which makes this one of India’s most innovative M.Tech programs for future tech leaders.