Category education

In a watershed moment for Indian defence education and technological advancement, the Indian Institute of Technology  Ropar formalized a historic Memorandum of Agreement  with the Indian Army to launch the M.Tech programme in Defence Technology. This pioneering initiative, designed exclusively for officers of the Armoured Corps Centre & School  marks an unprecedented collaboration between premier academic institutions and the armed forces, positioning India firmly on the path to becoming a global defence technology leader by 2047.

A First for Indian Institutes of Technology

This groundbreaking programme represents the first time any IIT in India has established such a comprehensive defence technology partnership with the armed forces. The initiative goes beyond conventional academic offerings, creating a robust ecosystem where cutting-edge research, applied innovation, and military operational expertise converge to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar, emphasized the transformative nature of this partnership:

“This collaboration marks a paradigm shift in how India approaches defence technology education. By bringing together the intellectual rigor of IIT Ropar with the operational excellence of the Indian Army, we are creating a unique model that will produce defence technology leaders capable of driving India’s self-reliance in critical defence sectors. This is our contribution to Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Empowering Mid-Level Officers with Advanced Defence Technology

The M.Tech  programme has been meticulously crafted through joint efforts of ACC&S and IIT Ropar, ensuring perfect alignment between academic rigor and military requirements. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning, hands-on research, and innovation-driven problem-solving, preparing officers to become technology leaders within the armed forces.

Upon successful completion of the programme, officers will be awarded an M.Tech  degree from IIT Ropar, a credential that represents the highest standards of technical excellence and innovation. This qualification will enable them to spearhead technological modernization initiatives across armoured formations and contribute significantly to indigenization efforts in defence manufacturing.

Comprehensive Research and Development Ecosystem

Beyond the academic programme, the MoA establishes an expansive framework for joint research and development initiatives that will address critical technological challenges facing India’s defence sector. The partnership encompasses several strategic focus areas like Joint Research & Development Initiatives, Next-Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle  Technologies, Advanced Armament Solutions and New Materials and Technologies for Armoured Platforms

Distinguished Presence at Inaugural Session

The inaugural session witnessed the participation of distinguished leaders from both institutions, underscoring the strategic importance of this collaboration. The MoA was formally signed by Maj Gen Vikram Varma, AVSM, VSM, Commandant, ACC&S and Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar.

The ceremony was graced by eminent personalities including Lt Gen S S Mahal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM Professor of Practice, IIT Ropar; Shri Virbhadra Singh Rawat, Professor of Practice, IIT Ropar; Prof. Sarang Gumfekar, Associate Dean (PG and Research), IIT Ropar; Brig Kaushal Panwar, Commander SOTT; Col Tarun Badola, Senior Instructor, HQ SOTTT; and esteemed faculty and staff from both ACC&S and MIC&S.

Setting a New Benchmark for Defence Academia Partnerships

The IIT Ropar-Indian Army partnership is expected to serve as a template for similar collaborations across the country. It demonstrates how academic institutions and defence establishments can pool their respective strengths to address complex national security challenges while fostering innovation ecosystems.

The research outcomes from this collaboration are anticipated to benefit not only the armed forces but also contribute to civilian applications in areas such as autonomous vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and materials engineering. This dual-use approach maximizes the societal impact of research investments while accelerating technology transfer from laboratory to field.

A Testament to Innovation-Driven Leadership

As India aspires to become a global leader in defence technology and manufacturing, initiatives like the IIT Ropar-Indian Army M.Tech (Defence Technology) programme represent critical building blocks. This collaboration exemplifies innovation-driven leadership, strategic foresight, and commitment to national excellence that will define Viksit Bharat 2047.

Pune, Jan 31: Pune Knowledge Cluster, under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in collaboration with Salaam Bombay Foundation, organised EduConclave 3.0 on January 30, 2026, at Savitribai Phule Pune University.

The two-day conclave brought together educators, policymakers and STEM practitioners to explore new and practical approaches to STEM education in India. The programme featured hands-on workshops on Artificial Intelligence and Zero-Cost Game-Based Learning, a panel discussion on building future-ready classrooms, and a STEM showcase highlighting emerging education technologies.

A key highlight of EduConclave 3.0 was TechVision, a student-led technology exhibition where students from government and government-aided schools presented solutions to real-world challenges. More than 750 students from over 25 schools across Mumbai, Pune and Nashik participated, developing over 100 projects across robotics, artificial intelligence and other new-age technologies. The top 14 projects were showcased at the conclave, which was attended by over 1,000 students from 19 government schools in Pune.

Among the notable innovations was SpoilAlert, developed by students Ayush Bhosale and Shreyash Bile. The handheld food safety scanner detects whether food is fresh or spoiled by sensing spoilage gases and changes in colour and moisture, with results displayed instantly on a screen. Designed as a low-cost, non-destructive device, it aims to reduce food waste and help prevent foodborne illnesses.

In the agriculture category, ShetiSuraksha, an autonomous farming robot created by Arjun Vishwasroa and Soham Hajare, attracted attention for its practical application. The robot monitors plant and soil conditions, waters only dry areas, detects rainfall, deters pests, and sends real-time updates to the farmer’s phone. The solution is designed to save water and labour while supporting healthier crops and more efficient farm management.

Other innovations include: SalineGuard Pro (saline monitoring system that silently tracks fluid levels and alerts nurses in time – enhancing patient safety without disturbing hospital calm), NextGen Cart (a smart shopping cart that scans barcodes, verifies item weight, and shows real-time billing on your phone – making checkout faster, fairer, and hassle-free), Poll Wizard (digital voting system that ensures secure, duplicate-free polling with instant results and easy Excel-based data management), FallWatch (bike-mounted fall detection system that senses accidents and instantly shares live location with emergency contacts for faster lifesaving response), among others.

Dr. Priya Nagaraj, Interim-CEO, Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC) said,

“We are very happy to be hosting the third year of EduConclave, which is our annual education conference.  This year’s focus is on integrating digital pedagogies into school teaching and learning practices.  We are happy to see that we have more than 70 participants, and we have a very large student-led exhibition as part of EduConclave this year.  

We hope to continue this legacy of having education and STEM education conferences in Pune, and we hope this becomes a flagship event for many educators and organizations working in STEM pedagogies to come, collaborate, network, and bring about meaningful change and impact in education.”

Commenting on the conclave, Mr. Gaurav Arora, Chief Growth Officer and Senior Vice President – skills@school & Sports, Salaam Bombay Foundation, said,

“Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, EduConclave underscores the importance of experiential and inquiry-based STEM education in bridging learning gaps for students from resource-challenged backgrounds. By nurturing curiosity and confidence at the school level, our collaboration with Pune Knowledge Cluster aims to strengthen pathways to higher education and future careers in science and technology.”

EduConclave 3.0 concluded with a strong call to action to ensure equitable access to quality STEM education across regions and school systems. By placing students at the centre of innovation and learning, the conclave reaffirmed a shared commitment to building inclusive, future-ready education ecosystems that empower young minds to explore, innovate and lead.

ITM University, Raipur Legal Aid Clinic Organizes Drug Awareness and Health Guidance Workshop under NALSA Scheme

Raipur, Jan 30: The Legal Aid Clinic of ITM University, Raipur organized a workshop on Drug Awareness and Health Guidance under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) scheme. The objective of the workshop was to create awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and to encourage them to adopt a healthy and responsible lifestyle.

Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro Vice Chancellor of ITM University, Raipur, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the students of Mother’s Pride School, she emphasized the importance of managing academic stress wisely during student life and staying away from substance abuse. Dr. Murthy highlighted that making informed and healthy choices at a young age plays a crucial role in shaping a successful future.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jellis Subhan, Head of the Department, Faculty of Law, advised students to remain vigilant about the serious physical, mental, and social dangers associated with drug addiction and to consciously avoid such habits.

As part of the program, students of the Faculty of Law, ITM University presented an impactful street play focusing on drug awareness, which was well received by the audience. A short film titled “Dhuaan”, depicting the ill effects of drug abuse, was also screened for the students.

Dr. Lakshmi Murthy, Pro Vice Chancellor, ITM University, Raipur, said, 

“Managing academic stress wisely and staying away from substance abuse are essential for students to build a healthy and successful future.”

Students and teachers from Mother’s Pride School, along with professors and students of ITM University, were present at the event. The program was conducted by Dr. Shivli Shrivastava, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, ITM University.

The workshop concluded with a strong message encouraging students to lead a drug-free life and to spread awareness in society about the harmful consequences of substance abuse.

SVKM’s NMIMS opens undergraduate registrations for 2026–27 admissions across Commerce, Engineering, Law, Design, and Mathematics

 As graduates build successful careers in consulting, banking, analytics, law, technology, design, and data science, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Deemed-to-be University, has opened registrations for undergraduate admissions for the academic year 2026–27. Registrations for all UG programs have begun from 28th January 2026 across its multiple campuses: Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Shirpur,  Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore and Chandigarh. The undergraduate programs span Engineering, Technology Management, Pharmacy, Commerce, Economics, Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, Management, Law, Design, and Mathematical Sciences. Exam dates vary by program and are available on the official NMIMS website. 

For students aspiring to careers in commerce, management, economics, humanities, and international studies, admissions are offered through the NMIMS Programme Aptitude Test (NPAT). It opens doors to the School of Commerce, School of Economics, School of Liberal Arts, School of Branding & Advertising, Centre for International Studies, and the Pravin Dalal School of Entrepreneurship & Management. The programs offered include BBA, B.Com (Minor in Business Analytics), B.Sc (Finance), BBA (FinTech), Integrated BBA–MBA, B.Sc (Economics), BA Liberal Arts, BBA Branding & Advertising, BBA International Business, BBA Management & Marketing, and BBA (Hons.) Finance. Known for interdisciplinary teaching, global exposure, and industry-aligned curriculum, NPAT is counted among India’s most desirable UG entrance pathways. Graduates secured jobs in leading companies with top packages of ₹24.30 LPA for BBA and ₹22.55 LPA for B.Com and B.Sc Finance.

Engineering, technology management, and pharmacy programmes are offered through the NMIMS Common Entrance Test (NCET). It is a gateway to the School of Technology Management & Engineering and the School of Pharmacy & Technology Management across NMIMS campuses, except Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The programs at these schools include B.Tech, the integrated five-year MBA Tech (B.Tech + MBA), and Pharma Tech (B.Pharm + MBA). From ABET-accredited engineering degrees to NIRF-ranked multidisciplinary technology-management pathways, NCET prepares students with strong technical and leadership skills. Graduates have benefitted with more than 500 recruiters visiting the campus for placements, with the highest package reaching ₹1.22 crore.  

Law aspirants can seek admission through the NMIMS Law Aptitude Test (NLAT). It gives aspirants entry to the School of Law and opens admission to B.A., LL.B. (Hons.) and B.B.A., LL.B. (Hons.). These courses integrate legal education with humanities and management, equipping students to tackle the changing legal landscape. Students gain practical exposure through moot courts, internships, legal writing, and case studies, building foundations in subjects like Political Science, Economics, Sociology, History, and core legal principles including Constitutional, Criminal, and Contract Law. Graduates from SVKM’s NMIMS School of Law have secured placements with packages up to ₹19 LPA.

Design education at NMIMS is offered through the NMIMS Design Aptitude Test (NDAT). It provides access to the School of Design for its unique four-year AICTE-approved B.Des. in Humanising Technology degree program, which aims to make designing technology more humane, accessible and purposeful. The program offers specialisations into Virtual Reality (VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and Cognitive-science-based product design. Graduates have secured jobs across varied roles in EdTech, Gaming, Digital Media, IT Services, and Design Consulting with the highest package of ₹26.4 LPA.

For students inclined towards mathematics, analytics, and data-driven careers, the NMIMS Mathematical Sciences Test (MST) enables entry to the Nilkamal School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics & Analytics. The School offers B.Sc programs in Data Science, Applied Statistics & Analytics, and Applied Mathematical Computing. Graduates have secured placements in leading companies with the top package being ₹22 LPA.

DPS Hinjawadi Marks Republic Day with ‘Khushi Utsav’, Celebrating Empathy, Inclusion, and Shared Citizenship

Pune, Jan 30: Delhi Public School (DPS), Hinjawadi, celebrated Republic Day 2026 with its signature Khushi Utsav and Khushi Bazaar, an initiative designed to reinforce the constitutional values of empathy, inclusivity, and collective responsibility.

As part of the celebrations, the school welcomed 50 families from a nearby ZP school in Nande village, including students and their family members, as special guests. Thoughtfully prepared utility and learning kits were distributed with dignity, promoting equality, respect, and compassion.

Students actively participated in the festivities, embodying the spirit of service and celebration. Parent-led stalls, including food, ice-cream, and simple game counters, added warmth and vibrancy, while adventure and activity zones created an engaging experience for visiting children and families.

A highlight of the event was the flag unfurling ceremony, jointly conducted by the youngest child from the visiting ZP school and the Principal of DPS Hinjawadi, symbolising unity, equality, and collective national pride.

Addressing the gathering, Principal Dr. Jaya Parekh shared the message: “Anekta mein ekta hai, aur ekta mein bal hai”—unity in diversity and strength in unity. She emphasised that all children are equal and highlighted the joy of sharing as a powerful learning experience.

The initiative received strong appreciation from the ZP school’s principal, teachers, and students, who lauded the school’s culture, staff commitment, and student involvement. Conceived as the first step in a long-term vision, Khushi Utsav and Khushi Bazaar are planned to become an annual Republic Day tradition, reinforcing DPS Hinjawadi’s belief in nurturing empathy, responsibility, and citizenship alongside academic excellence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subject-wise Global Performance:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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