Category education

By Prof PB Sharma and Sanskrit Sharma

As India moves forward on the pathways of rapid track sustainable development as the largest democracy of the world, it needs to effectively capitalise its “Advantage India” that lies in its over 660 million youth between the age group of 15-29 years. It is this vast pool of Young India that needs both the technology skills as well as the character skills of integrity, responsibility, and accountability akin to the clarion calls of Viksit Bharat of our dreams.

 Skilling Youth with AI and Digital Skills:

Young India needs to be empowered with digital skills in a hyper-connected world, of which India is one of the most promising leaders in the age of Artificial Intelligence, AI. These AI and Digital skills are required all across the board for all sectors of the economy.

New Skill Infrastructure Urgently Needed:

The current level of skilling infrastructure and the skilling ecosystem in India requires a paradigm shift both in respect of content as well as in the delivery systems being adopted at present.

The mass scale skilling by organising workshops or seminars or even skill camps is no answer to the skilling needs of AI and digital skills, nor is a solution to seriously align the conduct and character of Young India to the needs of integrity, responsibility and sustainability, the ‘holy trinity’ of the New Age.

Skill Universities need a Redesign:

The initiative of the state governments in India to establish skill universities in public and private domains, though sounds good at the first instant, may end up with unemployable skill degree holders unless these skill universities change their approach of imparting skills to the inspired young minds who come to these skill universities to get the experience and exposure to the hi-tech digital skills and their practice for the most modern manufacturing and service applications.

 The design and delivery system for skill programs must necessarily differ from the traditional knowledge-based degree programs of today’s forward-looking universities and institutions of higher learning.

Future Readiness to be the Mantra:

The primary goal of a Skill University should be to produce graduates who are immediately employable, job-ready, and possess the higher-end digital skills so much needed in the workplace today by employers. These universities should necessarily emphasize fostering internships in industry, on learning by doing, and activity-based learning a lot more than ‘learning to know’ and know deeply, as the conventional universities usually are accustomed to providing.

The outcome of a skill university has to necessarily be a ready-to-run a kind of industry or service sector workforce that not only has the skills of today but is also capable of self-empowerment with the skill sets of the future in the industry or a service organisation.

Catch them Young from School Onward:

Ideally, the interest in skills of the new age should be cultivated from the school level onward. There was a time when India had technical schools which focused at that time on skill-based learning of engineering and technology. These students, after passing their technical schools, became highly successful engineering and technology graduates once they joined their degree programs.

Skilling Youth Should Be a National Priority:

Today, when we are in an era that requires competency, calibre and character to work alongside smart and intelligent machines, robots and humanoids, the importance of skilling  Young India cannot be overemphasised.

It would be highly desirable for the universities and colleges in India to establish multifunctional, multi-sectoral skill centres and high-tech skill towers to empower the youth of India with skill sets for the future-ready workforce that the Viskit Bharat@2047 mission so well requires.

World Youth Skills Day 2025:

 The UN  World Youth Skills Day 2025,  celebrated throughout the world each year on July 15, has given a call to “Youth empowerment through AI and Digital Skills” as its theme for this year. This is in line with the needs of Industry 4.0 and Service Sector 5.0 that require empowerment of youth with next-generation AI and digital skills embedded with the character skills of sustainability, integrity, and responsibility that the new age so much requires to create a green and blissful future for the world community.

Let skilling Youth be a matter of great national priority and let India take a lead in redesigning it’s skill infrastructure for the New Age learners.

Authors Prof PB Sharma is a renowned academician, past President of AIU, Founder Vice Chancellor of DTU, and currently Vice Chancellor of Amity University Gurugram, and Sanskrit Sharma is an 11th class student at Amity International School.

Noida, 13 June 2025: Heartfulness Education Trust (HET) and Galgotias University have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly establish the Centre of Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) at the Galgotias University campus in Greater Noida. This is the first-of-its-kind integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into a leading university’s mainstream curriculum. The centre envisioned as Bharatiya Gyan Parampara Kendra was inaugurated by Chief Guest Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission through a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Heartfulness Lounge at the campus. Other dignitaries included the top management and faculty of the university. The inauguration was followed by MoU signing and CIKS plaque unveiling. Rev. Daaji also led the participants through a guided meditation session followed by interaction with students and faculty.

The purpose of the HET and Galgotias university collaboration is to bring knowledge transfer of ancient Indian wisdom, consciousness studies, meditation practices, and holistic wellness programs to modern higher education, empowering students with values, emotional well-being, leadership skills, and purpose-driven living. The collaboration is purely non-commercial and solely intended for the well-being and holistic education. All the wellness programmes and Heartfulness Meditation sittings will be offered free of charge. The centre will serve as an example for collaborative research and faculty development platform advancing consciousness studies globally.

The Centre of Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) is first-of-its-kind institution integrating ancient Indian wisdom into higher education. The curriculum will be driving by equipping students with practical life skills to handle modern challenges such as stress, relationships, digital dependence, and substance abuse. Education will be based on building emotional intelligence, resilience, leadership, and a sense of purpose among students and faculty and creating a harmonious academic environment, enhancing both personal and academic performance.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University said regarding the MoU, “This collaboration is a milestone in what such a strategic partnership can achieve in research and implementation of evolution of human consciousness to nurture not just skilled professionals, but also responsible citizens rooted in values, balance, and purpose.”

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Mission said about the collaboration, “This partnership enables us to raise a generation of future citizens and professional who have inner resilience deeply ingrained in them to handle the challenges with 21^st century with timeless ancient wisdom and evolution of collective consciousness as the core value.”

The IKS-based curriculum will be tailor-made and elective credit courses under the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara Kendra. All the research output will be under the agreed IPR norms with all the Heartfulness IP being solely with HET; while Galgotias University would provide the space and infrastructure for Heartfulness meditation and initiatives.  Free access to digital and learning platforms including Heartfulness App, Udemy courses, and self-learning platforms will be provided. Introductory and advanced wellness programs like “Wellness at Work”, HHH (Health, Happiness & Heartfulness), and in-depth teacher training for faculty is also being offered through the MoU. A comprehensive 16-week life-skills and leadership development curriculum called HELM (Heartfulness Enabled Leadership Mastery) Program is also included. Leadership Conclaves and Workshops for senior leadership programs for university administrators; Internship Opportunities & Research Projects on Ethical and contemplative projects for students with faculty mentorship; Mental Health Support through ‘Voice That Cares’ mental health helpline for students and staff will be made available.

Mumbai, 13^th June 2025: Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), a leading AACSB accredited business school in India, is proud to announce that its student team has emerged as the Global Winner of the PRME Global Students Sustainability Awards 2025, held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. The team “BIMTECH – UFE” comprised of Neer Soni, Arunojya Vatsa, and Deval Kambaliya, and was mentored by Dr. Reeti Kulshrestha, Faculty, Sustainability and Responsible Business at BIMETCH.

This prestigious recognition by Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), a United Nations initiative, celebrated the excellence of impactful sustainability-oriented student organizations whose work aligned with the Seven Principles for Responsible Management Education and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The winning team was awarded USD 2000, sponsored by Marketplace Simulations, to support their ongoing and future local sustainability initiatives.

Expressing delight, Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director BIMTECH, shared, “It is an extremely proud moment for us to witness that our faculty and students are being recognised at global and reputed platforms. This memorable achievement proves that for us sustainability is not just a subject to be studied but a purpose to be lived. Moments like these motivate us and act as a testament that we as an institute are moving in the right direction. I congratulate the awardees and hope for many such unforgettable moments in the future.”

The BIMTECH-UFE team excelled through a rigorous six-month multi-stage evaluation process. Organized by Marketplace Simulations, one of the rounds also included playing a simulation competition with other teams to run a sustainable enterprise for five weeks, which not only required the students to utilize their problem-solving skills, but also strategic and decision-making skills and above all, a sustainability-oriented mindset. Progressing from a regional winner, South and Central Asia to making it to the global Top 5, then the Top 3, and then finally it culminated in the selection as the Global Winner.

Inspired by its founders Late Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla, BIMTECH has pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. BIMTECH is amongst the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools that excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 8000 individuals.

Mumbai, 13 June 2025: The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Shell India, has launched a Green Skills and Electric Vehicles (EV) training program aimed at equipping students and faculty with future-ready capabilities in green energy and e-mobility. This initiative will be implemented by Edunet Foundation, training partner of Shell, across select Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Delhi-NCR, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Under the DGT–Shell India collaboration, green skill training will be delivered through a structured multi-tier model across select NSTIs and ITIs. In the first phase, the program includes a 240-hour advanced EV Technician course at 4 NSTIs, a 90-hour job-oriented EV skills course at 12 ITIs equipped with Shell-supported labs, and a 50-hour foundational green skills module at additional ITIs without physical labs. The curriculum, jointly developed by Shell, Edunet Foundation, and DGT, covers EV systems, diagnostics, battery technology, digital tools, and safety protocols. The initiative also includes Training of Trainers (ToT) for over 250 instructors, certification co-branded by Shell and DGT, and structured placement support to enhance industry readiness.

A key highlight of the initiative is the establishment of specialised EV skill labs within select ITIs and NSTIs. These labs are designed to offer hands-on training and expert-led sessions aligned with industry standards. Beyond lab-based learning, the program also provides placement support and co-branded certifications to successful participants, enhancing their employability in the green energy and EV sectors.

The Government of India has been actively advancing Green Energy and Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in line with its net-zero ambitions. Flagship initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have played a pivotal role in accelerating EV uptake, enhancing infrastructure, and offering targeted incentives. Complementing these national efforts, states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have introduced their own EV policies to fast-track the transition to electric mobility, foster local ecosystems, and generate green jobs. These developments underscore the growing demand for a skilled workforce in the green energy and EV sectors.

As the apex national body for vocational training, DGT will play a crucial role in this initiative by mobilizing students and trainers and supporting the institutional ecosystem to ensure alignment with national education and skill development standards.

Speaking on the importance of this initiative, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE and Minister of State for Education, said, ““Our collaboration with Shell India reflects the government’s deeper commitment to aligning skilling with sustainability. Green energy, electric mobility, and the broader climate transition are not just environmental imperatives—they represent a generational opportunity for India to lead through innovation, talent, and enterprise. This initiative is part of our larger vision to create a workforce that is not only job-ready, but climate-ready. We are equipping young Indians with the skills to shape—and not just participate in—the global green economy.”

Smt. Trishaljit Sethi, Director General, Directorate General of Training (DGT), MSDE stated,

“This partnership with Shell India is a focused step in bringing cutting-edge training infrastructure and industry-relevant curriculum into our ITIs and NSTIs. By integrating Electric Vehicle technologies into vocational training, we are ensuring that our students gain hands-on experience aligned with real-world demand. With joint certification, trainer upskilling, and placement support built into the program, this initiative will significantly strengthen the employability of our youth in the green mobility sector.” 

Speaking on the partnership, Mansi Madan Tripathy, Chairperson, Shell Group of Companies in India & Senior Vice President, Shell Lubricants, Asia-Pacific, said, “At Shell, we aim to support local communities by enabling future employment opportunities. Equipping youth with green energy skills is an important step towards building a lower-carbon future. Through our collaboration with DGT and Edunet Foundation, we are providing students with practical and future-ready expertise in green energy and electric mobility. This initiative empowers young people to thrive in an evolving energy landscape and contribute towards India’s net-zero ambitions”.

This collaboration between DGT and Shell India is a robust move in preparing India’s youth for careers in the future green economy. By offering a comprehensive curriculum, specialized labs, and industry support, the initiative will equip students with hands-on skills and certifications, enhancing their employability and positioning them to lead in a sustainable, innovation-driven future.

The University of Leeds offers a Master of Science (MSc) programme in Air Quality Solutions with Data Science. This MSc programme takes a hands-on ‘systems approach’ to tackling critical issues in air quality, exploring solutions for both the UK and internationally. Teaching fuses expert teaching of theory with data science training and practicals on air quality topics, including emissions, monitoring, modelling, pollution exposure, indoor air quality, health impacts, sustainability, policy and economic appraisal. All alongside training to become a confident data scientist and analyst. 

The program includes the use of conventional and research-led pollution-monitoring techniques and novel data analysis tools, culminating in a substantial independent research project in the final semester. Students will engage in hands-on learning, applying and designing interventions using state-of-the-art data science and modelling tools. The course leverages world-class research from five distinguished schools: the Institute for Transport Studies, the School of Earth and Environment, the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, and the School of Chemistry. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a student to gain cutting-edge knowledge and data science skills, equipping them for a successful career in this industry.

Practical elements of the programme include fieldwork activities in modules, such as visits to air quality monitoring sites and the chance to join and actively contribute to initiatives such as the Air Quality Living Lab, experiencing transport systems in action and meeting transport professionals who are actively working in the field. Students are offered a guaranteed industry experience through the Global Industry Programme to gain consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation during their studies and have an opportunity to apply for paid industrial placements during the course.

The advanced ‘solutions’ focussed knowledge and data science skills gained during the Master’s program will prepare the students for diverse career paths in consultancy, public sector and regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry, or further academic research. The course has been designed through a close working relationship with industry, including several environmental and engineering consultancies who visit the students each year to promote their businesses, projects and graduate schemes. Plus, the University of Leeds is in the UK’s top 5 most targeted universities by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Satnam Narang, sr. staff research engineer, Tenable

“Our CVE count for 2025 is already pushing us past the halfway mark of last year’s total of 1,009 patched CVEs. As this number continues to grow year over year, so does the pressure on cyber defenders to mitigate these issues effectively. Tenable Research Special Operations is here to help with informed intelligence. 

 “This month, there were only two zero-day vulnerabilities, one of which was exploited in the wild and the other publicly disclosed.

 “One notable exploit in the wild zero day from this release is CVE-2025-33053, a remote code execution vulnerability in Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning or WebDAV, a protocol for extending HTTP protocol functionality for interacting with files. Check Point Research confirmed that Stealth Falcon launched a social engineering campaign to convince targets to open a malicious .url file, which would then exploit this vulnerability, giving them the ability to execute code. It is rare to hear of a zero-day reported during Patch Tuesday as being leveraged widely. We typically expect these types of zero-days to be used sparingly, with an intention to remain undetected for as long as possible. However, not all zero-days are used stealthily. The precedent set by groups like Cl0p with file transfer appliances shows that zero-days can rapidly become widespread when money is the motivator. 

 “This month, Microsoft did not patch BadSuccessor, a zero-day elevation of privilege vulnerability, despite its disclosure by researchers at Akamai on May 21 and the subsequent release of public proof-of-concepts, including a .NET implementation dubbed SharpSuccessor, and its inclusion in NetExec and BloodyAD. BadSuccesor only affects domains that have at least one Windows Server 2025 domain controller, a rare configuration that we’ve observed in just 0.7% of AD domains based on a subset of our telemetry data. Nonetheless, we know that Microsoft intends to fix the flaw, but not this month. Organizations that do have at least one Windows Server 2025 domain controller should review permissions for principals and limit those permissions as much as possible.

 “Microsoft recently updated its advisory for CVE-2025-21204, an elevation of privilege vulnerability that was patched in April. As part of that release, Microsoft created a folder on systems under %systemdrive%inetpub, noting that it was important to “increase protection.” Understandably, some users were concerned about the creation of a new folder on their systems, so many deleted it. In its latest update, Microsoft published a remediation script that will restore this folder with the correct permissions and update access control lists (ACLs). Users are advised to run this script from Microsoft directly if they manually removed the folder.” – Satnam Narang, sr. staff research engineer, Tenable

Mumbai, 11 June 2025 – ITM Business School’s exceptional final placement achievements have set a new industry record of career success. This year, the institute has delivered an astonishing 96% placement rate, while 254 renowned companies have participated in the placement process, keeping it miles ahead  in their pursuit of  industry-linked education and results-triggered training .

Multitude of industries and top-notch brands such as Fintech, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) (26%), Manufacturing (17%), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) (12%), Retail Sector (9%), Real Estate (9%), Consultancy Services (7%) and others(20%). made a successful round in the placement season which clearly shows the multi-sectoral confidence of the employers in the institution’s students.

ITM Business School is set to conduct a nationwide Case Analysis & Personal Interview round for its MBA iConnect program on June 14, 2025. This initiative aims to identify and select top-tier candidates for the upcoming academic session. Prospective students are encouraged to apply by June 12, 2025, to participate in this crucial selection process.

“At ITM Business School, we are committed to shaping future leaders who are ready to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. With a curriculum designed to align with industry needs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on holistic development, we aim to equip our students not just for today but for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”—, Dr. Lakshmi Mohan, Pro Vice Chancellor, ITM Business School

Key Highlights

• Nationwide Selection: The Case Analysis & Personal Interview round will be held across multiple cities, including Lucknow, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Hyderabad, Pune, Nagpur, Kolkata, Patna, and Navi Mumbai.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: The MBA iConnect program offers 10 industry-relevant specializations, such as Marketing, Finance, HRM, Business Analytics, FinTech, and Digital Marketing.
• Industry Immersion: Students undergo a mandatory 5-month paid industry internship and a 2-week NGO internship, providing real-world experience and enhancing employability.
• Placement Assurance: With a legacy spanning over three decades, ITM Business School boasts a robust placement record, with over 500 recruiters visiting the campus and a 98% placement rate for the 2024 MBA batch.
• Global Exposure: The program offers Global Immersion Programs in UAE, Singapore, and Europe, enriching students’ international business perspectives.
• Professional Development: Students receive 300+ hours of soft skills training, including presentations, corporate communication, and interview preparation, ensuring holistic development.

Dr. Gunda Srinivas, Consultant, Paediatrics Emergency and Paediatrics, Aster RV Hospital

As the new academic year approaches, most parents start off by purchasing stationery, uniform clothes and many more to-dos. But true school readiness is far deeper. It’s more than just new uniforms and books. It’s the physical, mental and emotional readiness, social adaptability, academic preparedness, and logistical systems that ease the transition into school life. Here’s a detailed checklist for parents to ensure their child walks back into the school amidst new teachers and friends with confidence and joy.

1. Physical Health

• Health check-up: Make sure to complete any pending check-ups, including vaccinations, dental visits. Dr visits also help in screening for anaemia, vitamin deficiencies, vision and hearing screening. Flu vaccination is important since school opening and the onset of flu season coincide. Any missed or scheduled vaccination can be completed. These visits also help screen for any developmental/ behavioural concerns.
• Sleep hygiene: Holidays usually are a late to bed and late to rise routine for most children. Help reset their bedtime and wake-up time at least a week in advance to align to the school timings. Lack of sleep leads to fatigue, poor attention, and irritability. Stop screen atleast 2 hrs before sleep. Have adequate time for a simple morning routine with some physical activity and prayer. 
• Nutrition: Make sure to reset the food routine as well from a late breakfast or a brunch to keeping proper time for a slow breakfast and snack times matching the school routines. Stop eating out or eating heavy food atleast a week before to avoid any tummy upsets etc.
• Exercise and movement: Every day physical activity is a mandotory routine that is very important to balance their energies and avoid screen time. 
• Routine Bowel training: Ensure school going kids are bowel trained and have a daily routine to avoid constipation and need for untimely bowel emptying at schools or public places.
• Personal hygiene: Teach proper handwashing, nail trimming, toilet habits, and how to manage sneezing or coughing safely which is very important for the first timers to school. 

2. Mental and Emotional Readiness

• Confidence building: Any efforts of the child should be praised and not just the outcomes. Small tasks of daily living like packing bags, tying shoe laces, arranging their belongings need to be appreciated. This builds their confidence.
• Talk and listen: Help children to understand what is expected in the new school/class. Talk about the unpleasant aspects as well and keep them prepared with a plan. Listen their perspectives and fears and acknowledge them.
• Separation anxiety: Simulate short separations from you such as staying with a relative/grandparents, to help your child adjust your absence especially for the first timers to the school.
• Stress management: Teach simple breathing techniques when feeling overwhelmed or possible conflicts with peers.

3. Social and Communication Skills

• Basic etiquette: Teach polite greetings to teachers and others with an eye contact and a smile, asking for help, and expressing needs appropriately to teachers or school staff. Encourage and reinforce importance of emptying urinary bladder as needed and not to postpone voiding in school. 
• Interaction opportunities: Encourage them to interact with friends old and new initiate conversations proactively. This helps them to gain confidence and build self esteem.
• Conflict resolution: Discuss how to handle disagreements or uncomfortable situations assertively, kindly and without raising their voice. 

So, school readiness is not a universal checklist. It’s a gradual process of nurturing habits, skills, and confidence in your child customised to your child. By focusing on all domains of development—physical, emotional, social, academic, and practical—you empower your child to enjoy the learning experience in school.

Ahmedabad, 09 June 2025: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has opened admissions for its two-year, full-time PGDM programmes: PGDM in Entrepreneurship (PGDM–E) and PGDM in Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Venture Development (PGDM–IEV) for the academic year 2025 – 27.

Backed by AICTE approval, PGDM-E and PGDM-IEV are designed to serve as a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, and next-generation business leaders by combining academic rigour with real-world outcomes. EDII’s focus on entrepreneurial outcomes is reflected in its alumni achievements with nearly 78% of graduates pursuing entrepreneurial careers. Of these, 54% have joined or scaled their family businesses, 23% have launched independent ventures, and 1% have established social enterprises.

With milestone-based learning approach, PGDM in Entrepreneurship enables students to tailor their entrepreneurial roadmap with practical knowledge and guidance by eminent entrepreneurs, experts, investors and noted professionals. It is particularly advantageous for students who want to launch new ventures, expand family businesses, and build impactful social enterprises. EDII offers specialisations in New Enterprise Creation, Family Business Management, and Social Entrepreneurship, giving students the flexibility to shape their entrepreneurial journeys.

PGDM–IEV is a purpose-built programme for tech innovators aiming to transform ideas into scalable ventures. With immersive learning environment, students benefit from EDII’s in-house Technology Business Incubator – Centre for Advancing and Launching Enterprises (CrAdLE), which not only provides industry exposure but also a structured support to enhance investor readiness through schemes like Student Startup and Innovation Policy (SSIP), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), MSME Innovative Scheme and Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM).

“At EDII, our PGDM programmes are rooted in experiential learning and reflect the evolving nature of India’s entrepreneurial landscape. We aim to nurture the talent and skills of future job creators by equipping them with the right tools, insights, and mentorship that can translate ideas into viable, scalable ventures. Whether you are looking to build a start-up or drive family business to newer heights, EDII is where your journey begins,” said Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII.

Mumbai, June 09, 2025: As AI redefines the marketing landscape, organisations are seeking leaders who can bridge data, creativity, and customer-centricity to drive growth. According to PwC’s Global CEO Survey 2024, 70% of Indian CEOs believe Generative AI will significantly impact how businesses create and deliver value, especially in areas like personalised marketing and customer experience. Additionally, 71% of Indian retailers plan to adopt Generative AI in the next 12 months, increasing the demand for AI-savvy marketing and sales professionals as per EY’s ‘The AIdea of India: 2025’ report. These trends highlight the growing need for marketing professionals who can combine strategic thinking with AI-driven insights to stay competitive and drive business growth.

Recognising the urgent need for marketing leaders who can adapt to AI-led disruption, IIM Calcutta, one of the leading B-schools in India, ranked 5th by NIRF 2024, has launched Strategic Marketing for Leaders: Leveraging AI for Growth programme in collaboration with Emeritus. Backed by Triple Crown accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB), the institute is widely recognised for its academic strength in marketing strategy, analytics, and digital transformation. This 18-week programme equips professionals with practical skills in predictive analytics, omni-channel strategy, Generative AI applications, and customer journey mapping. With a strong focus on application and outcomes, it prepares participants to lead data-driven marketing initiatives and provides comprehensive understanding of core marketing pillars.

The programme is specifically tailored for those in mid- to senior-level roles across marketing, digital marketing, consulting, and business strategy. It is well-suited for marketing professionals looking to transition into strategic leadership, as well as digital marketers aiming to strengthen their expertise in AI-led marketing practices. The programme also caters to consultants, category managers, and strategy professionals who are focused on driving market expansion, customer engagement, and business growth through data-driven insights. This programme equips professionals across sectors including retail, FMCG, technology, e-commerce, or media with the advanced tools and frameworks needed to lead AI-integrated marketing initiatives in a fast-changing business environment.

Speaking on the launch of the programme, Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, Head India & APAC, Emeritus, said, “As AI continues to reshape consumer behaviour and redefine how businesses engage with markets, there is a growing need for marketing leaders who can combine strategic insight with technological fluency. This programme empowers professionals to harness AI-driven tools and data-led strategies to build impactful marketing campaigns, drive growth, and lead with confidence in an increasingly digital-first world.”

The programme combines recorded sessions with a live online class led by Prof. Saravana Jaikumar, esteemed faculty at IIM Calcutta, offering a balance of flexibility and expert-led interaction. Participants engage in immersive case study discussions on brands like Nike, Apple and Southwest Airlines, live doubt-clearing sessions, hands-on simulations, tools, and a capstone project to apply concepts in real-world business contexts. The curriculum addresses key areas such as predictive analytics, Generative AI applications, customer journey mapping, and omnichannel strategy equipping professionals with actionable tools to lead modern marketing initiatives. An optional one-day networking event at the IIM Calcutta campus further enriches the experience through peer networking, interactive learning, and engagement with faculty and industry professionals across sectors.