Prodigy Finance Expands Support for Master’s Degrees at Top French B-Schools

Prodigy Finance has strengthened its commitment to global education by partnering with 17 of France’s top business schools. This strategic move makes it easier for international students to access funding for world-class education in France, helping them take confident steps toward their academic and career goals.

Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, emphasises the company’s dedication to this vision, stating, “At Prodigy Finance, we believe education is the gateway to life-changing opportunities. By expanding our network to include these iconic French institutions, we are investing not just in students, but in the future of global innovation and leadership.”

The expansion adds 17 of France’s leading business schools to the Prodigy Finance network, including Audencia Business School, Burgundy School of Business, EDHEC Business School, EM Normandie Business School, Emlyon Business School, ESCP Europe Business School, ESDES Business School, ESSEC Business School, Grenoble Ecole de Management, HEC Paris, IESEG School of Management, INSEAD,  KEDGE Business School, Montpellier Business School,  NEOMA Business School, Rennes School of Business, and SKEMA Business School.

Sonal Kapoor

Applications for the 2025 intake are now open, with admissions timelines varying by institution. Students are encouraged to visit the Prodigy Finance Supported Schools page for program-specific deadlines and application information. Students who apply by the end of May can save up to 3% on their education loan, an exclusive, limited-time offer that makes funding even more affordable.

Prodigy Finance offers flexible loan options tailored specifically for international students, requiring no co-signer or collateral for most applicants. However, Indian students have the additional option of applying for co-signer loans, which often come with lower interest rates starting from 8.35% and repayment terms up to 20 years.

Loans can cover up to 100% of the cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, with competitive interest rates and repayment terms of up to 20 years. Typically, repayment begins six months after graduation for full-time courses.

With loan amounts available up to $220,000, Prodigy Finance continues to scale its support to match the rising costs of global education, ensuring that deserving students have a fair chance at success regardless of their background.

MGM University Opens 2025–26 Admissions, Champions Future-Ready Learning

Maharashtra, May 19, 2025: MGM University has announced the number of academic offerings to students at different award levels for the academic year 2025–26, building on a strong foundation of achievements across engineering, Social science, applied science, film, design, sports and management. A pioneer of holistic, experiential education in the country, the University continues to gain recognition as a destination for innovation, interdisciplinary learning and industry relevance.

MGM University offers over 340 programs across seven broad disciplines of knowledge — Engineering and Technology, Management and Commerce, Basic and Applied Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Performing Arts, Design and Interdisciplinary Studies — all from a single integrated campus.

MGM University is among the first institutions in India to fully implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Its flexible and multidisciplinary approach empowers students with a wide spectrum of major and minor choices, skill-based modules and real-world exposure. The University’s experiential teaching methods — emphasizing on conceptual understanding, creativity and critical thinking, research-oriented learning — prepare students for careers of the future.

State-of-the-art infrastructure, including the Innovation, Incubation and Research Centre (IIRC), 179 labs, 28 innovation centers, 22 design studios, a 3-D printing lab, a filmmaking studio, an aviation mock room and a moot court, gives students hands-on training across disciplines.

In 2024–25, MGM University students made headlines with accomplishments across fields. Engineering students secured their third consecutive win at the Smart India Hackathon with an AI-powered traffic management solution. Film students are currently producing three feature-length movies, while others gained exposure through participation in the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival and collaborations with renowned filmmakers. Students of mass communication, design and management participated in major conferences such as Swayambhu 2025 and the Expert Live India Conference, interacting with leaders in generative AI, product development, and software innovation.

MGM University’s emphasis on holistic development is evident in its world-class sports infrastructure, where students train under national-level coaches. In recent tournaments, MGM students brought home medals in gymnastics, shooting and fencing while balancing academic excellence.

Design and visual arts students continue to shine through initiatives like the Kaleidoscope Fashion Show and scholarships from Nikon India. Unique Interdisciplinary initiative METTA 2025 was inaugurated by Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar and participated by Vice-Chancellors, Directors and Industrialists reflecting the university’s dedication to integration of knowledge across the discipline, and socially conscious learning.

“Our vision goes beyond traditional academics — we aim to nurture individuals who are competent, curious, driven, and capable of making a lasting difference,” said Prof. Dr. Vilas Sapkal, Vice Chancellor, MGM University Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. “We welcome students who are ready to shape the future through innovation, leadership and collaboration.” Admissions are now open across all streams. Students looking for building 21st Century capabilities, a forward-thinking, hands-on academic experience are invited to explore opportunities at MGM University.

JEE Advanced 2025 Chapter Wise High Weightage Topics and Smart Revision Tips to Ace the Exam

National, 19th May; 2025: As the countdown begins for the JEE Advanced 2025 examination on May 18th, lakhs of aspiring engineers from all over the country are preparing for one of India’s toughest competitive examinations. The test examines the conceptual understanding, problem-solving skill, and analytical reasoning of the students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, requiring strategic preparation and targeted revision.

JEE Advanced Exam Pattern 2025

The pattern of the 2025 JEE Advanced exam is totally different from that of the JEE Main exam. The JEE Advanced exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, with each paper lasting three hours. The syllabus of this exam is based on Class 11 and 12 syllabus topics in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. Students must keep in mind that they have to cover the important JEE Advanced chapter-wise weightage from the official syllabus to prepare effectively. In Physics, the dominant themes are Mechanics namely Rotational Motion and Laws of Motion, accounting for about 20% of the questions. Electromagnetism (15-18%), Modern Physics (10-12%), Optics (10%), Current Electricity (8-10%), and Thermodynamics (8%) share high weight too. Chemistry is split into Physical, Organic, and Inorganic portions, with key focus areas like Chemical Kinetics, Coordination Compounds, Thermodynamics, Organic Reaction mechanisms, and Biomolecules. Mathematics is going to test Calculus, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Probability, and Vector & 3D Geometry with Calculus alone contributing almost 20% to the paper.

Besides studying these chapters, the students are also encouraged to practice past year papers, practice mock tests in simulated test conditions, and keep neat formula sheets for easy revision. 

It is to be noted that candidates are now permitted three attempts for JEE Advanced, enhancing the prior two-attempt limit. This change allows candidates an additional chance to maximize their performance across the JEE Advanced examination.

Expectations from Experts

Nitin Vijay, Founder and CEO, Motion, said, “JEE Advanced has a dynamic and unpredictable question trend, with no fixed official pattern announced in advance. The question formats may vary range from single correct answers to multiple correct, integer-type, or matrix-match questions. Mathematics is often a challenging subject for students. In contrast, Chemistry is generally perceived as scoring, therefore, any unexpected rise in its difficulty can cause significant concern among aspirants. The Physics section of NEET 2025 was regarded as extremely difficult, especially in relation to students’ prior expectations. This spike in difficulty caused panic since NEET Physics is typically considered simpler by students, and any increase in challenge led to a disproportionate sense of difficulty. Conversely, JEE Advanced is inherently challenging, and aspirants are psychologically prepared to face complex questions. Even though the paper’s difficulty varies year to year, it rarely induces panic or is deemed unusually hard by the candidates, who expect a challenging exam as part of the norm.”

He further said, “Unlike NEET, which relies more on memory and speed, JEE Advanced demands analytical thinking and integration of concepts. As of now, no major syllabus changes or shifts in topic weightage have been reported for JEE Advanced 2025. Mock tests are essential for success. Coaching institutes like Motion design mock exams closely replicate the real exam environment, timing, and question difficulty. This simulation helps students acclimate to the rigorous schedule (typically 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM), building resilience and reducing exam day anxiety. Adaptive learning platforms further aid in identifying weak areas and strengthening conceptual clarity, which is critical for excelling in this concept-heavy test.”

As D-day approaches, aspirants are encouraged to stay calm, focus on revision of high-weightage topics, and keep practising with mock tests to sharpen their time management and problem-solving skills. With consistent effort and strategic preparation, cracking JEE Advanced 2025 is within reach.

Jaipuria Institute Honours 1251 Graduates at Annual Convocation with Vice-President Dhankhar

New Delhi, May 19, 2025: Jaipuria Institute of Management, one of the prominent management institutions in India, hosted a grand unified convocation for its four campuses—Lucknow, Noida, Jaipur, and Indore, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of the Honourable Vice President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, as the Chief Guest. He highlighted the significance of continuous learning and the nation’s growth-oriented approach.

“It is an honour and a privilege to address this unique gathering of the joint convocation of the Jaipur Institute of Management. Convocations mark milestones in a student’s journey, but learning must continue lifelong, as change is the only constant. Today, we have an enabling ecosystem and affirmative government policies that support the fullest utilisation of your talent and potential. In our times, educational levels will define Bharat’s growth trajectory. The time has come to aim higher, let us be among the global best,” said the Honourable Vice President.

The 29th convocation conferred diplomas to 1,251 ambitious PGDM graduates in the presence of Board of Governors and over 150 distinguished faculty members.

“Giving back to society has always been a deeply held value for us. As we reflect on the enduring legacy of the Jaipuria family in the field of education, we celebrate a journey spanning over 8 decades rooted in the spirit of nation-building. This convocation is not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reaffirmation of our enduring mission to contribute meaningfully to India’s development through quality management education,” said Mr. Sharad Jaipuria, Chairman, Jaipuria Institute of Management.

The institution recently earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) Accreditation, placing it among the top 6% of business schools globally and the top 1% in India.

Today’s convocation marks both a culmination and a new beginning. The years you have spent learning, exploring, failing, rising, and growing have led you to this moment—not just to receive a degree, but to step into the world with purpose and direction. At Jaipuria, we believe that education must shape not only the intellect but also character. Today, you leave not just as graduates, but as ethical leaders, responsible citizens, and compassionate individuals.” said Mr. Shreevats Jaipuria, Vice Chairman, Jaipuria Institute of Management.

 The convocation celebrated a diverse cohort of students across multiple programs with over 1229 graduates receiving certificates from the Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) program, with specialisations in Finance, Human Resources, Retail Management, Marketing, and Service Management.

Additionally, 6 scholars from the Fellow Program in Management (FPM) were felicitated with the title of fellow, along with 16 graduates from the inaugural batch of the Online PGDM program.

The convocation also recognised academic excellence, awarding the Chairman’s Gold Medal to 10 meritorious students. These included Ayush Vardhan, Nihaal Agarwal, Priyanka Rastogi, B Sai Rithika, Anand Tyagi, Sakshi Singh, Abhijeet Sharan, Harleen Kaur, Mimansa Dadheech, and Saumya Kumbhaj.

The convocation marked a new chapter in Jaipuria Institute of Management’s journey, reflecting a collective vision for academic excellence and holistic growth. As graduates embark on their professional journeys, empowered with outstanding knowledge and skills, the institution stands proud.

Neela Mediatech Launches Early Access to TMKOC Playschool for First 1000 Users

Mumbai…May 15, 2025   Mr. Asit Kumarr Modi through an invitational video announced the early access release of the TMKOC Playschool app for first 1000 users. The latest offering from Neela Mediatech is an app that offers gamified learning experience for children aged one to six.

The TMKOC Playschool app creates a playful and culturally rooted space for young learners. With more than 500+ games in 10+ Indian and international languages. It also has the distinction of being the only app in the world to offer something for parents too. Parents can track their child’s progress in both absolute and relative terms. They can see which skills their child is picking up quickly and where they might need more assistance. The app also provides a daily updated ranking at the city, state, national, and global levels, helping parents stay closely connected to their kid’s learning journey.

Our cultural and traditional values are our strength. They need to be reinforced with our little kids as well. TMKOC PlaySchool is a step in that direction. With TMKOC Playschool kids will learn physics, maths, life skills, music, shape, size, numbers, aplhabets, and in addition they will also pick up our cultural nuances, traditional values while engaging with the app.” said Mr. Asit Kumarr Modi, Founder of Neela Film Productions and Neela Mediatech.

Harjeet Chhabra, CEO of Neela Mediatech, said, “With early access to the TMKOC Playschool app, we are inviting families to experience the first step of a platform designed to grow with their children. We are focused on building trust, listening to feedback, and shaping a product that brings real value to early learners. The TMKOC universe has always been part of Indian homes. This is our way of deepening that connection through learning.”

Techno Main Salt Lake Students Win ISRO-IIT Delhi Space Hackathon 2025

Kolkata, 17th May, 2025: In a remarkable achievement that underscores the spirit of innovation and excellence fostered at Techno Main Salt Lake, a team of four students from TMSL campus has emerged victorious in the National Space Hackathon 2025, jointly organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IIT Delhi.

The winning team comprising of Arpan Pathak (CSE 3rd Year), Pabitra Nath (ECE 1st Year), Sankha Singha Mahapatra (ECE 2nd Year) and Suman Patra (CSE-IoT 1st Year). These bright minds tackled real-world challenges in space exploration through two intense stages: an initial online qualifier and a grand finale at IIT Delhi, where their solution was presented to a prestigious jury of ISRO scientists and IIT faculty.

The team’s solution was praised for its technical innovation, feasibility and potential application in future ISRO missions. As a testament to their ingenuity, the team was felicitated at IIT Delhi during the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025, a premier international event featuring global space leaders and experts.

The event featured a compelling Q&A session with the astronauts and direct interactions between students and space pioneers, offering deep insights into the future of space missions and exploration. The Techno Main Salt Lake team received a cash prize of 10,000, awarded on stage by Mr Sudeesh Balan from ISRO, alongside the three astronauts, marking a moment of national pride and student excellence.

From classrooms to constellations, Our student’s journey inspires us all. This award isn’t just a win—it’s a launchpad. Keep aiming high; the universe is listening, said Prof. Dr. R. C. Kashyap, HOD of ECE Dept. Techno Main Saltlake.

The prize distribution ceremony took place in the Seminar Hall of IIT Delhi, in the presence of three internationally acclaimed astronauts: Mr Angad Pratap (India)Mr Hazzaa Al Mansoori (UAE) and Mr Sirisha Bandla (USA, Virgin Galactic).

This recognition is not only a personal triumph for the students but also a reflection of Techno Main Salt Lake’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in science and technology. TMSL focuses on interdisciplinary learning, innovation-driven curriculum, and hands-on exposure to national and global opportunities continues to yield exceptional results

Drishti IAS Expands Legal Edge with New Judiciary, CLAT Batches

New Delhi, May 17, 2025: Drishti Judiciary, an initiative of the reputed Drishti IAS, is pleased to announce the launch of two new educational batches aimed at aspiring law professionals. With a strong legacy in competitive exam preparation, Drishti Judiciary continues to expand its footprint and commitment to quality legal education.

Starting May 22, Drishti Judiciary will commence a comprehensive batch for Judiciary Services Examination aspirants at its Indore centre. The program is designed for law graduates aiming for various State Judicial Services, offering a robust curriculum led by expert faculty, structured study material, regular assessments, and personalized mentorship.

To cater to school students and early law aspirants, a dedicated CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) preparation batch will launch on May 27 at the Lucknow centre. The course offers intensive subject-wise coverage, concept clarity sessions, doubt resolution, and performance tracking—ensuring students are well-prepared for entry into top National Law Universities.

“At Drishti Judiciary, our mission is to democratize access to quality legal education. With our new batches, we aim to provide aspiring legal professionals with the guidance, tools, and environment needed to excel—whether in judicial services or national-level law entrance exams like CLAT,” said a Rabmeet Kaur, Chief Academic Officer, Drishti IAS.

The launch marks another milestone in Drishti Judiciary’s pan-India expansion strategy, focused on empowering law aspirants through academic excellence, accessibility, and a student-centric approach.

Apply by May 26 for Top-Ranked Programs in Engineering, Law, Commerce nad More

NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies), one of India’s top-ranked universities, is inviting final applications for its undergraduate programs for the academic year 2025. Students who have recently completed their Class 12 exams and are exploring career options in Engineering, Law, Commerce, Pharmacy, Management, or Analytics can apply through the university’s dedicated entrance exams.

The NPAT, NCET, NLAT, and MST entrance exam registration closes on May 26, 2025.

The NMIMS NPAT (National Test for Programs After Twelfth) is the entrance exam for admissions to undergraduate programs in Commerce, Economics, Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, and Marketing. These programs are offered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bengaluru, Indore, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh campuses.

Programs in Liberal Arts, Branding & Advertising, International Studies, and Management are available exclusively at the Mumbai campus.

The NCET (NMIMS Common Entrance Test) is the gateway to Pharmacy and Engineering programs at NMIMS. The five-year dual degree B Pharm + MBA (Pharma Tech) program offered in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Shirpur, combines pharmaceutical sciences with essential business management fundamentals. The School of Technology Management and Engineering offers B.Tech and MBA Tech degrees with specialisations in AI, Cybersecurity, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Civil, and Computer Engineering.

Placement outcomes for Engineering and Pharmacy graduates have been strong. Engineering students have received packages up to ₹30 LPA, with an average of ₹11 LPA, and are placed at companies such as EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PWC, and Goldman Sachs. Pharmacy students have received offers up to ₹21 LPA, with an average package of ₹10 LPA, from companies such as Sun Pharma, Zydus Life, Merck, Cipla, and Glenmark.

The MST (Mathematics and Statistics Test) is the entrance exam for students interested in careers in data science, statistics, and analytics. It is the gateway to programs offered by the Nilkamal School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics & Analytics (NSOMASA), Mumbai. Graduates have been placed at companies such as Amazon, KPMG, Unilever, HDFC, and CRISIL, with top offers up to ₹22 LPA and average packages at ₹19 LPA.

The NLAT (NMIMS Law Aptitude Test) is for admissions to the School of Law. The school offers a five-year integrated Law and Management program, covering core subjects such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, and business subjects like Finance and Management. Graduates have been placed at leading firms such as Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Trilegal, and HDFC Bank, with average packages at ₹10 LPA and top offers at ₹19 LPA.

How to Apply

To register for the NMIMS entrance exams (NPAT, NCET, MST, NLAT), follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official NMIMS application portal: https://apply.nmims.edu/
  2. Fill out the application form with the required details.
  3. Verify your email ID and mobile number.
  4. Log in again using your registered email ID and password.
  5. Select your entrance exam (NPAT, CET, LAT, MST), preferred school(s), program(s), and campus(es). You may apply to multiple programs and exams.
  6. Pay the registration fee.
  7. Schedule your exam based on your preferred date and centre. Please note: Slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

IIM Sambalpur Launches First Ever UG Programmes in Public Policy Sustainability and AI

Mumbai, 17th May, 2025 : In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IIM Sambalpur has launched its two cutting-edge new undergraduate programmes: “Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy” and “Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence”. Anchored in the core values of Integrity and Innovation, the programmes provide strong roots in data analysis, critical reasoning, and evidence-based decision-making. The cross-functional courses are designed to develop responsible leaders who can address intricate societal and industrial challenges with innovation, compassion, and a global perspective.

The Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy programme is designed to meet national managerial aspirations in terms of Sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and community-led development. This programme aims to equip a new generation of change-makers to close the gap between policy and practice at the grassroots level.

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is focused towards developing India’s digital capability and global competitiveness. The programme, co-designed with industry leaders builds future ready skill set among young students and encourages the use of ethical AI, reaffirming the institution’s pledge to innovation with integrity.

The event also witnessed a roundtable discussion with the theme: “Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises. Bramhanand Jha, PMP, Vice President, National eGovernance Division under MeitY, Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India graced the occasion as the chief guest. While Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director (JEE), National Testing Agency (NTA) and Rajesh Kumar, Director (CUET), National Testing Agency (NTA) were present as the keynote speakers, who came together to discuss the evolving role of GCCs as crucial hubs driving innovation and global digital transformation and contributed valuable insights on the future of global enterprises and the strategic role of GCCs.

Chief Guest, Bramhanand Jha, PMP, Vice President, National eGovernance Division under MeitY, Ministry of Electronics & IT, GOI, said, “India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are no longer low-cost arbitrage centres; they are becoming strategic innovation hubs for value for global business. With the economy shifting towards a digital-first economy, GCCs are leading the way in developing agile, technology-enabled, and future-proof organizations. Academic institutions like IIM Sambalpur, with vision-oriented programmes in Data Science, AI, and Public Policy, are developing the talent and mindset to drive this change. At MeitY, we are committed to developing an ecosystem in which the academia, industry, and governance collaborate to drive sustainable innovation, transformation, and digital leadership.”

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur , said, “It is a great pride that we have successfully launched Bachelor of Science (B.S) four-year fully residential programme. This is a pioneering step towards building future-ready leaders of tomorrow. In line with India’s National Education Policy, (NEP 2020) our vision is to create responsible leaders with entrepreneurial mindset. These undergraduate programmes have a flexible structure that allows students to gain a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, a degree after three years, and an honors degree after successfully completing four years, with multiple entry and exit points. As an institution of national importance, we are committed to offering future-oriented, Interdisciplinary education that blends academic rigor with societal relevance. We also aim to cultivate graduates who are not only career-ready but also change maker capable of navigating and influencing complex socio-economic landscape with clarity, compassion and courage, I warmly welcome aspiring young minds to be part of this transformative journey.”

Keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director (JEE), National Testing Agency (NTA), said, “India’s education evaluation system is changing to discover and develop talent that can succeed in fast-paced, innovation-driven setups like Global Capability Centres. It is encouraging to witness institutions like IIM Sambalpur launch innovative undergraduate programmes that blend analytical rigour with policy and technology expertise. Our vision at NTA is to develop a strong and inclusive testing system in tune with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and ready students for global leadership and innovation.”

Keynote speaker, Rajesh Kumar, Director (CUET), National Testing Agency (NTA) said, “With the launch of CUET, we have made a big leap towards democratizing access to quality higher education in India. As top institutions such as IIM Sambalpur introduce specialized undergraduate programmes in Data Science, AI, and Public Policy, it becomes even more important that talent from all parts of the country gets an equal chance to be part of the innovation economy. Global Capability Centres are shaping the future of work, and through an equitable, transparent, and standardized testing environment, NTA is dedicated to helping drive this transformation by empowering the next generation of globally capable professionals.”

The event was followed by two panel discussions on the topic “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value.” An esteemed group of speakers participated, including Dr. Praveen K. Choudhary (PhD), Global Operations Director; Bikas Kr. Singh, VP at SAP; Alouk Kumar, Founder and CEO of Inductus Group; Puneet Panchal, Senior VP and Head of Insurance at Cube Highways; CA S. Santhanakrishnan, Founder Partner of M/s.PKF Sridhar & Santhanam LLP Chartered Accountants; Sudhir Dasamantharao, COO of FourthSquare; and Souryakanta Das, Adjunct Professor at IIM Sambalpur. The second session, titled “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth,” featured Rajdeep Sahrawat, Executive Director at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP; Aakash Varma, Knowledge Expert at McKinsey & Company; Emmy Anita Gilbert, SAVP and Business Partner at EXL; Rajesh Ranjan, Head of Government Affairs at Google India; Rohin Kapoor, Partner in Management Consulting at BDO in India; and Chandraprakash Jain, VP of HR at TP.

It is to be noted that IIM Sambalpur is the first IIM to offer admissions to its B.S. in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme through IIT JEE Main, and to its B.S. in Management and Public Policy programme through CUET, both national-level entrance exams conducted by the National Testing Agency. It is to be noted that admissions for the B.S. programmes will begin in June 2025. Classes for the first batch will commence from September 2025.

Odisha Governor Inaugurates NSDC International Academy, Flags Off ‘Skill on Wheel’ at SDI Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, 16th May 2025: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) launched an international academy at the Skill Development Institute (SDI), Bhubaneswar, campus today with an aim to empower the youth of Odisha and neighbouring states with skills for international career opportunities.

The NSDC International Academy, which will train the youth in skills that are in demand globally, in global languages, was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati. This is the first NSDC International Academy in Bhubaneswar.

The Governor also flagged off the ‘Skill on Wheel’ mobile training unit, designed to take skill development to the doorsteps of youth in rural and remote regions.

The NSDC International Academy has been started by NSDC, in collaboration with the SDI to prepare the Indian youth for global employment opportunities through comprehensive foreign language training and pre-departure support. Through this initiative, NSDC and SDI Bhubaneswar aspire to equip youth with the competencies required to succeed in overseas job markets.

The ‘Skill on Wheel’ is a state-of-the-art mobile training unit designed to deliver doorstep skilling to students across Odisha. This initiative is another innovative step to democratize access to skill training, bringing modern infrastructure and industry-aligned programs directly to the doorsteps of learners across the state.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, commended the role of Skill India Mission and NSDC in empowering youth and praised the achievements of SDI. He said, “This world-class campus, developed with an investment of Rs. 500 crore over 47 acres at the foothills of the historic Barunei Hill, stands as a model for skill training excellence. With multiple Centres of Excellence and strong industry collaboration, SDI Bhubaneswar has already emerged as a finishing school for Engineering, Polytechnic, and ITI graduates.”

“I hope SDI Bhubaneswar will continue to rise as a Skill Academy of National stature and bring greater pride to our state, Odisha,” he added.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Government of Odisha, Shri Sampad Chandra Swain praised the initiative and reaffirmed the Odisha Government’s commitment to building the state as the Skill Hub of Purva Bharat. He referred to SDI Bhubaneswar as the “Bati Ghara” (lighthouse) for the youth of Odisha as well as Eastern India.

The launch event also witnessed the presence of Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department; Shri Ranjan Bhowmick, CEO of SDI Bhubaneswar, and Shri Rajesh Kumar Tripathy, COO of SDI Bhubaneswar; Smt Rasmi Govil, Director (HR), Indian Oil Corporation; along with senior officials from NSDC and other dignitaries from the skilling ecosystem.

NSDC International Academy is operational in other key regions including Pune, Amritsar, Bhatinda, and Greater Noida as well.