Maharashtra Government collaborates with IIT Bombay

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July 23, 2025

The Maharashtra Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to introduce a specialised Public Policy Certificate Course. The MoU was inked in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aiming to enhance the academic and practical exposure of participants in the Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme.

Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized that this strategic collaboration with a premier institution like IIT Bombay will equip fellows with critical policy-making skills and broaden their administrative perspectives. “The Fellowship Programme, which has been evolving since its inception in 2015, is now being enriched further with this value-added course that blends academic learning with grassroots governance,” he remarked.

The MoU was formally signed by Rajagopal Devara, Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning Department, and Prof. Shirish Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay. Both parties acknowledged the transformational potential of this initiative in grooming future leaders and policy professionals.

CM Fadnavis highlighted that the core vision of the Fellowship is to integrate academically talented and socially conscious youth into the government system. “These young minds bring fresh thinking and innovative approaches to public administration, ultimately making governance more dynamic and responsive,” he added.

Starting this year, the Fellowship Programme has expanded its reach from Mantralaya to the district level. Fellows will now work directly with District Collectors and Zilla Parishad CEOs, gaining hands-on experience in policy implementation and public service delivery at the grassroots level.

Speaking about the academic framework of the course, Prof. Kedare revealed that the curriculum will feature 20 days of in-person training, 90 hours of online learning annually, and insightful interactions with esteemed professors, former bureaucrats, and industry experts.

Also Read: Deepak Bagla appointed as Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission

Devara noted that the certificate will equip fellows with analytical tools and knowledge essential for addressing complex developmental challenges and contributing meaningfully to state policies.

This pioneering initiative is expected to not only enhance the capabilities of young professionals but also infuse the state’s administrative machinery with fresh insights and innovative solutions.

Deepak Bagla appointed as Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 23, 2025

NITI Aayog has announced the official appointment of Deepak Bagla as the new Mission Director of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). A seasoned professional with a distinguished career spanning investment promotion, banking, multilateral engagement, and strategic advisory roles, Bagla is set to steer AIM into a transformative new chapter.

With an exceptional background that bridges the public and private sectors, as well as multilateral organisations, Deepak brings to AIM a rare combination of visionary policy leadership and hands-on execution capabilities. His cross-sectoral experience is expected to catalyze deeper synergies across India’s innovation ecosystem.

Prior to this role, he served as the Managing Director & CEO of Invest India, the country’s premier investment promotion and facilitation agency under the Government of India. Under his leadership, Invest India was globally recognized for its best practices and emerged as a strong pillar for driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and startup development nationwide.

He has also served in key advisory capacities on numerous high-level government panels and was elected President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), representing India on various prestigious global platforms.

An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, Bagla holds Master’s degrees in International Diplomacy and International Trade & Finance from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

In his first official remarks after assuming charge, Deepak Bagla stated,

“It is a privilege to lead the Atal Innovation Mission at this crucial juncture. With AIM now entering a renewed phase backed by an expanded mandate, we have a tremendous opportunity to further shape India’s innovation narrative. I am committed to fostering strong collaboration across government, academia, industry, and civil society to build an inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive innovation ecosystem—advancing the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.”

Also Read: Chandigarh University Online launches CU LMS App

The Atal Innovation Mission, a flagship initiative under NITI Aayog, has been central to India’s innovation and entrepreneurship drive. With the Union Cabinet’s approval of its strengthened mandate, AIM is poised to amplify its national impact through result-oriented, high-impact programs aligned with India’s developmental goals.

Chandigarh University Online launches CU LMS App

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 23, 2025

Chandigarh University (CU) Online marked a significant milestone with the official launch of its Learning Management System (LMS) App, a major step forward in reshaping the digital learning experience for its students. The CU LMS App is designed to make education more flexible, accessible, and engaging, ensuring a seamless academic experience for learners worldwide.

The launch event was graced by the presence of Dr Gurpreet Singh, Director of CU Online, who was joined by two distinguished alumni and two current students. Their participation symbolised the university’s ongoing commitment to bridging tradition with innovation and to connecting the wisdom of past experiences with the aspirations of today’s learners.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Gurpreet Singh emphasised, “The CU LMS App is more than a digital platform, it’s a promise of our continuous evolution in delivering quality education. Whether our learners are on campus or studying remotely, we aim to meet them wherever they are with the same excellence and support.”

The app offers a user-friendly interface, enriched content delivery, real-time progress tracking, and personalized learning paths, all designed to cater to the dynamic needs of modern learners. It reinforces CU Online’s vision of inclusive, learner-centric education powered by technology.

Also Read: CBSE makes CCTV mandatory in schools

The launch was also a moment to recognise the relentless efforts of the CU Online team whose innovation, commitment, and collaboration brought this project to life.

As CU Online continues to scale new heights, the CU LMS App stands as a testament to its dedication to shaping the future of education—smart, seamless, and student-first.

CBSE makes CCTV mandatory in schools

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 22, 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to install high-quality CCTV systems with audio-visual recording in key areas across the premises. This includes classrooms, corridors, libraries, staircases, and other critical zones, while strictly excluding washrooms and toilets.

The latest update to CBSE’s Affiliation Bye-Laws (2018) also requires schools to maintain a minimum of 15 days of video backup, which must be made available to authorities if needed.

This initiative aims to curb bullying, ensure emotional and physical safety, and deter any potential security threats. It aligns with the guidelines laid out by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) in its 2021 manual focused on children’s protection in school environments.

Also Read: EduFund secures $6M in Series A to Power AI

CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta emphasized that student safety is both about shielding children from harmful external influences and nurturing their well-being within the school. He stated that adopting modern surveillance tools can play a vital role in ensuring a secure, respectful, and supportive educational space for all students.

EduFund secures $6M in Series A to Power AI

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 22, 2025

EduFund has raised $6 million (approx. ₹50 crore) in a Series A funding round led by Cercano Management and MassMutual Ventures. This brings the startup’s total funding to $12 million.

With this fresh capital, EduFund plans to launch an AI-driven personalized education planning engine, widen loan accessibility for undergraduate students, and deepen its footprint in India’s fast-growing tier-II and tier-III cities — regions where education costs are rising faster than household incomes.

Founded in 2020, EduFund offers a comprehensive suite of services for Indian families planning domestic and international education. Its offerings include tailored investment plans, education loans, forex assistance, visa services, and expert counselling.

Also Read: Why global educators are flying to Delhi for the 33rd Elets World Education Summit Delhi 2025

Currently supporting over 2.5 lakh families, EduFund has partnered with 40+ asset management companies and 15+ lending institutions, spanning banks, NBFCs, and global education lenders. The platform also works closely with consumer brands like Hamleys, DTDC, and Prisms (school ERP).

As per Entrackr, Indian edtech startups have raised $1.2 billion since 2024 — with education loan-focused platforms accounting for over 35% of that total, amounting to $424 million.

NAAC revamps accreditation process to uplift quality in higher education

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 22, 2025

In a major reform aimed at strengthening India’s higher education landscape, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), under the University Grants Commission (UGC), has overhauled its accreditation process, making it entirely online, faster, and more transparent.

Sources confirm that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to unveil this new framework on July 29, during a special event commemorating the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, hosted by the Ministry of Education.

What’s Changing in NAAC Accreditation?

No More Grading Tiers: The traditional seven-point grading scale will be scrapped. Institutions will now be informed simply whether they have received accreditation or not.
Fully Digital Process: The new system eliminates the need for physical inspections at the base levels—streamlining the process to be 100% online.
Shortened Accreditation Cycle: Validity of accreditation will now be for three years instead of five.
Greater Participation Targeted: At present, only 40% of Indian universities and less than 20% of 50,000+ colleges are accredited. The new system aims to bring 90–95% of higher education institutions under the accreditation umbrella, said Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NAAC’s Executive Committee.

Introduction of Maturity-Based Graded Accreditation

Institutions can now opt for a new Level-based framework ranging from Level 1 to Level 5:

Levels 1 & 2: Entry-level, easy to access, completely online.
Level 3: Hybrid model with online and field assessments.
Levels 4 & 5: Highly stringent, awarded only to institutions that meet global standards.

Institutes with strong infrastructure and academic practices can directly apply for higher levels, skipping lower stages.

Also Read: Why global educators are flying to Delhi for the 33rd Elets World Education Summit Delhi 2025

Why It Matters?

The fear of poor grades had discouraged many institutions from seeking accreditation. The new process, with simplified steps and growth-focused evaluation, is designed to encourage widespread adoption while ensuring quality education becomes a nationwide standard.

Want to hear directly from the visionary behind this transformation?

Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, National Educational Technology Forum (NETF); Chairman, Executive Committee, NAAC; Chairman, National Board of Accreditation (NBA), will be joining us as a Special Guest at the 33rd Elets World Education Summit on 19–20 August in New Delhi.

Don’t miss your chance to learn from the changemaker himself.
Join the waitlist!

Why global educators are flying to Delhi for the 33rd Elets World Education Summit Delhi 2025

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 22, 2025

33rd Elets World Education Summit Delhi 2025

Have you ever wondered where India’s most powerful education conversations actually begin?

Not on social media. Not in a conference room.

But at a platform that has quietly and consistently brought together education ministers, chancellors, school leaders, EdTech founders, and international voices for over a decade.

That platform is returning to New Delhi on 19–20 August 2025, and it’s called the 33rd Elets World Education Summit Delhi 2025.

But the question is, why should you be there?

A 14-year-old legacy that still dictates the future

Back in 2011, when the idea of “digital classrooms” sounded futuristic, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam graced the very first edition of the Elets World Education Summit. He spoke of a vision where education would shape creators, not just users.

Today, as AI reshapes jobs, attention spans drop below 8 seconds, and students question degrees over skills, his words are more relevant than ever.

Since then, we’ve curated 32 successful editions across India, Dubai, Malaysia, Denver & beyond, bringing together global policymakers, school/college leaders, regulators, innovators, and disruptors.

“Now, in our 33rd edition, the stage is bigger. The stakes? Higher”

Feeling the Shift? You’re Not Alone!

After everything you just read, the legacy, the scale, the timing, you already know this is a platform worth investing your time and energy in. But maybe, like many others, you’re still sitting with questions, like

How do I align my institution with NEP without losing its identity?
How do I bridge the school-to-skill gap before my students fall through it?
Where do I find like-minded education leaders who’ve actually solved this?

These aren’t just passing thoughts. These are the exact questions 33rd Elets World Education Summit, Delhi 2025 will explore and answer not in panels alone, but in one-on-one conversations, networking corridors, and closed-door strategy sessions.

And guess what? The people answering them aren’t just thought leaders. They’re practitioners, decision-makers, and policy architects from across India and the world.

So ask yourself:

Is my institution still waiting to be noticed, or ready to lead?
Am I shaping the future — or simply reacting to it?

If you’re serious about change, this summit won’t just welcome you. It will amplify you.

This isn’t the kind of event where you walk in with a badge and walk out with brochures; it’s where top school chains, Ivy League alums, and global EdTech innovators gather for sharp, solution-driven conversations. It’s your chance to pitch directly to institutional buyers, find clarity on your next move, and maybe even meet that one collaborator or investor you’ve been chasing online.

So, here’s your move. If you’re looking for a stage to showcase your institution, a room full of policy influencers and change-makers, a chance to win awards that actually matter, or simply a reason to believe again in the future of education then don’t just hear about it later.

Be in the room where India’s education future is being rewritten.

Join the Waitlist for the 33rd Elets World Education Summit Delhi 2025!

The AI Learning Revolution Is Already Here—Are We Ready?

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 21, 2025

Walk into any forward-thinking classroom today and you’ll find a palpable sense of transformation. Artificial intelligence isn’t just tweaking how we learn; it’s fundamentally reimagining the entire educational experience—from personalized lessons and virtual mentors to data-driven breakthroughs that were unimaginable just a few years ago. With technology evolving at breakneck speed, the question for teachers, students, and institutions worldwide is simple: Are we prepared for the radical, AI-powered future that’s already unfolding?

Personalized Learning Tailored to Every Student

AI is making education deeply personal. Adaptive learning platforms now tailor content in real time to each student’s abilities, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. The global EdTech market, fueled by AI, is projected to reach $404 billion by the end of 2025, marking more than 2.5 times growth since 2019. The prevalence of AI-powered tools like intelligent tutoring systems, automated grading, and predictive analytics means education is becoming more student-centric than ever before.

Teachers Empowered by AI

Rather than replacing educators, AI acts as a powerful assistant. Nearly half (42%) of global education leaders report that AI saves them valuable time on administrative tasks, allowing teachers to focus more on mentoring and student engagement. Automated grading tools and lesson planning bots reduce workload while analytics guide teachers in identifying students needing extra help.

Widespread Adoption among Students

The prevalence of AI use among students is staggering. In 2025, 92% of university students across the globe are reported to be using AI in some form, a major leap from 66% just a year ago. Many use it for understanding complex concepts, summarizing information, and generating research ideas. However, concerns about academic integrity and bias remain, prompting institutions to develop balanced AI policies that recognize both the benefits and challenges.

Virtual Classrooms without Borders

Enhanced by AI, immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality enable experiential learning beyond the physical classroom. Meanwhile, AI-powered multilingual tutors break down language barriers, making quality education accessible worldwide.

Navigating Ethical and Inclusion Challenges

With AI’s growing role, questions about fairness, transparency, and inclusivity come to the forefront. Ensuring ethical AI use and preventing digital divides are priorities echoed across the education sector as adoption accelerates.

Shaping the Future Together

As education embraces this AI-driven transformation, global forums become essential for sharing knowledge and forging collaborations. The 35th Elets World Education Summit 2026 in Dubai will serve as a pivotal platform where educators, policymakers, innovators, and investors converge to explore AI’s impact on learning ecosystems. This summit promises to spotlight not only the breakthroughs but also the strategies needed to harness AI responsibly, cultivating an inclusive, tech-enabled education future.

The classroom revolution is here, dynamic, intelligent and ready to unlock the potential of every learner worldwide. As we look ahead to 2026, platforms like the Elets World Education Summit will be at the heart of driving these vital conversations and innovations. I am looking forward to being a part of the knowledge dissemination. Know more about the summit at https://educationsummit.com/

Views expressed by Iram Zahid, Teacher, India

Kokand University launches in India to offer MBBS opportunities for Indian students

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 21, 2025

Kokand University, located in Andijan, Uzbekistan, has officially entered the Indian education space with a special launch event held in New Delhi. Backed by the GTTCI Trade Chamber, the initiative aims to create new global pathways for Indian students in the field of medical education.

In line with the vision of Uzbekistan’s President to position the country as a preferred destination for Indian medical aspirants, the university is developing a dedicated Indian Medical City in Andijan. Spanning 55 acres, the facility is tailored to meet the academic and cultural needs of Indian students, offering a fully NMC-compliant MBBS curriculum, taught by both Indian and international faculty.

The India launch showcased the university’s infrastructure, globally aligned programs, and robust student support ecosystem. Kokand University promises Indian students affordable medical education in a safe, culturally familiar environment with global standards.

Also Read: UK’s University of Southampton opens first-ever foreign University campus in India

The initiative is being driven in collaboration with Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of GTTCI, and supported by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Representing Dr. Ajay Swaroop at the event, Dr. Katoch emphasized, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in Indo-Uzbek academic cooperation, focused on quality education and improved healthcare outcomes.”

Admissions for the MBBS program are now open for Indian students looking for globally recognized, cost-effective medical education abroad.

UK’s University of Southampton opens first-ever foreign University campus in India

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 18, 2025

In a first for India, the University of Southampton—a UK-based QS Top 100 institution — has officially opened its campus in Gurugram, Haryana, becoming the first foreign university to set up a campus in India under the UGC’s 2023 regulations.

The campus was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and top dignitaries from the UK and India, marking a major milestone for India’s higher education sector and five years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

“This is a landmark in India’s efforts to internationalise education,” Pradhan said, urging more top institutions to follow suit.

The Gurugram campus will offer UK-aligned BSc and MSc programmes in disciplines including Computer Science, Economics, Finance, and Management starting 2025. Students will have the option to spend up to a year at Southampton’s UK or Malaysia campuses.

Key highlights:

First foreign university to begin operations under UGC’s new branch campus regulations
Over 75 full-time faculty to be hired to UK standards
First batch includes students from India, UAE, and Nepal
Official LoI granted on 29 August 2024, launched in under a year

Dr. Vineet Joshi, UGC Chairman, called the move a “milestone moment” in the India–UK education partnership. Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner, and Lord Patel, Chancellor of the University, reaffirmed the UK’s support for deeper academic collaboration.

Also Read: CBSE launches ‘Oil Boards’ in schools

The campus aims to serve as a model for foreign universities eyeing entry into India’s evolving education ecosystem.

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