Lucknow to Host National Skill & Education Summit Tomorrow

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March 10, 2026

Elets Technomedia, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, is set to host the National Skill & Education Summit – Uttar Pradesh tomorrow, 11 March 2026, at The Centrum, Lucknow. The high-impact one-day conference will convene policymakers, industry leaders, academia, and skilling ecosystem stakeholders to deliberate on building India’s largest future-ready workforce.

At a time when India is accelerating towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, the convergence of education, skilling, technology, and industry demand has become more critical than ever. Rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence, automation, digital platforms, and Industry 5.0 are redefining job roles, competencies, and learning models. The summit aims to explore how India can align its education and skill development systems with the emerging needs of the global economy and create an employability-driven, innovation-oriented workforce.

The summit will witness the presence of senior government leaders including Shri Yogendra Upadhyaya, Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Vocational Education and Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, who will share their vision for strengthening the skilling and education ecosystem in the state and beyond.

Several senior policymakers and industry experts will also participate in the discussions, including Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Hari Om, Principal Secretary, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Ranjan Kumar, Principal Secretary, AYUSH & Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Girijesh Kumar Tyagi, Special Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh; and Pulkit Khare, Mission Director, Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, among others.

The summit will feature a series of high-level keynote sessions, panel discussions, and strategic dialogues focusing on topics such as the integration of technology in education, future workforce requirements, industry-academia collaboration, skill ecosystem transformation, digital learning, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping employability.

A dedicated Expo Zone will showcase innovative solutions from leading organisations working in the domains of education technology, skilling platforms, digital learning tools, and workforce development, providing stakeholders an opportunity to explore the latest innovations transforming learning and skill development.

As part of the event, Elets will also launch a new edition of its Digital Learning magazine, bringing together insights, perspectives, and success stories from policymakers, educators, and industry leaders working to reshape the future of education and skills in India.

The summit is supported by leading institutions and organisations from the education and skill ecosystem. Central Bank of India (CBI) joins as the Presenting Partner, while GLA University is the Gold Partner. Coursera is the Online Learning Partner, and JSS University joins as the University Partner. Union Bank of India and Stepping Stone Foundation Trust are the Associate Partners, while Codetantra will participate as the Exhibitor.

The National Skill & Education Summit – Uttar Pradesh is expected to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, bringing together key stakeholders to design strategies that can equip India’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

With Uttar Pradesh emerging as a significant hub for education, innovation, and skill development, the summit aims to strengthen partnerships between government, academia, and industry, paving the way for a future-ready workforce and sustainable economic growth.

Be a part of this transformative conversation shaping the future of education and skills. Join us tomorrow and witness the ideas, innovations, and collaborations that will define India’s next generation workforce. Register now and be part of the change.

Canada Announces $100 Million Scholarship Initiative for Indian Students

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March 6, 2026

Canada has unveiled a $100 million scholarship programme aimed at expanding higher education opportunities for Indian students and strengthening academic collaboration between the two countries. The initiative forms part of a broader Canada–India Talent and Innovation Strategy focused on boosting student mobility, research partnerships, and institutional cooperation.

A major component of the initiative is the provision of up to 200 fully funded scholarships for Indian students to study at Canadian universities. These scholarships will be administered through the University of Toronto and will support students admitted to participating institutions across Canada.

The programme is designed to attract talented Indian students across multiple academic levels, including undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and postdoctoral programmes. The scholarships are expected to cover major expenses such as tuition fees, living costs, and research support, making Canadian education more accessible for high-achieving students.

Also Read: Centre Targets 2 Lakh Foreign Student Admissions Annually by 2030

In addition to scholarships, the initiative also aims to expand academic partnerships and joint research programmes between universities in India and Canada. New collaboration measures include institutional partnerships, cross-border academic programmes, and hybrid learning hubs to enhance educational cooperation.

The announcement highlights Canada’s continued effort to attract global talent and deepen educational ties with India, one of the largest sources of international students worldwide.

Centre Targets 2 Lakh Foreign Student Admissions Annually by 2030

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March 6, 2026

The Government of India has set an ambitious goal to increase the annual intake of international students in Indian higher education institutions to two lakh by 2030. The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to position India as a prominent global destination for higher education.

Currently, around 50,000 foreign students enrol in Indian institutions each year, and the government aims to quadruple this number over the next few years. Officials from the Ministry of Education stated that intensified efforts under the ‘Study in India’ programme are underway to achieve the target.

To support this expansion, the Centre is working closely with central and state universities to increase capacity and improve infrastructure, including better hostel facilities and support systems for international students. Discussions are also ongoing with state governments, as many foreign students are expected to enrol in state universities as well.

Also Read: IIT Kharagpur Launches School of Digital Learning, Applied AI and Machine Learning

Additionally, foreign universities establishing campuses in India will be permitted to admit international students, further strengthening India’s appeal as a global education hub. The government also plans to conduct outreach programmes in multiple countries to attract more students to Indian institutions.

According to government data presented in the Rajya Sabha earlier, over 72,000 students from nearly 200 countries are currently studying in India, highlighting the country’s growing international academic presence.

IIT Kharagpur Launches School of Digital Learning, Applied AI and Machine Learning

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March 5, 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has announced the establishment of a new School of Digital Engineering, Applied Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, aimed at strengthening research and innovation in emerging technologies. The initiative is designed to accelerate the development and real-world deployment of AI solutions across multiple sectors.

The institute stated that the school will function as a research-driven and industry-integrated innovation hub, operating under the Office of the Dean (Research and Development). Unlike traditional academic departments focused primarily on degree programmes, the new school will adopt a translational model that emphasises collaboration between academia, industry, and government to develop practical AI applications.

Supported by a philanthropic commitment of up to $5 million from alumnus Dr. Jyoti Chatterjee, the initiative aims to create a multidisciplinary ecosystem that integrates digital engineering, next-generation computing, artificial intelligence, and deep neural systems.

Also Read: Ministry o Education Opens Registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase VI

The school will also collaborate with existing institutional facilities, including the School of Medical Science and Technology and the Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Super Speciality Hospital, enabling real-world testing and deployment of AI-driven healthcare solutions.

According to IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty, the new school represents a structural shift in how applied AI is institutionalised. The initiative aims to position IIT Kharagpur as a global hub for responsible and sovereign AI development, contributing to innovations in healthcare, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and smart systems.

Ministry of Education Opens Registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase VI

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March 5, 2026

The Ministry of Education has announced the launch of online registrations for Yuva Sangam Phase VI, an initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme aimed at strengthening cultural exchange among young people across India. The registration portal opened on March 2, inviting youth from different states and union territories to participate in the programme.

Yuva Sangam is designed to promote people-to-people connections and experiential learning by enabling young participants to visit partner states and explore their culture, traditions, language, and development initiatives. Through this initiative, participants gain a deeper understanding of India’s diversity while fostering national integration.

The programme focuses on youth engagement across several themes, including tourism, education, governance, innovation, and people-to-people interactions. Participants get the opportunity to experience local customs, heritage sites, institutions, and community initiatives in the host state.

Students, young professionals, and other youth interested in learning about India’s cultural diversity are encouraged to apply through the official portal. The initiative continues to serve as a platform for promoting mutual understanding, cultural appreciation, and unity among India’s youth.

CBSE postpones board exams in several Middle East nations

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March 3, 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in select countries across the region, in view of the ongoing Iran–US–Israel tensions affecting parts of the Middle East.

The Board issued an official communication to school principals in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, informing them that the scheduled examinations have been deferred due to the prevailing situation. Fresh dates for the postponed papers will be announced in due course.

CBSE has also stated that it is closely monitoring developments and will take an appropriate decision regarding the remaining examinations scheduled in the region. Students and schools have been advised to stay updated through official channels for further announcements.

Also Read: India to welcome 19 foreign universities this academic year

The Board conducts Class 10 and Class 12 examinations across multiple centres in India and abroad for its affiliated institutions. For the current academic session, CBSE has established examination centres in 26 countries outside India. A majority of these international centres are located in the Middle East – including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain – along with centres in countries such as Nigeria and Uganda.

With over 43.6 lakh students appearing for the board examinations this year, including those enrolled in overseas CBSE-affiliated schools, the development impacts a significant number of candidates in the affected countries.

The Board has now further postponed the examinations that were scheduled to be held on 5 and 6 March 2026 in the affected countries, citing continued security concerns. In an official notice issued on 3 March, CBSE stated that it will review the situation again and take a call on examinations scheduled from 7 March onwards. The circular has also been marked to Indian ambassadors in the seven countries, the Consul General of India in Dubai, and CBSE’s regional office in the UAE for necessary coordination. Students have been advised to remain in close contact with their respective schools for timely updates.

Further updates on the revised schedule are expected once the Board completes its review.

India to welcome 19 foreign universities this academic year

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March 3, 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that nearly 19 international universities are poised to set up campuses in India within the current academic year. The announcement was made during the Study in India Edu Diplomatic Conclave 2026 held in New Delhi.

Highlighting India’s expanding academic footprint, the Union Education Minister noted that Indian institutions are actively partnering with leading global universities across high impact sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, critical minerals, agriculture and sustainable management. These collaborations, he emphasised, are designed to place India at the forefront of innovation driven education.

Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended a warm invitation to students worldwide, positioning India as an emerging destination for quality higher education. He reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening academic standards, improving global rankings, and aligning education with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young citizens.

Stressing the demographic advantage, he pointed out that nearly 65 percent of India’s population is under the age of 35, calling it the country’s greatest strength and a catalyst for economic transformation.

Also Read: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for stronger global academic ties at Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026

Looking beyond national boundaries, the Minister spoke about India’s ambition to build a “knowledge bridge” connecting diverse nations and civilizations. He further indicated that India is working towards developing an inclusive growth model that could serve as a framework for countries of the Global South.

With policy reforms and international partnerships gathering pace, India’s higher education landscape appears set for a transformative chapter.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for stronger global academic ties at Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026

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March 3, 2026

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan underscored India’s growing role as a global education hub at the Study in India Edu-Diplomatic Conclave 2026, organised by the Ministry of Education at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan. The high-level gathering brought together Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and representatives from diplomatic missions of over 50 countries, along with senior officials from the Ministry, to discuss ways to deepen international collaboration in higher education.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the National Education Policy, noting that the reforms have reshaped India’s academic landscape with a focus on flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, research, and global engagement. He emphasised that India is actively advancing the internationalisation of its higher education ecosystem by encouraging foreign partnerships, student mobility, joint research initiatives, and cross-border academic exchanges.

Also Read: Unacademy announces ₹50 crore ESOP buyback to offer liquidity to employees

Shri Pradhan reiterated that India’s education framework is anchored in three core pillars – quality, innovation, and affordability. He pointed out that the country’s expanding network of world-class institutions, digital learning platforms, and research-driven universities positions it as an attractive destination for international students.

The conclave served as a platform for dialogue on building stronger academic bridges, promoting student exchanges, and enhancing mutual recognition of qualifications. It also reaffirmed India’s commitment to fostering meaningful global partnerships in line with its broader vision of becoming a knowledge-driven economy.

Unacademy announces ₹50 crore ESOP buyback to offer liquidity to employees

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March 2, 2026

Unacademy has rolled out a ₹50 crore Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) buyback, creating an opportunity for both present and former employees to monetise their stock options. The initiative was approved by the company’s board, with Co-founder Gaurav Munjal confirming that a dedicated cash reserve has been set aside for the programme, despite the company currently being valued below its previous funding round.

As per internal estimates shared by Munjal, eight employees are likely to receive payouts exceeding ₹1 crore each. Around 17 team members could realise more than ₹50 lakh, while nearly 38 employees may earn upwards of ₹10 lakh through the buyback. The company is expected to reach out to eligible participants in the coming weeks with detailed instructions on the process.

Also Read: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation partners with McGill University to establish AI Centre of Excellence

In a related development, Unacademy recently provided a one-time 30-day window allowing former employees to exercise their vested stock options. However, the company clarified that its present valuation stands lower than earlier rounds and that preference shareholders retain priority over equity shareholders in payout structures.

The buyback comes at a time when Unacademy is recalibrating its growth strategy amid ongoing shifts in the edtech landscape following the pandemic-era boom. As part of its restructuring efforts, the company plans to transition from operating company-owned offline centres to adopting a franchise-led model, aiming to optimise costs and strengthen margins.

Earlier discussions around a potential acquisition by upGrad did not materialise, reportedly due to differences in valuation expectations.

Jubilant Bhartia Foundation partners with McGill University to establish AI Centre of Excellence

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March 2, 2026

The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation has entered into a strategic partnership with McGill University, Canada, to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) focused on AI education and research.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised on the sidelines of a high-level engagement attended by Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.

The agreement was signed by Shyam S. Bhartia, Founder & Chairman, and Hari S. Bhartia, Founder & Co-Chairman of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, along with Professor Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University.

The upcoming Centre of Excellence aims to narrow the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry requirements in artificial intelligence. With a strong focus on producing industry-ready AI professionals and future research leaders, the initiative seeks to combine academic depth with practical exposure.

The Centre will initially roll out a Master’s programme designed to integrate theoretical rigour with hands-on industry engagement. Students enrolled in the programme will work on live projects addressing emerging technological challenges and AI-driven opportunities relevant to India’s fast-evolving digital landscape.

Drawing on McGill University’s research-intensive AI ecosystem, the partnership will create a curriculum that balances foundational knowledge with applied innovation. Beyond academics, the Centre will function as a research hub, encouraging the development of AI solutions aligned with India’s digital transformation priorities.

Also Read: Delhi High Court pauses school fee hike, bringing relief to parents

The Master’s programme will admit graduates from across India each year and will emphasise academic excellence, adaptive curriculum design to meet evolving industry needs, applied learning through case studies and live assignments, and mentorship from international faculty and leading industry professionals. Continuous evaluation and global best practices in AI research will remain central to the programme’s design.

This collaboration reflects a broader commitment to building a future-ready AI talent pool and fostering research that supports India’s ambitions in advanced technologies.

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