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Cabinet clears single regulator for higher education, marking a new era of reform

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
Indian higher education

Indian higher education is set to undergo its most significant regulatory transformation in decades. The Union Cabinet has approved a landmark legislation to establish a unified higher education regulator, bringing an end to the long-standing system of multiple governing bodies.

The new legislation, earlier referred to as the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, has now been renamed the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill. Once enacted, it will consolidate the regulation of all non-medical and non-law higher education institutions under one central authority.

This move directly advances the vision outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which had highlighted the inefficiencies caused by overlapping mandates of multiple regulators. The proposed Commission will be responsible for regulation, accreditation, and the setting of academic and professional standards across the higher education ecosystem.

Medical and legal education will continue to be governed by their respective councils and will remain outside the ambit of the new body. Notably, funding will also remain separate from regulation for the time being. Financial oversight will continue to rest with the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, unless a dedicated Higher Education Funding Authority is established in the future, as earlier envisaged in NEP discussions.

For years, India’s higher education landscape has been fragmented across different regulatory agencies — the University Grants Commission (UGC) for general higher education, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for technical institutions, and the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for teacher training colleges. NEP 2020 had strongly argued for a comprehensive restructuring of this framework, advocating for clearer roles and stronger institutional capacity.

The idea of a single regulator first took shape with the draft HECI Bill in 2018, but gained renewed momentum after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assumed office in 2021. With Cabinet approval now secured, the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Commission is poised to play a central role in redefining governance, quality assurance, and standards in Indian higher education.

OpenAI Launches First Certification Courses to Help Workers and Educators Build AI Skills

By
kavya verma
-
OpenAI

OpenAI has introduced its first certification courses aimed at helping workers and educators build practical AI skills. The initiative includes two programmes: AI Foundations and ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers. AI Foundations offers hands-on learning directly inside ChatGPT, allowing participants to complete tasks, receive real-time feedback, and develop applied AI skills. Upon completion, learners receive a badge validating that they are equipped with job-ready AI capabilities.

The second programme, ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers, is designed specifically for K–12 educators. It focuses on helping teachers understand how ChatGPT works, how it can be customised for classroom needs, and how to integrate AI into both teaching and administrative tasks. The course aims to strengthen digital learning environments and support educators in adapting to emerging technologies.

Also Read: UP aims 100% digital literacy for differently abled women by 2026

OpenAI has set a target of certifying 10 million people by 2030 as part of a broader goal to expand economic opportunity and advance AI literacy globally. The company noted that workers with AI skills tend to earn higher incomes, underscoring the growing demand for AI-related competencies across industries.

The rollout will begin with pilot programmes involving leading employers, academic institutions, and public-sector partners. Educators will also gain access through an established online learning platform. Several universities are already piloting the courses to help students and faculty build relevant skills for a rapidly changing job market.

According to OpenAI, the certifications will support organisations in adopting AI responsibly and effectively, while giving individuals a structured pathway to develop the competencies needed in AI-driven workplaces. The initiative aligns with the increasing integration of generative AI into business operations, education systems, and creative industries.

Are Universities in the UAE Prepared for Global Student Mobility Challenges?

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
35th Elets World Education Summit Dubai 2026

Have you noticed how the world has suddenly shrunk for students? Borders blur, classrooms go hybrid, professors teach across continents, and a student in Nairobi may soon choose a UAE university as easily as selecting a Netflix show. But here’s the uncomfortable question… Are universities in the UAE truly prepared for the tidal wave of global student mobility coming their way? And more importantly, Are they prepared for the kind of expectations the next generation of global learners will walk in with?

We’re not just talking student numbers anymore. We’re talking about talent migration. Skill acceleration. AI-driven learning. International partnerships. EdTech ecosystems. Visa flexibility. Transnational education.
 A global competition where agility – not size – wins.

And this is exactly why the 35th Elets World Education Summit Dubai 2026, happening on 4–5 February at Shangri-La, arrives at a pivotal moment.

Why UAE Is Suddenly at the Center of Global Student Mobility

Let’s be honest. The UAE is not just “an education hub” anymore.
 It is becoming the world’s academic testbed.

  • Students globally see the UAE as safe, aspirational, tech-forward.
  • Governments see it as a reliable innovation partner.
  • Institutions see it as a bridge between East and West.

But with opportunity comes pressure.

Global student mobility will test UAE universities on:

  • Digital readiness
  • Quality assurance
  • Cross-border credentials
  • Smart classrooms & hybrid models
  • Research depth & global collaborations
  • Industry linkages for employability

Are the universities ready? Some absolutely are. Some are almost there. Some are still recalibrating.

Where the Cracks Are Starting to Show

Here’s the truth no one says out loud:

  1. EdTech adoption is uneven — smart classrooms exist, but smart systems are still catching up.
  2. International partnerships are growing, but not all translate into employability or research impact.
  3. Student experience is modern, but AI-era personalization is still in early stages.
  4. Demand for microcredentials is rising, but supply is still traditional.
  5. K–12 to University transition needs tighter technology-driven pathways.

This is not criticism, this is momentum waiting for direction.

And that direction is exactly what upcoming global conversations in the UAE aim to shape. With World Education Summit Dubai as the flagship global stage where all these questions collide, and (hopefully) get answered.

Leading Thought Leaders Joining the Conversation

    • Prof. Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice Chancellor & President, Curtin University Dubai
    • Prof. Rafid Alkhaddar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Dubai
  • Dr. Imad Youssef Hoballah, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & External Relations, American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
  • Dr. Hamad Odhabi​​​, Vice Chancellor, Abu Dhabi University
  • Prof. William Cornwell, Provost, American University in the Emirates, and more…

These leaders aren’t attending just to speak.They’re attending to challenge norms, confront realities, and co-create new pathways.

Also Read: Why Dubai is Becoming the Global Hub for Higher Education Leaders

What Makes World Education Summit Dubai 2026 Different?

If you’ve been to education events before, you know how they usually go—panel, keynote, coffee break, repeat. This one is different.

Because this one asks the bolder questions:

  • What does the future of education look like when AI is no longer “new,” but “normal”?
  • How will the UAE maintain its competitive global edge?
  • Can universities build ecosystems instead of campuses?
  • Will EdTech finally become infrastructure rather than an add-on?
  • How will leadership evolve for the next era of global learning?

This is not just another global education conference. Or another higher education summit.  Or another education technology event.This is World Education Summit 2026, where K-12, higher ed, EdTech, policy, and industry meet at the exact intersection where the future is being built.

The next chapter of global education will not be built in isolation. It will be built through summits, conversations, collaborations, and shared intelligence. And World Education Summit Dubai 2026 is where that chapter begins.

IIT Bombay establishes BharatGen

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
BharatGen

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, widely regarded as a cradle for India’s top technology ventures has reached a landmark moment. For the first time in its history, the institute has set up its own company. This isn’t a typical campus startup or a faculty-led initiative; it is a full-fledged organisation owned and steered by IIT Bombay itself.

On November 7, 2025, the BharatGen Technology Foundation was officially registered with the Registrar of Companies in Mumbai, using IIT Bombay’s Powai address. This strategic move signals how the premier institution aims to directly shape India’s next big wave in artificial intelligence.

BharatGen represents India’s first coordinated attempt to develop a Large Language Model (LLM) that reflects the country’s cultural nuances, linguistic richness, and social complexity. The idea began taking shape last year when the Department of Science and Technology (DST) allocated ₹235 crore as early funding, recognising the need to build public digital infrastructure for AI.

The initiative operates under the DST’s National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). Anchored by IIT Bombay, the BharatGen consortium includes other leading institutes such as IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, IIT Hyderabad, IIM Indore, IIT Kharagpur, and IIIT Delhi.

According to Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, the founder-director of BharatGen Technology Foundation, creating a corporate entity was essential. “Taking AI models out of academic labs and into practical, market-ready solutions requires the autonomy and operational flexibility that only a company can provide,” he explained.

Also Read: NMDC partners with IIT Kanpur to boost cybersecurity and accelerate digital innovation

BharatGen aims to develop models capable of handling 22+ Indian languages and integrating text, speech, and document vision making AI more intuitive for Indian users. By training models on large-scale indigenous datasets, the foundation hopes to build systems that “sound Indian, think Indian, and work reliably in Indian environments.”

Prof. Ramakrishnan also shared that BharatGen will release scaled-down, developer-friendly versions of its models. This will help startups and enterprises adopt sovereign AI without bearing the cost and complexity of training massive models from scratch. “We will manage the heavy engineering so innovators can focus on building solutions,” he said.

With an additional ₹1,058 crore support from the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission, BharatGen is now evolving into a national flagship effort toward creating India’s own sovereign AI ecosystem.

NMDC partners with IIT Kanpur to boost cybersecurity and accelerate digital innovation

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
NMDC

NMDC has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. The partnership aims to enhance cybersecurity preparedness and scale the use of advanced digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) across NMDC’s operations.

The MoU was formally exchanged between Satyendra Rai, Executive Director (Digital Transformation) at NMDC, and Professor Ashoke De, Dean, R&D, IIT Kanpur. The signing ceremony was graced by IIT Kanpur Director Professor Manindra Agrawal, senior NMDC leaders, and representatives from the institute.

Under this collaboration, NMDC and IIT Kanpur will jointly pursue initiatives in cybersecurity assessments, policy development, compliance frameworks, AI-ML innovation, incident response strategies, and workforce capacity building. The two institutions will also work together on research projects, pilot implementations, training programmes, and co-creation of proof-of-concept solutions.

Also Read: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal urges Amity graduates to build Viksit Bharat 2047

Commenting on the alliance, NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee said, “This partnership brings IIT Kanpur’s cutting-edge research expertise into NMDC’s expanding digital ecosystem. It will strengthen our cybersecurity posture, enhance data-driven decision-making, and support our journey towards becoming a technologically robust and future-ready mining organisation.”

The MoU reinforces NMDC’s vision of evolving into a digitally empowered, innovation-driven mining major.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal urges Amity graduates to build Viksit Bharat 2047

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
Viksit Bharat 2047

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, addressed the convocation ceremony of Amity University in Noida today, describing the role of universities as vital institutions that shape future leaders by nurturing talent and enabling young minds to realise their full potential. Congratulating nearly 29,000 graduating students from both online and on-campus programmes, he emphasised that their achievements were the true highlight of the day.

Applauding Amity University’s inclusive and merit-driven environment, the Minister praised its need-blind scholarship system and the diverse opportunities offered to students. He expressed pride that half the student body comprises young women and commended the institution’s strong innovation culture, reflected in over 450 student-held patents. He also acknowledged the contribution of 50 Ramalingam Swami Fellows who have returned to India to teach and advance national progress.

Speaking on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, Shri Goyal invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s enduring message of equality and social justice. He reiterated that education is central to uplifting underserved communities and urged graduates to remain mindful of their social and national responsibilities.

Positioning the graduating batch as key contributors to India’s aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047, he said the next 25 years would define the nation’s future. He encouraged students to innovate fearlessly, excel in their chosen fields, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth trajectory.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s call from the Red Fort urging one lakh youth to consider public life and politics as a career, Shri Goyal stressed the need for ethical, committed individuals in governance. He suggested that universities could introduce internships with elected representatives to help students understand public service and governance at close quarters.

Drawing a parallel with the computer term “garbage in, garbage out,” he emphasised the need for more capable and well-intentioned young leaders in Indian politics. He expressed confidence that if India’s youth step forward with commitment and integrity, the country’s progress will accelerate beyond expectations.

Reflecting on the Prime Minister’s five guiding principles articulated during the 75th Independence Day address, he underscored their relevance in steering India from a $4 trillion economy towards the vision of a $35 trillion economy by 2047. 

Also Read: UGC calls on Universities to boost women’s empowerment initiatives aligned with NEP 2020 vision

The Minister encouraged students to embrace Indian culture proudly, suggesting that institutions could even consider traditional attire for future convocations. He reminded graduates that education is not just for personal advancement but also a commitment to family, community and nation.

Shri Piyush Goyal also recognised the immense efforts of teachers and parents in shaping the graduating class. He encouraged students to stay connected to their alma mater and express gratitude to their mentors.

As the young graduates step into the next phase of their lives, he acknowledged that challenges will come their way but expressed confidence that the values and education received at Amity University have prepared them well. He urged them to contribute wholeheartedly to nation-building and play an active role in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.

UGC calls on Universities to boost women’s empowerment initiatives aligned with NEP 2020 vision

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
University Grants Commission

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released an official directive dated December 5, 2025, encouraging higher education institutions across the country to actively conduct programmes, workshops, and seminars focused on enhancing women’s participation and empowerment. This move reinforces the transformative agenda of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which champions accessible, inclusive, and learner-centric education.

NEP 2020, regarded as one of India’s most comprehensive educational reforms, highlights the need for holistic and multidisciplinary learning. A crucial pillar of this policy is its emphasis on gender inclusion, acknowledging that empowering women in academic spaces is essential for social progress and national development.

Women’s representation in higher education significantly influences growth across academia, research, leadership, and entrepreneurial sectors. As India accelerates toward a knowledge-driven future, expanding opportunities for women to learn, innovate, and lead becomes increasingly vital.

The UGC’s communication urges institutions to cultivate supportive environments where women – students, educators, and staff, can pursue their personal and professional goals confidently. Recommended activities include:

  • Gender sensitization sessions
  • Leadership and capacity-building programmes
  • Legal rights and awareness workshops
  • Seminars on workplace equality
  • Entrepreneurship training
  • Digital and financial literacy initiatives

These efforts aim to not only inform but empower, promoting mentorship, dialogue, and collective action on issues that influence women’s experiences within academic settings from safety and wellbeing to career growth and leadership representation.

Also Read: Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi’s Iconic Student Interaction Returns for its 9th Edition

The circular also encourages universities to partner with prominent national bodies such as:

  • The National Commission for Women
  • The Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women
  • Former senior civil servants
  • Influential women leaders across sectors

Such collaborations bring invaluable insights, diverse perspectives, and inspiring stories that can motivate students and faculty to champion gender equality more actively.

By spearheading these empowerment initiatives, the UGC aims to build campuses that are dynamic, safe, and encouraging spaces where women can pursue leadership roles, engage in innovation, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. These programmes help institutions address systemic barriers, promote equal opportunities, and amplify women’s voices in academia.

The UGC’s call to action underscores the powerful role of educational institutions in shaping a society that nurtures and uplifts women. With consistent effort and well-designed programmes, India’s higher education system can lead the way in building a more equitable and inclusive future.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: PM Modi’s Iconic Student Interaction Returns for its 9th Edition

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s much-awaited annual interaction, Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), is set to return with its 9th edition in January 2026. This one-of-a-kind programme brings together students, parents, and teachers from India and across the globe to have a candid conversation with the Prime Minister on handling exams with confidence and embracing assessments as a joyful Utsav of learning.

To select participants for the 2026 edition, an MCQ-based online competition is live on the MyGov portal from 1 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. Students from Classes 6–12, along with teachers and parents, can register and attempt the activity. Every participant who completes the task will receive a digital certificate from MyGov.

The 8th edition, aired on 10 February 2025, showcased a fresh and engaging format at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi. Thirty-six students representing every State and UT—including those from Government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, CBSE institutions, and Navodaya Vidyalayas—participated in the interaction. Alumni of the PRERANA programme, along with winners of Kala Utsav and Veer Gatha, also joined the event.

Also Read : Karnataka approves ₹18 crore to kick off ₹3,200 crore upgrade of 800 govt. schools

PPC 2025 additionally introduced seven theme-based episodes, covering Sports & Discipline, Mental Well-being, Nutrition, Finance & Technology, Creativity, and Positivity, featuring insights from leading personalities.

PPC 2025 secured a significant achievement by entering the Guinness World Records, with participation from:

  • Students across 245+ countries
  • Teachers from 153 countries
  • Parents from 149 countries

The programme has experienced exponential growth—from 22,000 participants in 2018 to 3.56 crore registrations in 2025, along with 1.55 crore participants in nationwide Jan Andolan activities, taking total engagement to nearly 5 crore people.

Karnataka approves ₹18 crore to kick off ₹3,200 crore upgrade of 800 govt. schools

By
kavya verma
-
Karnataka

The government of Karnataka has sanctioned ₹18 crore to commission an agency for drafting Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to upgrade 800 state-run schools under the Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) initiative.

Of the 800 schools, 474 will be revamped with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), 200 will get funding through the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB), and 100 will be upgraded using funds from the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC). 

Also Read: Telangana Education Policy nears completion with strong focus on EdTech & Digital Transformation

The overhaul, estimated at ₹3,200 crore, aims to transform government schools into modern institutions offering pre-primary to pre-university education under one roof. Each upgraded school will cater to up to 1,200 students and will feature enhanced infrastructure, including smart classrooms, labs, libraries, playgrounds, sanitation facilities, computer and STEAM resources, and improved teacher training. 

This move reflects the state’s push to strengthen public school infrastructure, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas, to reduce dropouts and improve learning outcomes under a unified, modern educational setup.

 

Why Dubai is Becoming the Global Hub for Higher Education Leaders

By
digitalLEARNING Network
-
Higher Education Leaders in Dubai

Have you noticed how, in almost every conversation about the future of higher education, one destination keeps quietly emerging at the center? It’s not because someone is advertising it, it’s because experts, policymakers, and academic innovators are actually moving their meetings, partnerships, and even campuses there. So what’s really happening? Why are university leaders across continents now looking toward the UAE for their next big leap?

This is the same question that has inspired global educators to gather at the 35th Elets World Education Summit Dubai 2026, happening on 4–5 February, where higher education leadership, strategy, and innovation will be in full focus. But before that moment arrives, there’s a deeper story worth exploring.

The UAE isn’t just geographically central—it has become a hub of academic circulation. More than over 40 international branch campuses now operate in the region, making it one of the world’s densest cross-border higher education ecosystems. For leaders navigating internationalisation, student mobility, and global collaborations, this ecosystem creates opportunities that simply don’t exist elsewhere.

While many countries struggle with bureaucratic layers and slow reforms, the UAE has taken the opposite route: adaptive policy frameworks, rapid approvals for new programs, and national-level roadmaps prioritizing skills, research, and innovation. This agility matters today more than ever, especially when universities are preparing graduates for AI-led economies and rapidly changing workforce needs.

From AI-enabled campuses to national goals for research and innovation, the UAE has positioned itself as a testbed for the future of higher education. Leaders are not coming here just to expand; they’re coming to experiment, prototype, and reimagine.

And these conversations will take center stage at the World Education Summit Dubai 2026, where university presidents, provosts, and CXOs will decode how AI, analytics, and global collaboration are reshaping leadership responsibilities.

Also Read: Can AI Make Every Classroom Smarter and Personalised in UAE Schools

The UAE’s emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digital economy aligns seamlessly with what universities are now expected to deliver graduates who are prepared not just for jobs but for global competition. In this environment, industry connections, internship opportunities, and research clusters are thriving.

If you are trying to understand what next-generation higher education leadership looks like the UAE is not just another destination on the map. It is where the future is visibly taking shape.

And that journey will culminate at the 35th Elets World Education Summit Dubai 2026 on 4–5 February, where the world’s leading higher education minds gather to shape cross-border education pathways, research collaborations, and leadership frameworks for the next decade.

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