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What to do after CBSE Class 12 Results 2026

CBSE Class 12 Results 2026

The wait is finally over. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has declared Class 12 results for 2026, and millions of students across India are now facing the most important question of their academic life: What do I do next?

Whether you are a Science student eyeing IIT, a Commerce student targeting DU’s Shyam Lal or SRCC, or an Arts student dreaming of journalism or law, this guide will walk you through every option, every deadline, and every decision you need to make right now.

Do not panic. Do not rush. Read this first.

For Science Students — Engineering, Medical and Beyond

Science stream students have the widest range of options after Class 12. But the path you take will depend on whether you appeared for JEE, NEET, or neither. Here is a clear breakdown.

If You Qualified JEE Main 2026

Congratulations, you are in the top percentile. Your next step is JEE Advanced 2026, which is the gateway to the IITs. Here is what to focus on right now:

  • Download your JEE Advanced admit card from jeeadv.ac.in the moment it is available.
  • Revise Physics, Chemistry and Maths from Class 11 and 12, JEE Advanced tests depth, not speed.
  • If you also qualified for NEET, you may have a tough choice between engineering and medicine ahead. Make that decision now, before exam dates clash.
  • Even if JEE Advanced does not go as planned, a good JEE Main score gets you into the NITs, IIITs and GFTIs, which offer excellent placements.

If You Appeared for NEET UG 2026

You already know that NEET UG 2026 was cancelled by the National Testing Agency (NTA) following an investigation into irregularities. The re-exam date has not yet been officially announced. Here is what you should do:

  • Do not stop studying. Use this extra time as a gift, revise Biology, Physics and Chemistry thoroughly.
  • Monitor nta.ac.in daily for the updated exam date and new admit card notification.
  • Do not enrol in any college course just to ‘fill time’, it may complicate your eligibility for NEET re-exam.
  • The top medical colleges in India, AIIMS Delhi, JIPMER Puducherry, Maulana Azad Medical College, all admit through NEET. Your target remains the same.

If You Did Not Appear for JEE or NEET

There are excellent options that do not require competitive entrance exams at all:

  • BSc (Hons) at Delhi University — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science. Admission through CUET.
  • Sc Agriculture at state agricultural universities — growing field, government job opportunities, no JEE required.
  • BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) — excellent for students interested in technology and software without the pressure of JEE.
  • Pharm — pharmacy is a high-demand, well-paying career with good government job prospects.
  • Sc Nursing — admission through state-level entrance tests, very strong placement in India and abroad.

Also Read: CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Mandatory for Classes 9 and 10 from 2026

For Commerce Students — BBA, BCom, CA and More

Commerce is one of the most versatile streams after Class 12. The career options range from top management colleges to the prestigious CA qualification. Here is what to focus on.

Top College Options for Commerce Students

  • Shyam Lal College (DU), SRCC, Lady Shri Ram (DU) — for BCom Hons. Admission through CUET UG score.
  • Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (DU) — for BBA. One of the best BBA colleges in India, through CUET.
  • Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune — for BBA. Entrance exam: SNAP.
  • Christ University, Bengaluru — BCom and BBA. Own entrance exam, excellent campus culture.
  • Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai — BBA through NPAT exam.

The CA Route — Chartered Accountancy

If you are considering CA (Chartered Accountancy), the path starts right after Class 12:

  • Register for CA Foundation on the ICAI website (icai.org) — you can register now and appear in November 2026.
  • CA Foundation has 4 papers: Accounting, Business Laws, Quantitative Aptitude, and Business Economics.
  • CA is one of the highest-paying careers in India — a qualified CA earns Rs 7–25 lakh per year at entry level.
  • You can also pursue BCom alongside CA Foundation — many students do both simultaneously.

Other Strong Options for Commerce

  • Economics (Hons) at DU — ideal if you like data, policy and research. Leads to IAS, MBA, or an economics career.
  • BA + LLB (Integrated Law) — many commerce students opt for corporate law. Apply through CLAT 2026.
  • BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies) at Mumbai University — strong ROI, good campus placements.

For Arts and Humanities Students — Law, Design, Journalism and More

The Arts stream is no longer the ‘easy option’, it is the most creative and increasingly the most in-demand stream of the decade. Here are the best paths forward.

Law — CLAT 2026

  • CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) is the gateway to NLUs, National Law Universities like NLSIU Bengaluru, NLU Delhi, and NALSAR Hyderabad.
  • CLAT 2026 registrations are open, check consortiumofnlus.ac.in immediately.
  • Law is a 5-year BA LLB or BBA LLB degree. Lawyers in corporate, litigation, and policy roles earn Rs 8–40 lakh per year.

Design — NID and NIFT

  • NID (National Institute of Design) and NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) are the premier design institutions in India.
  • NID entrance exam results and NIFT Phase 2 are typically in June, check nid.edu and nift.ac.in for updates.
  • Design careers in UI/UX, product design, fashion, and animation are among the fastest-growing globally.

Journalism and Mass Communication

  • ACJ (Asian College of Journalism, Chennai), IIMC Delhi, Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication are top choices.
  • Admission is through entrance exams, most are in June and July 2026.
  • With AI reshaping media, journalism graduates with digital and data skills are in extreme demand.

BA (Hons) at Delhi University — CUET

  • BA (Hons) English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology at DU are excellent foundation degrees for UPSC, research, and post-graduation.
  • Admission through CUET, register at exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/ if you have not already.
  • DU cut-offs for top Arts courses have gone down in recent years due to CUET normalisation, a 75%+ board score is strong.

Key Deadlines You Must Not Miss — May to July 2026

Print this table and stick it on your wall. These are the deadlines that will define your next four years.

Admission / Exam Who It Is For Deadline / Date Action Required
CUET UG 2026 Registration All UG college aspirants Check cuet.nta.nic.in Apply now if not done
DU Admission Portal CUET score holders June–July 2026 Register on admission.uod.ac.in
JEE Advanced 2026 JEE Main rank holders Check jeeadv.ac.in Download admit card
NEET UG Re-exam 2026 All NEET aspirants Date TBA by NTA Watch nta.ac.in for update
Private college admissions All streams May–July 2026 Check each college website
Scholarship applications All eligible students June 2026 onwards Apply on scholarships.gov.in

 

Also Read: CBSE Class 12 Results 2026 Declared; Students Access Scores via Multiple Digital Platforms

What If You Did Not Score as Expected?

A lower score does not close doors, it redirects you. Here is the honest truth:

  • You can appear for CBSE Class 12 improvement exam in 2027 — you stay in school for one year and reappear for the subjects you want to improve.
  • Open schooling via NIOS is a valid option for a quick re-attempt at certain subjects.
  • Private colleges — thousands of excellent private universities in India do not require competitive exam scores. Research your local options.
  • Diploma and ITI courses — for students interested in vocational paths, a 1–2 year diploma in electrical, mechanical, or computer hardware engineering opens strong job markets.
  • Gap year with purpose — take one year, prepare for JEE/NEET/CUET seriously, and reappear. Many toppers are gap-year students. This is not a failure — it is a strategy.
Remember This

Your Class 12 result is the start of your career, not the end of it. Every successful person you admire, doctor, engineer, entrepreneur, civil servant passed through this exact moment. What separates them is not their percentage. It is the decision they made next.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My CBSE result is out but I have not registered for CUET yet. Is it too late?

A: Check exams.nta.ac.in/CUET-UG/ immediately. CUET registrations may still be open or in a late registration window. If CUET is closed, many private universities have their own entrance exams which run through June and July 2026. Do not give up.

Q: I scored 78% in CBSE Class 12. Can I get into DU?

A: Yes, it is possible. With CUET, your board percentage is less important than your CUET score. A strong CUET performance can get you into DU colleges even with a 70–80% board score. Focus your energy on CUET preparation right now.

Q: NEET is cancelled. Should I apply to any other medical course in the meantime?

A: Do not enrol in an MBBS programme through any unrecognised institution. Keep studying for NEET re-exam and monitor nta.ac.in for the new date. B.Sc Nursing or B.Pharm are safe parallel options if you need to move forward.

Q: Can I do BCom and CA Foundation at the same time?

A: Yes, absolutely. Many students pursue both simultaneously. BCom gives you a degree, and CA Foundation gives you a professional qualification. The syllabi overlap significantly, which makes studying both manageable.

Q: What is the best career option if I have no idea what to do?

A: Take a BBA or BCom at a good college. These degrees keep all options open, MBA, CA, corporate jobs, entrepreneurship. Use the 3 years to explore, intern, and find what you love. You do not have to decide your entire career at 18.

Transforming Education: How Purpose-Driven Learning Can Empower the Next Generation

In today’s rapidly evolving world, education is the cornerstone of development and progress. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This sentiment sets the stage for a critical discussion about democratizing knowledge and empowering individuals through education and technology. As we navigate the dynamics of the modern world, it is essential to redefine and reimagine education as a purpose-driven endeavor for it to serve as a foundation for sustainable growth and innovation.

The shift from traditional knowledge systems to digital accessibility has dramatically transformed the way we learn and share information. With the advent of the internet, knowledge has become democratized, providing unprecedented opportunities for individuals worldwide. This has further evolved with the rise of artificial intelligence, which has distributed expertise across borders, enabling people with the right resources and questions to reshape our global society.

In this context, institutions like Sam, located in the southern part of India, are at the forefront of this educational revolution. As India continues to progress as a young and technologically adept nation, the focus on incorporating core educational values becomes even more critical. By embracing technology and leveraging its young workforce, India stands poised to seize global opportunities and drive positive change.

Purposeful education is embedded in the broader goals of sustainable development set forth by the United Nations. The 2030 agenda urges a collective action towards achieving these goals, emphasizing the importance of knowledge combined with action. Education without action lacks impact; hence, institutions like Sam are bridging the gap between classrooms and communities by adopting rural villages in India. Through this community-focused approach, they empower problem solvers who deliver real-world solutions.

One of the critical challenges in education today is its relevance in a fast-paced digital environment. With technology evolving every minute, educators must transition from traditional teaching methods to becoming facilitators and collaborators. This shift necessitates an ongoing learning approach, where educators and students explore, learn, and innovate together. The ability to adapt and foster intercultural exchanges through initiatives like the Scouts movement exemplifies how education can transcend boundaries.

Also Read: AI Unraveling the Reverse Gold Rush and Its Surprising Implications

In addressing current educational challenges, institutions must be rooted in ethics and excellence, empowering students not just with skills but with the necessary sensitivity to become responsible global citizens. Ensuring employability and empowerment goes hand in hand as younger generations are prepared for future challenges and opportunities.

To conclude, education’s transformation is a collective effort requiring action, innovation, and inclusion. By keeping key principles such as proactivity, empathy, and collaboration at the forefront, educators and policymakers can equip future generations to tackle global challenges effectively. As leaders and responsible mentors, the call to action is clear: redefine education as a force for global change and work towards creating good human beings who will become great leaders.

View Expressed by: Dr. Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, Chairman of Sairam Institutions, at the World Education Summit Dubai 2026.

AI Unraveling the Reverse Gold Rush and Its Surprising Implications

The AI Reverse Gold Rush

The dawn of the AI age is reminiscent of the historical gold rush, yet it paints a picture quite different from the frenzied mining of yesteryears. Just as in the 1850s gold rush where fortunes were forged by those who sold shovels and equipment rather than by those who dug for gold, the advent of AI has turned traditional narratives on their head, leading to the ‘reverse gold rush.’ But what exactly does this mean for businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals alike? Let’s explore the intriguing facets of this phenomenon as presented in ‘The AI Reverse Gold Rush,’ a book that delves into these complexities.

The Reverse Gold Rush: An Untold Story

Historically, the gold rush saw people scrambling to mine wealth from beneath the earth, yet those who truly prospered were not the miners but the business-savvy sellers of mining tools and equipment. In the realm of AI, the infrastructure has already been laid—the virtual mines are built. But unlike the gold rush, where wealth was ready to be extracted, AI’s yield is yet to bloom spectacularly for big enterprises. This peculiarity defines the reverse gold rush, where the profiteers are not large corporates but nimble individuals utilizing AI tools with greater dexterity.

Challenging Economic Patterns in AI

The book highlights significant patterns within the AI landscape, drawing parallels to tech cycles of the past. There is always a chasm—a delay between investment and returns, much like the gap observed in the fiber-optic deployment of the late 1990s. Enormous investments have been funneled into AI, yet expected returns remain elusive. Tech giants, including McDonald’s, Amazon, and IBM, struggle to convert AI investments into profitable ventures. The analogy is clear: the virtual mines are in place, but the expected windfall of treasure has yet to materialize.

Individuals vs. Enterprises: A Widening Gap

Interestingly, while vast conglomerates face hurdles, individual entrepreneurs and small challengers thrive in this AI climate. With the agility that large organizations often lack, these entrepreneurs harness AI’s potential, showcasing a higher rate of success. Meanwhile, a significant portion of enterprise AI initiatives falter, a stark contrast to the flourishing DIY AI users who cultivate tangible outcomes from subscription-based models at a fraction of corporate investment costs.

The Solopreneur Revolution and AI

A fascinating trend emerges where seasoned professionals known as ‘babysitters’—those who oversee AI output—begin defecting from corporate roles, dissatisfied with stagnating career paths. Such individuals transition into solopreneurship, exploiting niche markets with personalized AI applications. Fueling this shift is AI’s ability to decentralize power from traditional corporate structures, yielding more streamlined business processes for small, agile players.

Bridging the Human and AI Divide

Despite AI’s prowess, humans offer an irreplaceable edge. As ‘The AI Reverse Gold Rush’ asserts, the human element—comprising judgment, ethics, and discernment—complements machine efficiency, generating a powerful synergy. Fostering this collaboration could bridge the exploitative gaps in the tech cycle, giving rise to innovations where both humans and machines thrive together, overcoming each other’s limitations.

Also Read: Globalization in Education: Bridging Borders and Enhancing Student Mobility

The Path Forward

In conclusion, the book paints a captivating narrative of a technological paradox where promising investments falter, yet unexpected beneficiaries thrive. The reverse gold rush poses the question of whether AI will evolve into the nirvana tech leaders envisioned. Ultimately, combining human insight with AI’s computational power could lead to productive partnerships rather than solitary tech conquests. To truly capitalize on AI’s capabilities, individuals and organizations alike must explore this uncharted terrain with open minds and a willingness to innovate beyond traditional paradigms.

View Expressed by: Sudhakar Rao, Director at ICFAI Group at World Education Summit Dubai 2026. 

CBSE Makes Three-Language Study Mandatory for Classes 9 and 10 from 2026

Central Board of Secondary Education

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the study of three languages compulsory for students in Classes 9 and 10 beginning with the 2026–27 academic session, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Under the revised policy, students will be required to study three distinct languages—R1, R2, and R3—with at least two of them being Indian languages. However, CBSE has clarified that the third language (R3) will not be part of the Class 10 board examination. Instead, it will be assessed internally by schools, and the results will be reflected in the student’s final certificate.

The new rule will take effect from July 1, 2026, for students entering Class 9. CBSE has also stated that no student will be prevented from appearing for the Class 10 board exams due to the third language requirement.

Also Read: Coursera and Udemy Complete Merger to Build Global Skills Platform

The board has introduced flexibility for children with special needs, foreign students, and CBSE-affiliated schools abroad, allowing exemptions or adjustments on a case-by-case basis.

The move is aimed at promoting multilingual learning and strengthening the use of Indian languages in school education, in accordance with NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023.

Why Extracurricular Activities Are Important for Your Child’s Development

Extracurricular Activities

Kids spend a huge chunk of their week sitting at desks. They learn math and history. This is important. But a lot of parents notice their children need something more to really thrive. Adding tasks to a busy schedule might seem exhausting. We already have enough homework to deal with every night. Yet, signing your kids up for after-school programs gives them a chance to grow in completely different ways.

To Build Better Brains

Certain hobbies push kids to think differently. They have to solve problems on the fly. If you have a child who loves figuring out puzzles, looking into chess coaching online might be a great idea. Chess forces players to think several steps ahead, so they naturally pick up patience along the way. Because they are constantly analyzing the board, their memory improves. This mental workout pays off during school hours too. They start paying better attention in class since their brains are used to focusing for long stretches.

To Help Them Make Friends Outside of School

The playground can be a tough place to fit in. Joining a local club or sports team puts kids in a room with peers who actually share their interests. It takes away a lot of the pressure. They have to talk to each other to win a game or put on a play, which breaks the ice instantly. A shy child might struggle to speak up during a science lesson but will happily yell instructions across a soccer field. Working together builds real friendships (the kind based on mutual hobbies rather than just sitting in the same homeroom).

To Help Them Find Out What They Actually Like

Schools have to stick to a set curriculum. They rarely have time to let students dive deep into highly specific topics. After-school programs give kids a low-stakes environment to try things out, such as acting or coding. They can mess up and try again without worrying about a bad grade ruining their report card. Some kids might cycle through a few different options before finding a favorite:

  • Learning a martial art
  • Painting landscapes
  • Building basic robots

When they finally land on an activity they love (e.g., playing the drums), their confidence spikes. They see themselves getting better week after week through sheer practice.

To Help Them Figure Out How to Manage Time

Having less free time actually teaches a valuable lesson. Kids quickly realize they cannot spend three hours watching cartoons if they have basketball practice at five. They learn to sit down and knock out their homework right away. This early practice with scheduling is incredibly helpful. It prepares them for the heavier workloads they will face later in life. They also learn that other people are relying on them to show up on time and bring the right gear. Therefore, they start taking responsibility for their own routines.

Giving your kids the chance to explore hobbies outside of school equips them with skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Seeing them light up when they master a new game or score a goal makes all the driving around completely worth it.

Campus to Careers Summit 2026 Concludes with a Strong Vision for Future-Ready Education, AI Innovation, and Employability

Campus to Career Summit 2026

The Two-day Campus to Career (C2C) Summit 2026: Future Ready Universities & Colleges concluded successfully today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru. Jointly organised by the Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka, and Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., the summit brought together ministers, policymakers, IAS officers, university leaders, industry experts, technology innovators, startups, and skilling organisations to deliberate on the future of higher education, employability, AI integration, innovation, and workforce readiness.

Day 1 Highlights: Karnataka Presents Its Vision for Future-Ready Higher Education

The Inaugural ceremony commenced with a prayer and the rendition of the Naada Geethe, Karnataka’s state anthem, setting an inspiring tone for the summit proceedings. This was followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Smt. Khushboo G. Chowdhary, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka; Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Sharanaprakash Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Government of Karnataka; Sri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka; along with Smt. Shalini Rajneesh, Dr E.V. Ramana Reddy, IAS, Shri Mohammad Mohsin, Smt. Kanta Naik, Shri S. Bharat, IAS, and Dr Ravi Gupta, alongside senior government officials, university leaders, and industry representatives.

A major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of the Vision Framework on Karnataka’s Higher Education Journey, along with the unveiling of the special issue “Karnataka Futuristic Vision for Higher Education” and the special magazine “Skilling Pathways in Higher Education” by the Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka.

Delivering the Welcome Address, Smt. Khushboo G. Chowdhary highlighted Karnataka’s focus on research excellence, educational quality, and employability-driven reforms.

Addressing the summit, Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, said, “Karnataka is undertaking a major transformation in higher education by shifting from static, theory-driven learning to a dynamic, industry-aligned and skill-oriented ecosystem.” He also highlighted the state’s collaborations with organisations including the British Council, Microsoft, Wadhwani Foundation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and Tata Electronics, alongside the establishment of multiple Centres of Excellence and global academic partnerships.

Sharing Karnataka’s broader vision for future-ready education, Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka, stated, “The focus is now on ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and capabilities needed to lead in the future economy, while enabling a stronger transition from campus to career.”

The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the signing of several strategic MoUs. Key collaborations included partnerships with the British Council, Head Held High Foundation (HHHF), 1M1B Foundation, SS Sigma Infotech Pvt. Ltd., Timbuckdo Innovations Pvt. Ltd., and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

Key Sessions and Discussions on Day 1

The first day of the summit featured several high-impact sessions and panel discussions including “The Government of Karnataka’s Vision for Outcome-Based Higher Education,” “From Silos to Synergy: Reimagining Higher Education for Industry-Ready Talent,” “From Education to Employment: Institutionalising Skilling in Formal Education,” “Developing the AI-Ready Workforce,” “AI-Enabled Universities: Transforming How Karnataka Learns, Teaches and Leads,” and “Future-Ready Doctors: Bridging Medical Education with AI, Clinical Skills & Real-World Healthcare Needs.”

The summit also witnessed leadership addresses and industry presentations by organisations including HP Inc., Adobe, VMock, and Roombr Technologies, alongside participation from academic leaders, policymakers, and international experts discussing innovation, employability, digital transformation, and future workforce readiness.

Continuing Into Day 2 with a Deeper Focus on Innovation & Industry Integration

Building upon the strong momentum from Day 1, the second day of the summit focused on Centres of Excellence, semiconductor talent pipelines, startup ecosystems, BFSI workforce development, AI integration, employability, and Karnataka’s Vision 2030 for future-ready education and innovation.

Delivering the Opening Address on Day 2, Smt. Khushboo Goel Chowdhary, Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka, stated, “Karnataka’s landmark summit has laid a strong foundation for transforming higher education through unprecedented collaboration between government, academia, industry, and global leaders. The shared vision is clear: Karnataka must lead not only in education access, but in innovation, employability, relevance, and future readiness.”

Major Sessions and Discussions from Day 2

One of the major highlights of Day 2 was the session “The CoE Blueprint: Accelerating Innovation from Campus to Corporate Innovation at Scale,” chaired by Dr Manjula. N, IAS, Secretary to Government, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka. Highlighting Karnataka’s growing innovation ecosystem, she stated, “Karnataka, recognised among the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, is leveraging its network of 200+ engineering colleges, 1,000+ technical institutes, nearly 65 universities and over one lakh graduates annually to build a stronger future-ready workforce aligned to emerging industry needs. Campus-to-Career initiatives are becoming critical in strengthening the bridge between academia, industry and innovation ecosystems. Over the last decade, Karnataka has invested more than ₹500 crore in Centres of Excellence across domains such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics, biotechnology and semiconductors. These initiatives have supported over 750 startups with a combined valuation exceeding ₹4,000 crore, enabled nearly 250 patents, skilled more than 10,000 young professionals and facilitated over 100 industry-academia collaborations. The larger objective is to ensure that innovation, skilling and high-quality opportunities are not concentrated in one city alone. Through Centres of Excellence and initiatives beyond Bengaluru, Karnataka is building a more distributed and inclusive talent ecosystem that can support the next generation of digital, deep-tech and research-led growth.”

The session featured distinguished speakers, including Dr Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-Bangalore; Shri Raghu Dharmaraju, CEO, ARTPARK; Shri Ashok Kamath, Director, ASCEL Technology Forum, CoE-AI; Shri Ranjit Mishra, Centre Head, CoE-CySecK; and Mr Dilip Shankar, Associate Vice President, Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre.

Another key session, “Talent Pipeline for Building Karnataka’s Semiconductor and Advanced Manufacturing,” brought together Sivakumar P.R., Pradip Thaker, Prof. Mayank Shrivastava, and Sanjeev Keskar, who discussed semiconductor ecosystem development, specialised workforce creation, and future manufacturing opportunities in Karnataka.

The summit also hosted “Strengthening India’s Financial Talent Pipeline,” a focused discussion on how the BFSI sector can help shape business education to meet evolving industry and regulatory demands. Moderated by Ramesh Kaza, EVP, President & Country Head, LPL Financial GCC, the session featured Payal Aggarwal from HCL Technologies, Ritu Rakhra from Broadridge India, Rajesh Balaraju from LPL Financial GCC, Dr N. Nagamani Nagaraja from Global Academy of Technology, and Priya Madhavan from Nasscom.

A dedicated session titled “Campus to Company: Celebrating Student-Led Startups & Innovation” highlighted the growing importance of entrepreneurship, incubation, mentorship, and innovation-driven learning ecosystems in shaping future-ready campuses. Moderated by Bharath Chandra BK, AVP, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, the session featured Anuj Mehta, Vice President, Campus Fund; Rajeev Warrier, EVP, Wadhwani Foundation; Ritu Sharma, Director, TiE Bangalore; and Johnson Tellis, CEO, Shine Foundation.

A special address was also delivered by Prof. Y.M. Jayaraj, Pro-Chancellor of BLDE University, who emphasised the importance of innovation-driven education, research collaboration, and skill-based learning in building future-ready universities and enhancing student employability.

The session, “Mastering the Human Element / Building General Professional Skills,” featured Arundhuti Gupta, P N Nayak, Prof. Suresh Bhagavatula, and Aditya Vellore, focusing on communication, adaptability, leadership, and workplace readiness skills essential for future careers.

A special address was also delivered by Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, who stated, “India’s next growth phase will depend on how effectively we align education with employability and emerging industry demand. Karnataka is already building that pipeline through large-scale skilling, industry-academia partnerships and regional talent programmes, with initiatives under NIPUNA Karnataka alone creating a beneficiary pipeline of over 17,000 learners. Our focus is not just on placements, but on building talent with stronger problem-solving ability, critical thinking and adaptability across emerging technologies and innovation-led sectors. As AI and digital technologies reshape classrooms and workplaces, it is equally important that learning remains meaningful, inclusive and student-centric.”

He further added, “What is equally important is ensuring that these opportunities are distributed beyond Bengaluru. Through initiatives such as LEAP Labs across Hubballi, Mysuru, Kalaburagi and Hoskote, cluster-level skilling programmes, and industry-academia ecosystems like IIT Dharwad’s dhaRti incubator and KLE-CTIE, Karnataka is building a stronger regional innovation and talent network. The state has also supported 11 Technology Business Incubators with over ₹110 crore in backing, while partnerships with global technology and semiconductor companies are helping students gain direct exposure to emerging industries and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.”

Concluding his address, he stated, “As Karnataka works towards enabling 20 lakh jobs across sectors, initiatives like Campus to Career will play a critical role in connecting students, academia, startups, industry and government to create a future-ready workforce and stronger innovation-led career pathways across the state.”

High-Level Ministerial Panel on Karnataka Vision 2030

One of the major highlights of Day 2 was the High-Level Ministerial Panel Discussion on “Karnataka’s Vision 2030: Integrating Education, Innovation & Industry for a Future-Ready State.” The session brought together Dr. M. C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Sharanaprakash Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education & Skill Development, Government of Karnataka; and Sri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister for IT, BT & Science and Technology, Government of Karnataka, who shared the state’s roadmap for building a future-ready, innovation-driven ecosystem.

Addressing the importance of practical learning and employability, Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil stated, “The balance between classroom learning and hands-on experience must be redefined to make graduates truly employable and aligned with real world skill requirements.” He emphasised the need for stronger industry exposure, practical learning environments, and skill-focused education to ensure students are prepared to meet evolving workforce demands.

Highlighting Karnataka’s growing talent ecosystem, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar said, “Bengaluru became a GCC hub because talent from across states and tier 2 and tier 3 cities converged there, but talent is never confined to one city, and expanding GCCs across regions can unlock similar growth everywhere.” He underlined the importance of decentralising growth opportunities, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, and creating industry opportunities beyond metropolitan centres.

Speaking on integrated governance and future growth, Sri Priyank M. Kharge remarked, “If we want to stay relevant in global markets, drive continuous change, and move up the value chain, departments of IT, skills, higher education, and industry must work together in sync.” He stressed the importance of collaboration between government departments, academia, industry, and skill development ecosystems to strengthen innovation, workforce readiness, and Karnataka’s global competitiveness.

The session concluded with a shared vision of positioning Karnataka as a leading hub for innovation, employability, advanced technologies, and future-ready talent.

Also Read: Campus to Career Summit 2026 Day 1 Concludes with Strong Focus on AI-Ready Education, Employability, and Future Skills

Important Roundtable Discussions

The summit also hosted several high-level roundtable discussions including “CSR & Emerging Technologies,” “Industry Perspectives on Centres of Excellence (CoEs): Building Collaborative Innovation & Talent Ecosystem,” and “Global MedTech Talent Pipeline: Preparing Karnataka’s Workforce for International Healthcare & Medical Technology Markets.” The discussions brought together government leaders, industry experts, healthcare professionals, CSR representatives, and academic stakeholders to deliberate on innovation ecosystems, skilling, emerging technologies, healthcare talent development, and stronger industry-academia collaboration.

Special Highlight: Student-Led Innovation and Startup Ecosystem

One of the key highlights of Day 2 was the dedicated focus on student-led innovation and entrepreneurship through the special session “Campus to Company: Celebrating Student-Led Startups & Innovation.” The session brought together startup ecosystem leaders, investors, incubators, innovation experts, and student entrepreneurs to discuss how universities can become launchpads for entrepreneurship, innovation, and future-ready ventures. As part of the session, students also presented their startup ideas and innovations, showcasing emerging entrepreneurial talent and innovative problem-solving approaches from campuses across Karnataka.

Summit Concludes with Strong Commitment Towards Future-Ready Education

The Campus to Career Summit 2026 concluded on a strong and optimistic note, with leaders collectively reaffirming their commitment towards building an AI-enabled, innovation-driven, employability-focused, and globally competitive higher education ecosystem for Karnataka. The summit successfully established a collaborative roadmap while reinforcing Karnataka’s position as a leading destination for future-ready education and talent development in India.

For more information, visit: Campus to Career Summit 2026

Campus to Career Summit 2026 Day 1 Concludes with Strong Focus on AI-Ready Education, Employability, and Future Skills

Campus to Career Summit 2026

Bengaluru | May 15, 2026

The two day Campus to Career (C2C) Summit 2026: Future Ready Universities & Colleges commenced today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, jointly organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, and Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., brought together over 60 leaders, ministers, IAS officers, university heads, technology companies, policymakers, industry veterans, and academic stakeholders, to deliberate on the future of higher education, employability, skilling and innovation in Karnataka.

Grand Inaugural Ceremony Sets the Tone

The Inaugural ceremony commenced with a prayer and the rendition of the Naada Geethe, Karnataka’s state anthem, which brought the gathering to its feet and set an inspiring tone for the summit proceedings. This was followed by the ceremonial lamp lighting in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Smt. Khushboo G. Chowdhary, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Government of Karnataka; Sri Priyank M. Kharge, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka; Smt. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka; Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy, IAS, Chairman, Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), Government of Karnataka; Mohammad Mohsin, Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Education and Skill Development Department, Government of Karnataka; Smt. Kanta Naik, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC); S. Bharat, IAS, Director, Commissioner of Technical Education; and Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., alongside senior government officials, university leaders, and industry representatives.

Special Publications Launched at the Summit

A major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of the Vision Framework on Karnataka’s Higher Education Journey, along with the unveiling of the special edition magazine titled “Karnataka Futuristic Vision for Higher Education,” published by Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd. The special issue captures Karnataka’s strategic roadmap for advancing higher education through digital transformation, research excellence, industry collaboration, skilling initiatives, and global academic partnerships.

A special magazine titled “Skilling Pathways in Higher Education” launched by the Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka was also unveiled during the inaugural session, highlighting Karnataka’s evolving approach towards integrating skilling, innovation, technology, and employability within higher education institutions.

Government Leaders Outline Karnataka’s Education Vision

Delivering the Welcome Address, Smt. Khushboo G. Chowdhary, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, emphasised the need for building an inclusive and future-focused education ecosystem aligned with industry requirements and emerging workforce demands.

Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, outlined the state government’s vision for transforming Karnataka into a global hub for higher education, skilling, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration. He highlighted several initiatives and collaborations with organisations, including the British Council, Microsoft, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Wadhwani Foundation, Tata Electronics, and others, aimed at strengthening employability and future skills among students.

Addressing the summit, Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka, stated that Karnataka’s development model places education and human capital at its core. He highlighted the state’s focus on ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and capabilities required for emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductor manufacturing, climate technologies, and digital transformation.

Strategic MoUs Signed to Strengthen Employability and AI Readiness

The inaugural ceremony also witnessed the signing of several strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on AI, skilling, employability, digital learning, financial literacy, and global exposure.

Major collaborations included the SCOUT 2.0 Programme launched by the Karnataka State Higher Education Council in partnership with the British Council, the AI Course for Students Programme with Head Held High Foundation (HHHF), the statewide employability and green skills initiative with 1M1B Foundation, the “Shiksha Setu AI” initiative with SS Sigma Infotech Pvt. Ltd., internship and part-time employment opportunities through Timbuckdo Innovations Pvt. Ltd., and a financial literacy and student skilling programme with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

Expo Launch and Networking Sessions Foster Collaboration

The summit also featured the official Expo Launch showcasing innovative solutions, AI-powered education technologies, skilling platforms, digital learning ecosystems, and smart campus solutions from leading organisations and institutions.

The Expo and Networking Tea Break sessions created opportunities for interaction among policymakers, universities, startups, technology companies, and industry stakeholders, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange across the higher education ecosystem.

Industry Leadership Sessions Spotlight AI, Creativity and Future Skills

The post-inaugural sessions began with an Industry Leadership Address on “The Orange Economy Meets AI: Building a Future Where Skills, Access, and Creative Potential Work Together” by Mayank Dhingra, Director & Global Head, Education Business and Strategy, HP Inc., who highlighted how AI and creativity are reshaping the global workforce and democratising opportunities for learners.

This was followed by a University Session on “Building a Future-Ready Education Ecosystem” by Dr. Prakash S, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dayananda Sagar University.

An Industry Leadership Address by Pramod Idiculla, Director, Enterprise Learning, Adobe, focused on “Adobe and India’s Next Job Wave: Building the Future Workforce Through Creativity, AI, and the Orange Economy,” emphasising the growing importance of creativity-driven economies, digital tools, and AI-enabled innovation.

Another important academic session on “Engineering Education in the AI Era – Challenges, Opportunities & Path Forward” was delivered by Dr. Sriram Devanathan, Principal, Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Bengaluru.

Policymakers and Academic Leaders Discuss Outcome-Based Higher Education

One of the key sessions of the summit was Panel 1 on “The Government of Karnataka’s Vision for Outcome-Based Higher Education,” chaired by Prof. S. R. Niranjana, Vice Chairman, Karnataka State Higher Education Council, and moderated by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd.

The panel featured Khushboo Goel Chowdhary, Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Karnataka; Dr. S. Vidyashankar, Vice Chancellor, Visvesvaraya Technological University; Prof. B K Ravi, Vice Chancellor, Bengaluru North University; Prof. B. S. Satyanarayana, Vice Chancellor, Dayananda Sagar University; Prof. Kuldeep Kumar Raina, Vice Chancellor, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences; and Prashasti Rastogi, Senior Director, Campus and Government, Coursera.

A parallel high-level discussion, “From Silos to Synergy: Reimagining Higher Education for Industry-Ready Talent,” moderated by Dr. T N Nagabhushana, Vice Chancellor, Kishkinda University, Ballari, focused on creating stronger industry-academia integration.

The panel brought together Prof. Godwin Tennyson, Director (i/c), Indian Institute of Management Tiruchirappalli; Dr. Shobha G, Director, Department of Collegiate Education, Government of Karnataka; Abhay G. Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor, Alliance University; Prof. Sarah Maddison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, The University of New South Wales, Sydney; and Prof. Ramesh B, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Manmohan Singh Bengaluru City University.

Discussions Focus on Skilling and Employability Integration

Panel 2 on “From Education to Employment: Institutionalising Skilling in Formal Education” was chaired by Shri Ramana Reddy, Chairman, Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), Government of Karnataka, and moderated by Arun Kumar Isac, Director – Government and Education, HP India.

The session featured a Special Address by Sri Prakash Koliwad, Member of Legislative Assembly, Ranebennur Constituency, along with participation from Dr. Usha Titus, Chairman & Managing Director, ASAP Kerala; Prof. S Sadagopan, Chairman, Karnataka Higher Education Vision Group; Prof. C. M. Thyagaraja, Vice-Chancellor, Rani Channamma University; and Dr. Neeraj Mahindroo, Dean – Academics and Quality Assurance, Apollo Healthcare Academy. The discussion focused on embedding skilling frameworks into mainstream higher education and ensuring stronger employability outcomes for students.

An expert session by Salil Pande, Founder and CEO, VMock Inc., further highlighted the role of AI-driven employability and career readiness platforms in helping students align with evolving industry expectations.

Medical Education and Healthcare Readiness Discussions Take Centre Stage

Another important session, “Future-Ready Doctors: Bridging Medical Education with AI, Clinical Skills & Real-World Healthcare Needs,” was moderated by Dr. Pushpa Sarkar, Dean, School of Health Sciences, Dayananda Sagar University. The panel featured Mohammad Mohsin, Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Education and Skill Development Department, Government of Karnataka, and Dr. Basavanagowdappa H, Vice Chancellor, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru. The discussion explored the growing role of AI, digital tools, simulation-based learning, and real-world healthcare integration in modern medical education systems.

AI-Ready Workforce and Emerging Technologies Dominate Discussions

Panel 3 on “Developing the AI-Ready Workforce,” chaired by Madan Padaki, Founder, JanAI & Co-Chair, Karnataka Higher Education Vision Group, and moderated by Prof. Vijaysekhar Chellaboina, Vice Chancellor, JK Lakshmipat University, brought together Andreea Willmott, Vinay Swamy, Dr. E.A. Gopalakrishnan, Satya Narayanan R, Murlidhar S, and Pramod Idiculla to discuss AI literacy, workforce adaptability, and future digital skills required in evolving technology-driven economies.

The sessions also featured an Industry Insights presentation by Vivek Chandrasekharan, Head of Marketing and Software Solutions, Roombr Technologies, showcasing smart classroom and immersive learning technologies transforming higher education environments.

Adding global perspectives to the discussion, representatives from the Asian Development Bank, including Shaun Wellbourne-Wood and David Israel, shared insights on education transformation, innovation, and future workforce development.

Assessment Frameworks and AI-Enabled Universities Highlight Future Learning Models

A key discussion on “Designing Skill-Based Assessment Frameworks for a Future-Ready Higher Education Ecosystem,” moderated by Dr. Sriram Devanathan, Principal, Amrita School of Engineering, brought together S Narayanan, Director General and Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of Haryana; Prof. M. Muniraju, Vice Chancellor, Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University; Prof. Dr. Jayakara Shetty M, Vice-Chancellor, Bangalore University; and Col. Dr. S.N. Sridhara, Vice Chancellor, Adichunchanagiri University. The panel focused on competency-based assessments and aligning evaluation systems with industry-driven skill requirements.

The concluding panel discussion, “AI-Enabled Universities: Transforming How Karnataka Learns, Teaches and Leads,” moderated by Dr. Vishal Gupta, Dean (Academics), JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, explored how AI, digital ecosystems, and smart technologies are reshaping higher education. The panel featured Mr. Pattanasetty Rajashekhar, Dr. P. Manoj, Dr. Janaka Pushpanathan, Hemant Sahal, Raghav Narayan, and Dr. Ashok Mehatha.

Trilogue Session Reinforces Karnataka’s Future-Ready Education Mission

The day concluded with a Trilogue Session on “Future-Ready Karnataka: Embedding Skills into Higher Education Frameworks,” moderated by N. N. Rao, Technical Advisor, KSDA, featuring Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, and Smt. Khushboo Goel Chowdhary, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka.

The session showed Karnataka’s commitment towards building a globally competitive, innovation-driven, and employability-focused higher education ecosystem aligned with future industry and workforce needs.

The day concluded with a Cultural Performance, reflecting the energy, creativity, and ambition of Karnataka’s youth and academic ecosystem.

The Summit will continue on Day 2 with discussions on Centres of Excellence, semiconductor talent development, financial talent pipelines, startups, entrepreneurship, and Karnataka’s Vision 2030 for higher education and workforce transformation.

For more information, visit: https://campustocareersummit.com/

Karnataka’s Vision for Future-Ready Education Takes Centre Stage at Campus to Career Summit 2026 in Bengaluru

Campus to Career Summit 2026

Bengaluru | May 15, 2026

The two day Campus to Career (C2C) Summit 2026: Future Ready Universities & Colleges commenced today at The Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru, jointly organised by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, and Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., brought together over 60 leaders, ministers, IAS officers, university heads, technology companies, policymakers, industry veterans, and academic stakeholders, to deliberate on the future of higher education, employability, skilling and innovation in Karnataka.

State Anthem & Lamp Lighting Marked the Start of the Show

The inaugural ceremony began with a prayer and the Naada Geethe, Karnataka’s state anthem, which brought the gathering to its feet and set the tone for the summit’s proceedings. For the ceremonial Lamp Lighting, dignitaries who joined included Smt. Khushboo G. Chowdhary, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka; Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka; Dr. Sharanaprakash Rudrappa Patil, Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development, Government of Karnataka; Sri Priyank M. Kharge, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka; Smt. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka; Dr E.V. Ramana Reddy, IAS, Chairman, Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA), Government of Karnataka; Mohammad Mohsin, Additional Chief Secretary, Medical Education and Skill Development Department, Government of Karnataka; Smt. Kanta Naik, Chairperson, Karnataka Skill Development Corporation (KSDC), S. Bharat, IAS, Director, Commissioner of Technical Education; and Dr Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd.

A Major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of the Vision Framework on Karnataka’s Higher Education Journey, along with the unveiling of the special issue titled “Karnataka Futuristic Vision for Higher Education.” The publication highlights Karnataka’s roadmap for strengthening higher education through policy innovation, digital transformation, industry partnerships, research, skilling, and global collaboration.

Welcome Address by Smt. Khushboo G. Chowdhary, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka

Delivering the Welcome Address, Smt. Khushboo G. Chowdhary, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, emphasised the importance of creating an inclusive, future-focused, and industry-aligned education ecosystem capable of preparing students for emerging opportunities and evolving workforce requirements. She shared, “The summit reflects our vision to strengthen the connection between higher education and employment.” She also shared that a significant highlight of the programme will be the unveiling of the Karnataka Roadmap, which focuses on advancing research excellence, enhancing educational quality, and improving employability outcomes.

Karnata’s Vision Outlined by Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka

Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, outlined the state government’s vision, ongoing reforms, and future roadmap for transforming Karnataka into a globally competitive hub for higher education, skilling, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.

He shared, “Karnataka is undertaking a major transformation in higher education by shifting from static, theory-driven learning to a dynamic, industry-aligned and skill-oriented ecosystem that prepares students for the rapidly evolving global job market. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, the state is strengthening government institutions through large-scale collaborations with industry and global academic partners.

The Higher Education Department has partnered with organisations including the British Council, Microsoft, Wadhwani Foundation, FKCCI, Siemens, Smile Foundation, Schneider Electric, Suzlon, and Tata Electronics to create job-ready graduates equipped with communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, entrepreneurial thinking, and hands-on exposure to emerging technologies. Initiatives such as English Skills for Youth and Manthan are nurturing innovation and startup culture among students, while multiple Centres of Excellence are being established across government polytechnic, engineering, and degree colleges in areas such as renewable energy, automation, advanced manufacturing, and future technologies.”

Karnataka’s recent initiatives include a Suzlon-supported Centre of Excellence focused on wind energy in North Karnataka, Schneider Electric skill schools in Mysuru and Belagavi, and the proposed Centre for Invention, Innovation and Incubation Training (CIIIT), in collaboration with Tata Electronics.
With support from the Asian Development Bank, Karnataka is also pursuing a transformative ₹2,500 crore higher education initiative that includes the establishment of nine advanced Centres of Excellence across engineering colleges, alongside region-specific domain specialisations aligned to local industry needs.

The state is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for global academic collaborations and international universities. Karnataka is welcoming globally reputed institutions such as the University of New South Wales, Australia, while Lancaster University is expected to establish its presence by 2027.

Discussions are also underway with leading international institutions, including Imperial College London for research collaborations, and another prominent UK university has already secured a Letter of Approval from the Government of India. These initiatives are expected to provide students with access to world-class education, research exposure, innovation ecosystems, and internationally recognised degrees closer to home and at significantly lower costs, positioning Karnataka as a leading global hub for higher education, skilling, and innovation.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri Siddaramaiah Presented Karnataka’s Roadmap for Future-Ready Education

Sharing Karnataka’s vision for building a future-ready, globally competitive higher education ecosystem, Sri Siddaramaiah, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka, stated, “Karnataka’s emergence as one of India’s most dynamic economies is deeply rooted in its long-standing investments in education, institution building, and human capital development. With a Gross State Domestic Product of ₹30.7 lakh crore, leadership in services exports, and Bengaluru emerging as one of the world’s most significant technology and innovation hubs with over 875 Global Capability Centres, the state continues to position education at the centre of its development model. Karnataka today leads the country with 66 colleges per lakh population, reflecting the scale and depth of its higher education ecosystem. However, the Government believes that access to education alone is no longer sufficient in a world being reshaped by artificial intelligence, biotechnology, semiconductor manufacturing, climate technologies, advanced healthcare, and digital transformation. The focus is now on ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, confidence, and capabilities needed to lead in the future economy, while enabling a stronger transition from campus to career.

To achieve this vision, the Government of Karnataka is driving a comprehensive agenda focused on employability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration. Through initiatives such as Yuva Nidhi, graduates are being supported with financial assistance and modern skill development opportunities during their transition into employment. The state’s Industrial Policy, which targets the creation of 20 lakh jobs across emerging sectors, further reinforces the commitment to ensuring that economic growth translates directly into meaningful career opportunities for youth. Karnataka is also fostering stronger partnerships between government, academia, and industry through strategic programmes and collaborations with organisations such as Wipro, Azim Premji Foundation, and leading global institutions. The state’s vision is to transform universities into centres of innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and social transformation, while building an inclusive and future-ready ecosystem that connects both rural and urban students to global opportunities and positions Karnataka as a leader in knowledge-driven growth and innovation.”

Key MoUs Signed for Education, Skilling and Employability

A major highlight of the inaugural session was the signing of multiple strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focused on AI readiness, global exposure, employability, digital learning, financial literacy, and future workforce development across Karnataka.

SCOUT 2.0 Programme for Global Exposure

The Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), in collaboration with the British Council, launched the SCOUT 2.0 Programme, Scholars for Outstanding Undergraduate Students. The MoU was signed by Dr K G Chandrashekara, Executive Director, Karnataka State Higher Education Council; Mr Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner; and Smt. Janaka Pushpanathan, Director, South India, British Council. The programme will provide fully funded international residential exposure to undergraduate students focused on sustainability, climate studies, communication skills, and urban planning.

AI Training Programme with Head Held High Foundation (HHF)

The Department of Collegiate and Technical Education partnered with Head Held High Foundation (HHHF) to introduce AI and emerging technology training programmes for students in government institutions. The agreement was signed by Sri. Bharath S, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate and Technical Education; Madan Padaki, Managing Trustee, Head Held High Foundation; and Pankaj Singh, CEO, Head Held High Foundation.

1M1B Green Skills and Workforce Initiative

A statewide MoU was signed between the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education and 1M1B Foundation to strengthen employability, AI awareness, green skills, and workforce readiness among students. The agreement was signed by Sri. Bharath S, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, and Abhiram Natarajan, Director, 1M1B Foundation. The initiative aims to train nearly five lakh students across Karnataka over the next three years.

“Shiksha Setu AI” Digital Learning Initiative

The Department of Collegiate and Technical Education collaborated with SS Sigma Infotech Pvt Ltd to launch “Shiksha Setu AI,” an integrated digital education suite for selected government colleges and polytechnics. The MoU was signed by Sri. Bharath S, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate and Technical Education; Chaitanya Vihari Uppalapati, Director, SS Sigma Infotech Pvt Ltd; and Chintheshwar Rao, Director, SS Sigma Infotech Pvt Ltd.

Timbuckdo Partnership for Internship Opportunities

The Government of Karnataka signed an MoU with Timbuckdo Innovations Private Limited to facilitate internships, part-time jobs, and gig opportunities for students in government colleges. The agreement was signed by Sri. Bharath S, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Collegiate and Technical Education; Mythri Kumar HK, Cofounder & CEO, Timbuckdo Innovations Private Limited; and Apoorv Sharma Prasad, Cofounder & COO, Timbuckdo Innovations Private Limited.

Also Read: Karnataka to Host Campus to Career Summit 2026 on 15 and 16 May in Bengaluru 

Vote of Thanks by Dr Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia

The Inaugural session concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., who highlighted, “Karnataka’s emergence as one of India’s leading innovation and education-driven states is a reflection of our sustained commitment towards building a future-ready ecosystem for students and youth. The Campus to Career Summit represents an important step in connecting higher education with employability, industry readiness, innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging career opportunities. It is encouraging to see policymakers, industry leaders, academic institutions, and stakeholders coming together with a shared vision to strengthen Karnataka’s higher education landscape and prepare our students to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.”

The summit will continue with leadership sessions, policy dialogues, panel discussions, industry interactions, and collaborative deliberations centred on AI-ready universities, innovation ecosystems, healthcare education, semiconductor talent development, entrepreneurship, industry-academia collaboration, and Karnataka’s Vision 2030 for future-ready higher education.

More insightful sessions and transformative discussions await participants throughout the 2 day  Campus to Career (C2C) Summit 2026.

Globalization in Education: Bridging Borders and Enhancing Student Mobility

Globalization in Education

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the landscape of higher education is experiencing a monumental shift. The traditional notion of students moving across borders to pursue higher education is being redefined. Universities are adapting by establishing themselves in various parts of the world, ensuring that global education is not just about mobility but about creating partnerships that transcend geographical limitations.

To explore this dynamic change, a diverse panel of experts gathered to discuss these trends and the opportunities they present. Among them were thought leaders from the university sector, experts in intellectual property, and professionals specializing in transnational mobility.

The Changing Nature of Student Mobility

Historically, students from Asia have predominantly pursued higher education opportunities in the Western world, primarily in North America and Europe. However, the past decade has witnessed a remarkable transformation in this trend. Globalization has paved the way for universities to come to students, rather than the other way around. This has been facilitated by the rise of branch campuses and innovative educational models.

As Simon Bradbury, Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Overseas Provost, De Montfort University, Dubai, UAE, highlighted, traditional study destinations like the US and UK are challenged by emerging and competitive alternatives such as the UAE, Malaysia, and Singapore. This diversification in study locations aligns with students’ desires for quality education and a strong return on investment.

The Role of Partnerships in Global Education

With increased student mobility and the advent of online and hybrid learning models, partnerships between universities across borders have become essential. These collaborations not only enhance the quality of education but also ensure that degrees are recognized internationally. This is particularly important as students and their families want assurance that their educational investments will lead to job opportunities and economic stability.

Prof. Alok Kumar Chakrawal, Vice Chancellor, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh, India, emphasized the necessity of making education affordable and accessible to all. India’s approach, as highlighted by Chakraal, involves increasing accessibility through digital universities and focusing on skill development to enhance employability.

Innovation Through Technology and Interdisciplinary Learning

The integration of technology like AI into education has been a recurring theme, as it offers vast potential to enhance learning experiences. The panel acknowledged that automation and artificial intelligence, if properly harnessed, would not threaten but complement traditional teaching methods.

Lavinia Bracci, Founder and Director, SIS Intercultural Study Abroad, Siena, Italy, emphasized the importance of experiential learning, urging for a balance between technological advancements and maintaining the human aspects of education.

The Imperative of Global Competence and Skills for Life

The paradigm of education today is not solely about acquiring knowledge but developing skills that are relevant globally. Educators and institutions are focusing on imparting competencies that prepare students for a rapidly changing job market.

As Prof. Rafid Alkhaddar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Dubai, UAE, succinctly put it, universities must equip students not just with degrees, but with skills that render them competitive in the job market.

Concluding Thoughts: Towards a Balanced Educational Landscape

The discourse on the globalization of education is not solely about academic institutions profiting from international students. It is about nurturing a global citizenry equipped with skills for an interconnected world, without neglecting the humanitarian aspect of accessibility to education.

Also Read: Revolutionizing Education: The Role of Universities in Achieving National Visions

The experts agreed that education should not be commodified to the point where it becomes inaccessible to deserving students. Instead, institutions, policymakers, and educators must collaborate to ensure that education remains a universally available tool for empowerment, growth, and innovation.

Education in the global context is a continuous balancing act between providing quality education that remains inclusive and accessible, and leveraging international partnerships to foster innovation and cultural exchange.

Panelists:
Elets Technomedia – the premier technology and media research organisation of Asia and the Middle East, has spread its wings in India and across the world over the years. Since 2003, it’s been championing the cause of the governments, building knowledge-sharing platforms and highlighting the importance of ICT for governance, health, education, urban development, and banking and finance sectors through conferences, publications, and knowledge portals.

Revolutionizing Education: The Role of Universities in Achieving National Visions

Sivakumar Veerappan

As nations across the world accelerated their transition toward knowledge-driven economies, universities emerged as one of the most critical institutions in shaping long-term national progress. Governments increasingly recognized that sustainable economic growth, technological leadership, and global competitiveness depended not only on infrastructure or industry but on the strength of their educational ecosystems.

National strategies such as the UAE’s Vision 2031, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and India’s National Education Policy reflected a shared global understanding: education had become a cornerstone of economic transformation. These frameworks emphasized innovation, artificial intelligence, digital capability, and international collaboration as essential pillars for future development.

Education as the Foundation of Knowledge Economies

Across multiple national agendas, a common objective had taken shape: the creation of economies powered by knowledge, innovation, and highly skilled talent. Countries sought to diversify beyond traditional industries by investing in sectors driven by technology, research, and entrepreneurship.

Education systems, particularly universities, were increasingly viewed as central to this transformation. They were no longer limited to delivering degrees; instead, they became strategic institutions responsible for preparing workforces, advancing research, and supporting national competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Universities as Strategic Drivers of National Development

Universities occupied a unique position in national development frameworks because they served as the primary engines for producing future leaders, innovators, and specialized professionals. Their role extended beyond academic instruction to include talent development, research advancement, policy influence, and industry collaboration.

As governments pursued ambitious economic visions, universities were expected to align their strategies with national priorities by modernizing curricula, fostering entrepreneurial thinking, and strengthening partnerships across sectors and borders.

Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of Higher Education

Artificial intelligence became one of the defining forces reshaping modern education. As AI transformed industries, job roles, and decision-making structures, universities faced growing pressure to adapt.

Institutions were required not only to integrate AI into teaching and research but also to prepare students for a future in which technological fluency, adaptability, and innovation would be essential. AI’s role in education extended beyond curriculum enhancement; it also influenced governance models, operational efficiency, personalized learning, and leadership development.

Balancing Innovation with Institutional Challenges

While the integration of advanced technologies created vast opportunities, universities also encountered significant challenges. These included governance complexities, digital infrastructure demands, regulatory frameworks, policy alignment, and institutional resistance to change.

Successfully achieving national educational visions required universities to navigate these barriers strategically while ensuring that technological advancement remained aligned with broader societal and economic objectives.

Beyond Technology: Building Strategic Educational Ecosystems

Technology alone could not fulfill the broader mission of higher education. Universities needed to develop comprehensive strategies that enhanced employability, promoted global academic collaboration, strengthened research capacity, and continuously evolved educational models to meet future workforce needs.

Institutional leadership, strategic planning, and adaptability became just as important as digital transformation. Universities that successfully balanced innovation with purpose were better positioned to serve as catalysts for both national and global advancement.

Also Read: The Rise of Global Education Hubs: Lessons from Dubai and Beyond

The Future of Universities in National Vision Realization

As countries continued to invest in ambitious long-term development frameworks, universities increasingly stood at the center of these transformations. Their ability to nurture talent, drive innovation, and shape future-ready societies made them indispensable to achieving national aspirations.

By embracing artificial intelligence, fostering international partnerships, and evolving educational strategies, universities played a defining role in creating resilient, knowledge-based economies prepared for future challenges.

The evolution of higher education demonstrated that universities were not merely educational institutions; they had become strategic pillars of national progress, essential to building sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive societies.

Insights shared by: Sivakumar Veerappan, Founder & CEO of Creatrix Campus by Anubavam Technologies, at the 35th World Education Summit, Dubai 2026, held on 4-5 February 2026. 

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