India Charts New Skilling Path with Landmark Workforce Report

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June 28, 2025

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s human capital, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, today unveiled a comprehensive report titled “Skills for the Future: Transforming India’s Workforce Landscape” in New Delhi. The report has been developed by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) as part of an independent research effort based on publicly available datasets.

This initiative forms a part of the ongoing “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, highlighting the nation’s strategic shift towards aligning education, vocational training, and skilling with market demands and industrial transitions.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasised the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the way skilling is conceptualised. “Skilling is to be understood not merely as a supply-side intervention, but as a demand-driven, market-aligned, and outcome-oriented ecosystem that addresses the evolving needs of industry and the workforce,” he stated. He also stressed the importance of integrating formal, informal, and experiential learning pathways, while calling for a robust employability index to measure the impact of skilling efforts.

The IFC report leverages unit-level data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 to examine key patterns in educational attainment, occupational distribution, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) within the Indian workforce. According to the findings, 88% of the workforce is currently engaged in low-competency occupations, with only 10–12% employed in high-competency roles, highlighting a critical need for skill upgradation.

Five key sectors—Information Technology and IT-enabled Services (IT and ITeS), Textile and Apparel, Electronics, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Beauty and Wellness—have been identified as skilling hotspots, accounting for more than 66% of vocational training in India. The report further highlights five high-potential regional clusters across these sectors, identified through Competitiveness Framework Analysis. The analysis draws from diverse sources, including the PMKVY 4.0 dashboard, Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).

Also Read :- BIMTECH launches BIMCOIN

Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, lauded the report and called for more evidence-based literature and research to support policy interventions in skilling. He emphasised the need to study structural changes across the skilling-education-work continuum to enable a resilient and inclusive workforce.

Mr. Amit Kapoor, Chair of the Institute for Competitiveness, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and reaffirmed IFC’s commitment to supporting India’s evolving skilling agenda.

The report recommends targeted, sector-specific interventions to build a future-ready workforce. It urges the creation of a standardised data collection mechanism to assess skill demands and track policy impact. Furthermore, it calls for industry participation through incentivised recruitment of skill-certified talent and provision of market-aligned training and fair wages.

As India looks ahead to becoming a global economic powerhouse, this report provides a timely blueprint for transforming its vast and diverse workforce into a skilled and competitive asset for the future.

BIMTECH launches BIMCOIN

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

The Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-powered digital currency. This makes BIMTECH the first management institute in India to introduce its own digital currency, following in the footsteps of IIT Madras.

BIMCOIN is engineered to enable secure, transparent, and real-time transactions within the BIMTECH ecosystem, benefiting students, faculty, vendors, and administrative systems alike. However, its value lies not only in utility but also as a hands-on learning tool that offers students real-world exposure to blockchain operations and digital finance. The initiative aligns with national missions like Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047, promoting tech-driven educational reform.

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director of BIMTECH, emphasized the dual impact of the initiative: “BIMCOIN is not just a mode of payment—it’s an immersive educational resource. It allows our students to gain first-hand experience in blockchain and digital currency technologies, preparing them for the rapidly evolving fintech sector.”

The pilot rollout of BIMCOIN witnessed encouraging engagement, with over 1,100 transactions processed seamlessly. This phase helped fine-tune the system through feedback-based testing, addressing integration issues and ensuring smooth onboarding. Building on this success, the institute is now preparing for wider campus deployment following further rounds of closed-group testing.

Also Read: IIM Kozhikode & Emeritus launch advanced leadership programme focused on AI

Looking ahead, BIMTECH plans to embed blockchain and fintech-focused modules into its academic offerings. The institute has also established a Blockchain Learning Centre, positioning itself as a future-ready campus committed to nurturing fintech-savvy graduates. BIMCOIN, inspired by the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) model, is intended as a practical platform that bridges academic learning with industry applications.

Through this forward-thinking initiative, BIMTECH aims to shape the next generation of leaders equipped with digital and financial fluency, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation in education.

IIM Kozhikode & Emeritus launch advanced leadership programme focused on AI

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

IIM Kozhikode, in collaboration with Emeritus, has launched a comprehensive Senior Management Programme aimed at empowering seasoned professionals with cutting-edge leadership, digital transformation, and strategic management skills. This 12-month blended programme is tailored for senior and mid-level professionals looking to step into higher leadership roles with a forward-thinking, tech-savvy mindset.

Slated to commence on June 28, 2025, the programme blends flexible online modules with live interactive sessions conducted by distinguished IIM Kozhikode faculty and seasoned industry leaders. Its hybrid design ensures participants can continue to meet professional and personal responsibilities while actively engaging in peer learning and receiving personalised feedback from instructors.

Ideal for graduates or diploma holders (10+2+3) with at least 10 years of work experience, the course is crafted to enhance strategic thinking, people management, and real-world problem-solving capabilities. Mid-level professionals aspiring to transition into senior leadership roles will also benefit from the programme’s hands-on, business-impact-driven curriculum.

Also Read: West Bengal introduces QR-enabled textbooks

Priced at ₹6,23,000 plus GST, the programme offers participants a unique opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities while staying current with global business trends and emerging technologies. Upon successful completion, learners will be awarded a certificate from IIM Kozhikode and gain Executive Alumni Status, granting them access to a powerful professional network.

Commenting on the initiative, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, said, “Leadership today demands more than functional expertise. This programme offers a platform to navigate digital disruption, develop cross-industry insights, and implement strategic frameworks aligned with contemporary business challenges. It redefines what it means to lead in a tech-driven world.”

West Bengal introduces QR-enabled textbooks

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has announced the integration of QR codes into all higher secondary textbooks. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that learners receive only authorized and verified academic content.

Every year, soon after the secondary board examinations, pirated versions of textbooks flood the markets, particularly in areas like College Street. These unofficial copies are often slightly altered and sold at inflated prices, misleading students and compromising academic standards. According to Council President Chiranjib Bhattacharya, the QR code initiative is a strategic solution to eliminate such practices and maintain content integrity.

Each official textbook will carry a unique QR code printed on its back cover. When scanned, this code will confirm the book’s authenticity by displaying the WBCHSE logo along with detailed book information. If a QR code is missing or provides incorrect data upon scanning, it indicates that the book is not approved by the council and may be pirated.

But that’s not all—this feature also unlocks access to enriched digital learning resources, including:

Video Tutorials: In-depth explanations and problem-solving guidance.
Animated Content: Visually engaging tools to help simplify complex subjects.
Model Papers: Sample questions and answers to aid in exam preparation.

This blend of physical and digital learning is designed to make education more interactive, accessible, and aligned with 21st-century learning practices.

Council Secretary Priyadarshini Mallick has urged students and parents to remain vigilant and only purchase textbooks with verified QR codes. Before buying any book, scanning the code should be a mandatory step. If the book fails the scan or lacks the code altogether, it should be avoided to prevent academic misinformation.

Also Read: Delhi to set 6+ as minimum age for Class 1 from 2026

This QR-backed system not only deters the illegal circulation of study materials but also marks a major stride toward digitizing education in the state. As West Bengal embraces this secure and student-centric approach, it sets a benchmark in preserving academic authenticity while enhancing the overall learning experience.

Delhi to set 6+ as minimum age for Class 1 from 2026

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced that from the academic year 2026–27, only children who have completed six years of age will be eligible for admission to Class 1 in Delhi schools.

This decision aims to restructure the foundational stage of schooling—which includes Nursery and Kindergarten (KG)—in accordance with both the NEP and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The department shared this update via an official circular issued on Saturday.

As per the new guidelines, admission to Class 1 will strictly require the child to have attained six years of age by the start of the academic session.

Also Read: Gujarat transforms schools with Mission Excellence

To ensure the implementation process is inclusive and transparent, the DoE has opened the floor for public input. Teachers, parents, students, school associations, academic experts, and other stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback and suggestions to help fine-tune the policy and make its rollout smooth and effective.

Gujarat transforms schools with Mission Excellence

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

An empowered and educated society forms the backbone of national progress. Recognising this, the Government of Gujarat, under the visionary leadership of then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, launched the ambitious Mission Schools of Excellence — a statewide initiative aimed at revolutionizing the school education ecosystem through infrastructural and pedagogical upgrades.

This transformative initiative, launched in 2022, envisions holistic development of nearly 40,000 government and grant-in-aid schools across Gujarat. With a planned investment of approximately ₹12,000 crore and support from the World Bank to the tune of $750 million, the mission is among India’s most extensive education modernization efforts to date.

Aimed at ensuring equitable access to quality education, the mission emphasizes enhanced school infrastructure, digital learning, and STEM-based pedagogy. According to official data, considerable progress has already been made:

13,353 new classrooms have been built, with an additional 31,469 under construction.
27,872 existing classrooms have been modernized, while 63,860 more are currently being upgraded.
21,000 new computer labs are now operational, and work is ongoing to equip 18,000 more schools with digital learning spaces.
1,09,000 smart classrooms have been completed out of a planned 1,50,000, with another 26,000 underway.
5,000 STEM labs have been developed to boost science and innovation skills among students.

The initiative also focuses on co-curricular development, aiming to foster well-rounded student growth. By enhancing foundational learning and integrating modern teaching tools, the mission seeks to prepare students for a competitive future.

Also Read: Tripura becomes third fully literate state

The state-wide implementation of the project is expected to directly and indirectly impact nearly one crore students, marking a decisive step toward building a strong educational framework that supports inclusive and future-ready learning.

Tripura becomes third fully literate state

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 24, 2025

Tripura has been officially recognised as the third fully literate state in India, joining the ranks of Mizoram and Goa. The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Education during a special ceremony held at Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala, attended by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and other dignitaries.

Chief Minister Saha described the moment as a significant milestone for the state, applauding the collective effort that made this possible. “This is a moment of pride for every citizen of Tripura. Becoming fully literate is not just an achievement—it’s a step forward in building a stronger, more empowered state,” he said. He further linked the milestone to the national vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, stating that continued learning would play a crucial role in realising this ambition.

Also Read: Goa becomes India’s second fully literate state

Preeti Meena, Director of the Adult Literacy Division at the Ministry of Education, praised Tripura’s commitment to literacy. “We identified over 23,000 adults in the state who lacked basic reading and writing skills. Through targeted interventions, training, and community participation, Tripura has succeeded in achieving full literacy,” she shared. She also emphasized the importance of sustaining this progress by encouraging newly literate citizens to continue learning, including acquiring digital skills.

Tripura’s Special Secretary of Education, Raval H. Kumar, extended his gratitude to the central government for its consistent support. “From funding to resources, the Centre’s contributions have been pivotal in reaching this goal,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative approach that led to this success.

Also Read: India’s first fully literate state – Mizoram

This milestone brings India one step closer to its broader national objective of achieving full literacy by 2030.

APSCHE pushes Quantum and AI into Higher Education

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 24, 2025

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has initiated a comprehensive curriculum framework focused on Quantum Computing, Quantum Technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This bold initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and AICTE’s evolving academic guidelines, with the broader vision of establishing Andhra Pradesh as a national hub for tech-led education and innovation.

The newly constituted expert committee, headed by Dr. JBV Reddy—who also leads the Quantum Technology Cell at the Department of Science and Technology (DST)—convened its inaugural session under the leadership of APSCHE Chairman Prof. K Madhu Murthy. Prof. Murthy highlighted the critical importance of India’s National Quantum Mission and articulated an ambitious goal of transforming Amaravati into a ‘Quantum Valley’, modeled after global tech innovation clusters.

As part of its initial roadmap, the committee approved the launch of specialized minor degree programs:

An 18-credit minor in Quantum Technologies for engineering students
An 18-credit minor in AI, open to both engineering and non-engineering students
A 16-credit minor in Quantum Technologies for students from general disciplines

To ensure effective course delivery, APSCHE will launch Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) aimed at training over 500 educators from Physics, Electronics, Mathematics, and Computer Science departments. These will be supported by key collaborators including DST, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and IBM.

A proposal to set up dedicated Quantum Labs across major institutions such as Andhra University, JNTU-Kakinada, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Sri Venkateswara University, JNTU-Ananthapur, and RGUKT received strong backing.

Also Read: iSchool acquires SEEDS to fuel AI-driven education expansion across Saudi Arabia

Further strengthening its ecosystem approach, APSCHE has proposed partnerships with IITs, IISERs, and leading tech companies to bolster academic research, facilitate startup incubation, and fuel innovation. Initiatives like student hackathons and boot camps are also on the horizon to stimulate active learning and real-world problem solving.

The meeting, coordinated by APSCHE Secretary TV Krishna Murthy, brought together eminent academicians, industry leaders, and research professionals to shape this vision into reality.

iSchool acquires SEEDS to fuel AI-driven education expansion across Saudi Arabia

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 23, 2025

iSchool, a leading K-12 artificial intelligence and coding education platform in the MENA region, has announced its acquisition of SEEDS, the EdTech division of Egyptian-Saudi software firm Algoriza. The move marks a pivotal step in iSchool’s regional expansion strategy, particularly within Saudi Arabia’s rapidly evolving education landscape.

With this acquisition, iSchool gains access to SEEDS’ established operations, academic alliances, and growing learner base across Saudi regions. It also reinforces iSchool’s emerging model of offering AI and coding education to employees’ children as part of corporate HR initiatives—a concept that’s been piloted successfully with major banks, telecoms, and energy companies.

“This partnership allows us to scale both reach and impact,” said Muhammad Gawish, Co-Founder and CEO of iSchool. “We’re now positioned to institutionalise a new category of education—where future tech skills become a core benefit for families and a long-term talent strategy for employers.”

SEEDS has earned recognition for its AI-first approach, robust curriculum, and teacher enablement efforts across local markets. By combining forces, iSchool and SEEDS plan to accelerate bilingual curriculum rollout, build public-private school alliances, and deploy scalable programs tailored for the Saudi market.

Mohamed Aldmohy, CEO of Algoriza, emphasized the alignment of vision: “We’ve always believed AI education should begin early. Partnering with iSchool enables us to take that belief to the next level—reaching more families, employers, and institutions.”

Also Read: Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Wraps Up Successfully in Hyderabad

With over 131,000 students trained across 20+ countries, iSchool offers live interactive classes in AI, cybersecurity, game development, and more for learners aged 6–18. The platform empowers students to not only acquire future-ready skills but also launch real-world projects and early entrepreneurial ventures.

Saudi Arabia—with one of the world’s youngest populations—is becoming a hotspot for transformative EdTech solutions. This acquisition firmly positions iSchool as a key player in shaping the future of learning in the Kingdom, bridging digital skills development from classrooms to corporate corridors.

Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Wraps Up Successfully in Hyderabad

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 19, 2025

The city of Hyderabad witnessed an inspiring convergence of policy-makers, education visionaries, and technology leaders at the inaugural edition of the Elets FutureEd Summit 2025, held on June 17 at Le Meridien, Hyderabad. The summit, presented by the ICFAI Group and hosted by the Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, Government of Telangana, brought together over 250+ influential stakeholders from across the education ecosystem to explore the theme “Educating Minds for an AI-Powered Future.”

From forward-thinking policy discussions to hands-on tech showcases, the one-day summit lived up to its promise of reimagining education in the age of AI and innovation.

A Day of Dialogue, Innovation & Recognition

The summit featured 11+ high-impact sessions, showcasing insights from 100+ education leaders across school and higher education. With 15+ government dignitaries in attendance, including IAS officers, department heads, and sectoral experts, the event opened powerful conversations around the role of policy, skills, digital transformation, and equity in future-ready learning.

Inaugural Session

The summit was inaugurated by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., who set the tone for the event with a warm welcome to all participants.

Key Speakers Who Shaped the Dialogue:

B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of Assam, reflected on India’s educational journey and the need to bridge the public-private divide. He mentioned, “We must urgently address the deep divide between public and private institutions. Quality and equity continue to be tied to economic privilege, and this gap hinders a truly inclusive ecosystem,”.
Prof. (Dr.) L S Ganesh, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education, highlighted the foundational questions that education must help answer. “True education must develop both competence and character, in equal measure, to shape a balanced, meaningful, and humane society,” he remarked.
Prof. V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education, outlined five forces shaping the education system: globalisation, liberalisation, privatisation, digitisation, and ‘Covidisation.’ “Technology is the most critical factor that will shape the future of education,” he said, adding that education must be the primary vehicle to realise the dream of Atma Nirbhar Bharat 2047.
Ashish Modi, Director, Secondary Education Department, Government of Rajasthan, focused on AI as the next big disruption in education. “AI will fundamentally change how students are taught—not just what they learn, but how they think. The time to reform is now,” he mentioned.
Smita Bharadwaj, Chairperson, Board of Secondary Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh, shared how AI is enhancing examination and evaluation systems. “We’ve used AI to monitor question paper movement, catch paper leak gangs, and ensure zero FIRs this year. Excellence must become the norm,” she emphasised.

The summit hosted engaging sessions led by academic leaders, principals, edtech founders, and education entrepreneurs from across the country.

Thought Leadership Meets Tech Innovation

From NEP implementation to AI in classrooms, and from future skills to micro-credentials, the summit sessions were both forward-looking and practical. Exhibitors, including CodeTantra, CodeChef, MyClassboard, SmatBot, and Acculekhaa, showcased cutting-edge technologies reshaping the learning experience in India.

A Souvenir that Chronicles Change

One of the summit’s standout moments was the launch of the special publication “Telangana Driving Education Transformation.” The souvenir documents Telangana’s progressive initiatives and success stories in education reform, digital innovation, and institutional excellence.

Honouring Education Trailblazers

The evening culminated in the Elets FutureEd Excellence Awards 2025, celebrating outstanding contributions by education leaders, institutions, and innovators across categories. The awards night brought together the spirit of recognition, celebration, and commitment to quality education.

Powered by Visionary Partnerships

The summit was supported by a strong ecosystem of partners:

Presenting Partner: ICFAI University
School Curriculum Partner: Academica
School EdTech Partner: Quest Plus
University Partner: Anurag University
Credential Partner: TruScholar
British School Partner: Shrewsbury International School, India
Creative Skilling Partner: World Design Council
Silver Partner: Vision Digital India
Pre-School Partner: Safari Kid
Supporting Partners: Hyderabad Sahodaya Schools Complex, Woxen University
Exhibitors: CodeTantra, CodeChef, MyClassboard, SmatBot, Pine Labs

Also Read: Elets FutureEd Summit 2025 Debuts in Hyderabad to Reimagine Education in a World of AI

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

With the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the Elets FutureEd Summit has not only sparked meaningful dialogue but also ignited a movement toward collaborative innovation in education.

Building on the momentum and overwhelming response from stakeholders across the country, Elets Technomedia is thrilled to announce the 2nd edition of the Elets FutureEd Summit, scheduled to be held in Chennai in October 2025.

“The journey has just begun. Elets FutureEd will continue to grow as a national platform to accelerate the transformation of India’s education ecosystem,” said Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia.

Stay tuned for more details as we take Elets FutureEd to Tamil Nadu, bringing together changemakers once again to shape the future of learning.

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