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NAAC revamps accreditation process to uplift quality in higher education

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
NAAC

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

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

What’s Changing in NAAC Accreditation?

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

Introduction of Maturity-Based Graded Accreditation

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

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

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

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

Why It Matters?

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

Want to hear directly from the visionary behind this transformation?

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

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

 

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

By
digitalLEARNING Network
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education summit in Delhi

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

Not on social media. Not in a conference room.

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

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

But the question is, why should you be there?

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling the Shift? You’re Not Alone!

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

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

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

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

So ask yourself:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
digitalLEARNING Network
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AI Learning Revolution

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

Personalized Learning Tailored to Every Student

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

Teachers Empowered by AI

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

Widespread Adoption among Students

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

Virtual Classrooms without Borders

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

Navigating Ethical and Inclusion Challenges

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

Shaping the Future Together

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

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

Views expressed by Iram Zahid, Teacher, India

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

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
Kokand University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
University of Southampton

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

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

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

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

Key highlights:

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

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

Also Read: CBSE launches ‘Oil Boards’ in schools

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

CBSE launches ‘Oil Boards’ in schools

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
CBSE

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a new mandate urging all affiliated schools to install ‘oil boards’. This initiative builds upon the earlier introduction of ‘sugar boards’ and is designed to educate young minds on the health risks associated with excessive oil intake.

The campaign comes amid troubling figures from the National Family Health Survey (2019–21), which revealed that over 20% of India’s adult population is overweight or obese. A recent Lancet study paints an even grimmer picture, projecting that nearly 45 crore Indians could fall into this category by 2050 if preventive steps aren’t taken. Experts point to early intervention—especially in childhood—as key to reversing this upward trend.

To make wellness a regular part of school life, CBSE has outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes:

  • Installing informative ‘oil boards’ across cafeterias, corridors, and classrooms, featuring digital or static health messages

  • Printing nutritional reminders on school supplies such as notebooks, letterheads, and envelopes

  • Encouraging schools to promote fruit and vegetable consumption while incorporating movement breaks and physical activities into the daily routine

Additionally, CBSE has provided design templates for both oil and sugar awareness boards, but has left ample room for schools to localize content and encourage student-led participation. Schools are being urged to creatively involve children through artwork, posters, and interactive projects, turning this into a practical and engaging learning experience.

Also Read: Alok Kumar Rai takes over as Director of IIM Calcutta

With this proactive approach, CBSE aims to build a culture of healthy living on campuses and play a critical role in the nation’s broader fight against lifestyle-related diseases.

Alok Kumar Rai takes over as Director of IIM Calcutta

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
Prof Alok Rai

Professor Alok Kumar Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University, has been appointed as the new Director of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C). The appointment has been approved by President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Visitor of IIM-C, as per the provisions of the amended IIM Act, 2017 (Section 16 (2)).

This marks a historic milestone for Lucknow University, as Professor Rai becomes the first vice-chancellor from the institution to be selected for such a prestigious leadership role in a central institute like IIM. His appointment is also notable as one of the rare instances where a non-IIM academic has been chosen to head an IIM.

The Ministry of Education has communicated the appointment via an official letter, with a directive that the IIM-C Board issue a formal appointment letter and Professor Rai submit his acceptance for record-keeping.

IIM Calcutta had been without a permanent full-term director for nearly two years. Before leading Lucknow University, Professor Rai served as a management professor at Banaras Hindu University and held key positions across various high-level national committees and academic panels.

His tenure at Lucknow University is widely recognized for transformative changes. Under his leadership, the university earned an A++ accreditation from NAAC—the first in Uttar Pradesh to achieve this distinction. It was also granted Category-I status by the UGC and climbed into the top 100 of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), securing 32nd rank among state public universities.

Professor Rai oversaw the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (2020) at LU and led the university through its centenary year with major initiatives and celebrations. His tenure also saw LU becoming a hub for international students, establishing one of the largest global cohorts among Indian universities.

Also Read: PMKVY marks 10 years – Over 6 crore Indians skilled

He was instrumental in launching LUCODE (Lucknow University Centre for Online and Distance Education) and its in-house digital learning platform SLATE. Moreover, his vision led to the creation of new faculties—Pharmacy, Management, and Agriculture—and laid the groundwork for a third university campus.

PMKVY marks 10 years – Over 6 crore Indians skilled

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
PMKVY

India’s flagship skilling programme, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), completes a decade, having helped train over 6 crore people through various initiatives since 2014. Of these, more than 1.6 crore were trained under PMKVY alone.

Evolving to Meet Industry Needs

Launched in 2015, PMKVY has grown from short-term training to a comprehensive approach including apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, and global job readiness. The latest phase, PMKVY 4.0, has trained over 25 lakh youth as of July 2025, featuring AI-based analytics, credit portability, and integration with the Skill India Digital Hub.

Inclusive and Diverse Training

Nearly 45% of PMKVY trainees are women, with strong participation from SC, ST, and OBC groups. Special projects have targeted tribal youth, prison inmates, and artisans, with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) helping certify existing skills in states like Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland.

Balancing Tradition and Technology

PMKVY supports training in manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and retail, while also preparing workers for emerging fields like AI, drones, and IoT. New Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and Chennai aim to raise training standards nationwide.

Also Read: Kumar Mangalam Birla announces ₹2,200 Cr expansion for BITS Pilani

Boosted by Other Government Schemes

Complementary schemes such as PM Vishwakarma Yojana (over 2.7 crore applications) support traditional artisans, while DDU-GKY has trained nearly 17 lakh rural youth since 2014. RSETIs have trained over 56 lakh people this year alone, encouraging entrepreneurship in rural areas.

 

Kumar Mangalam Birla announces ₹2,200 Cr expansion for BITS Pilani

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
BITS Pilani

On July 13, Aditya Birla Group Chairman and BITS Pilani Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla announced a ₹2,200-crore expansion plan to transform BITS Pilani into a future-ready, globally competitive institution. The plan focuses on modernising existing campuses, building a new AI-focused centre, and launching a large-scale digital learning platform.

Under the initiative, over ₹1,200 crore will be invested in upgrading the Pilani, Hyderabad, and Goa campuses with new research facilities, academic blocks, hostels, and faculty housing. This is expected to increase the combined student capacity from 18,700 to 26,000 over the next five years.

A separate ₹1,000 crore will be allocated to establish an AI+ Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. Designed as a cutting-edge hub for AI, data science, robotics, and cyber-physical systems, the campus will accommodate over 7,000 students and offer globally benchmarked UG, PG, and PhD programmes in collaboration with international universities.

Also Read: Prof Neeraj Dwivedi takes charge as new Director of IIM Kashipur

Additionally, BITS Pilani will launch a full-scale edtech platform, BITS Pilani Digital, aimed at reaching over 1 lakh learners in five years. The platform will offer 32 industry-aligned degree and certificate programmes with career support and optional campus immersion. Birla said these initiatives align with India’s National Education Policy, aiming to make quality education more inclusive, accessible, and globally competitive.

 

Prof Neeraj Dwivedi takes charge as new Director of IIM Kashipur

By
Kaanchi Chawla
-
Prof Neeraj Dwivedi

The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur has appointed Prof Neeraj Dwivedi as its new Director. A seasoned academic and strategist, Prof Dwivedi brings over 25 years of diverse experience across education, leadership, and industry.

An IIM Lucknow Fellow in Strategic Management, he also holds an MTech from IIT Kharagpur and a BTech from GB Pant University, Pantnagar. Before joining IIM Kashipur, he was a senior faculty member at IIM Lucknow, where he held several key roles including Dean, Chairperson of PG Programmes, and Board Member.

Prof Dwivedi played a critical role in IIM Lucknow’s AACSB accreditation journey and was the national convener of CAT 2017, overseeing one of the country’s most challenging exams.

His career spans institutions like IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, and AIT Thailand, along with a strong corporate background, having worked with organisations such as NTPC, ONGC, Indian Oil, Samsung, McKinsey & Co., and Tata Play.

Renowned for his expertise in strategy, M&A, and governance, Prof Dwivedi has won multiple national and international awards for research and teaching. His M&A elective was twice voted the best strategy course at IIM Lucknow.

Also Read: Utpal Borpujari joins Advisory Board of India’s first industry-led creative skills incubator

Sharing his vision for the institute, he said, “IIM Kashipur is poised for transformation. My goal is to build a forward-looking, tech-driven, multi-disciplinary institution with a strong global presence and a reputation for academic excellence.”

With this appointment, IIM Kashipur aims to accelerate its growth trajectory under a future-focused leadership.

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