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Olive International School Nurturing Excellence with Values and Global Standards

Dr. Mohammed Junaid Ghatala

Olive International School, a state of the art educational institution has been established in Chennai since June 2004 to provide quality, formal education along with religious studies. Our aim is to provide a happy, caring and stimulating environment where children will recognize and achieve their fullest potential in academic, creative, personal, physical & morals – so that they can make their best contribution to the society. Also to ensure that the children leave school with a set of moral values viz, honesty, integrity, respect for others, tolerance, discipline and also while contributing to national pride.

It has been established to bring out the best in your child, to live in a sanctuary where they can learn, worship, play and grow, free of societal corruption, thus providing an ideal environment to enrich individual student’s potential and imbibe Islamic values at an early age.

To highlight the system of education and be on par with International standards, we have affiliated our academic curriculum to EDEXCEL for INTERNATIONAL GCSE & IAL Examinations, UK’s largest awarding organization. To facilitate all round learning, we have a teacher student ratio of 1: 8. Started with classes up to Grade-2 in June 2004, we have classes up to International GCSE and A-Level.

All classes from Pre-KG to Grade 12 are covered with CCTV which are monitored by administrator staff for both boys and girls. Also each class is equipped with an Overhead Video Projection System with Separate High Definition Speaker System.

Every year we have the Annual Sports Day Programme, Annual Picnic and Zaitoona Annual Awards Ceremony. 

System of Edexcel Examinations all over the World. 

The same question paper is distributed to all students all over the World. 

Affiliated schools receive the question papers as a booklet which includes sheets for answering and these booklets are couriered 2 weeks before the Exam dates in a strong sealed envelopes which are then opened only on the day of the exam under Video Coverage. Internal invigilators are present and surprise visits by Edexcel External Invigilators can happen at any time and on any day.

Once the students complete the examination,  all the answer booklets are packed and couriered to Edexcel Head Office in London, U.K.

Corrections are carried out by British Examiners and results are published after the Examinations are completed approximately after 8 weeks. Marking schemes by the examiners are done and the results are published as World Rankings or Regional Rankings ( Continent Wise ) or National Rankings.

Also Read: Pioneering the Next Wave of Educational Innovation

Examinations are also held on the same day. Sometimes our students in India write the exam even in the evening, all corresponding to International Time.

Olive International School students have secured:

  1. Outstanding Cambridge Learners Award – highest mark in English in India in the year 2019
  2. Outstanding Pearson Learners Award – highest mark in English in India in the year 2022
  3. Outstanding Pearson Learners Award – highest mark in Mathematics in India in the year 2023
  4. Outstanding Pearson Learners Award – highest mark in Arabic in India in the year 2023
  5. Outstanding Pearson Learners Award – highest mark in Arabic in Asia in the year 2024

 Presently we have 417 students from Pre-KG  to Grade 12.

Generally we don’t have more than 20 students per class in both boys and girls sections. Boys classes are in a different floor from girls classes and have different entrances and exits.

Views expressed by Dr. Mohammed Junaid Ghatala, Founder, Senior Principal and Correspondent, Olive International School- Chennai

CBSE releases key update for 2026 board exams

CBSE

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released an important update for students of Classes 10 and 12 appearing for the 2026 board examinations. The latest circular includes a comprehensive clarification on the bifurcation of theory and practical marks for every subject. The subject-wise marks distribution has been made available through separate notifications on the board’s official website — cbse.gov.in.

As per the circular issued on Tuesday, CBSE has confirmed that practical exams, project evaluations and internal assessments for both Classes 10 and 12 will be conducted between January 1 and February 14, 2026. Schools have been advised to be extremely careful while uploading marks to ensure error-free assessment, as discrepancies have been repeatedly observed in previous years.

The board has attached a detailed annexure listing all Class 10 and 12 subjects, specifying the breakup of 100 marks into theory, practical, project work, and internal assessment. The annexure also mentions whether an external examiner will be appointed, the availability of a board-provided practical answer booklet, and the type/page count of the answer booklet to be used for theory examinations.

Also Read: India unveils ‘YUVA AI for ALL’

CBSE has urged school authorities to thoroughly read and follow all instructions, cautioning against requests for corrections later on.

India unveils ‘YUVA AI for ALL’

Yuva AI for All (1)

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission, has rolled out a groundbreaking learning initiative titled ‘YUVA AI for ALL’, a free course aimed at introducing Artificial Intelligence to every Indian with a special focus on empowering the youth.

This 4.5-hour, self-paced programme is crafted to make students, working professionals, and curious learners comfortable with the fundamentals of AI and understand its growing impact across sectors. The course takes a practical, easy-to-learn approach, using relatable Indian case studies to simplify concepts and keep learning engaging.

The programme is available at no cost on platforms such as FutureSkills Prime, iGOT Karmayogi, along with other prominent ed-tech learning hubs. On completing the course, participants will receive a recognised certificate issued by the Government of India.

What learners will gain

Through six concise and highly interactive modules, individuals will:

  • Learn what AI is and how it functions in the real world
  • Explore how AI is shaping education, creativity, and the future of work
  • Understand safe, responsible, and ethical usage of AI tools
  • Discover fascinating AI applications emerging from India
  • Visualise the future of AI and new opportunities it will unlock

Why ‘YUVA AI for ALL’ matters

  • Free and open for all citizens
  • Flexible learning — anytime, anywhere
  • Government-certified credentials for every learner
  • Future-ready foundational AI skills
  • Strengthens India’s vision of becoming a global digital and AI-driven leader

Accelerating India’s AI-ready Workforce

The initiative aims to empower 1 crore (10 million) Indians with foundational AI literacy, narrowing the digital skill gap, fostering ethical AI adoption, and preparing the country’s workforce for emerging opportunities.

Educational institutions, universities, and organisations across the nation are invited to collaborate with IndiaAI to enable mass adoption. Partners can integrate the course into their learning ecosystem, promote it among students and employees, and co-brand certification.

Also Read: Swiggy partners with upGrad to enable higher education and skill development for delivery partners

Developed for the IndiaAI Mission by AI expert and author Jaspreet Bindra, Founder of AI & Beyond and Tech Whisperer Ltd., the course merges global perspectives with Indian realities — highlighting responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI development.

The course is now available at: https://www.futureskillsprime.in/course/yuva-ai-for-all/

Pioneering the Next Wave of Educational Innovation

Gita Jaggannathan

A lofty title indeed! I can neither presume to pioneer nor to innovate. What I can do, however, is act as a catalyst to transfer energy and bring our focus back to the why and what of education before we rush to the how. Perhaps, in doing so, I can help initiate a wave of introspection.

We are in a phase where EdTech is spreading its reach across the educational landscape. Before we explore the digital world and its impact on learning, let us first revisit the basics.

To my mind, the purpose of education is to connect deeply with the self, with the community, and with the world at large. It is to cultivate discernment so that we may contribute meaningfully to the creation of a just, inclusive, and peaceful world. Ultimately, education is a journey toward self-actualisation.

The connection to the self starts with seeds sown in early childhood and is a lifelong journey. At that stage play and exploration, within the simple guideline of causing no harm to oneself or others are essential. Making friends, taking turns, sharing and caring all nurture a sense of community. Spending time in nature fosters an early bond with the wider world.

As we grow and learn more about ourselves and our place in the world, we must develop the capacity to make responsible choices. Offering children choices in their learning and assessment, enhances respect for their needs, realistic self-assessment, and independent thought unclouded by peer or adult influence.

Such growth can only happen in an environment where comparison and competition are not used as motivators. These are fear-based tools that are detrimental to the goal of self-actualisation.

In bringing innovation into education, we must consider several imperatives: sustainability, change management, ethics, cultural responsiveness, equity, inclusivity, and readiness not just of the learners, but of the facilitators and the organisation as a whole. Only changes that honour all these dimensions are truly welcome.

At the heart of many global challenges today lies a loss of connection. Digital tools like search engines and social media connect us outwardly with the world, but they often weaken and hamper our ability to connect inwardly  to ourselves.

EdTech has not yet evolved to address emotional intelligence (EQ). Much of digital learning is solitary pursuit, driven by instant gratification and external rewards such as badges and scores. While learners may master content, they do so in isolation. The nuances in learning through constructive feedback, a cornerstone of growth is diminished and perhaps lost in the process. As a result, intrinsic motivation, a key ingredient of a fulfilling life, is greatly impacted.

The social quotient (SQ) is also impacted. There is little space for teamwork, for listening to and valuing diverse perspectives, or for negotiating and disagreeing respectfully, all vital life skills. Yet, digital access to varied cultural content also offers an unprecedented opportunity: to cultivate cultural awareness and responsiveness, if used with intention. 

Cognitively, the effects of technology are mixed. Research, still in its infancy, shows improvements in multitasking, language acquisition, and engagement. Problem-solving abilities often improve. Yet the negative impact is felt in the attention spans, memory, and executive functions. Technology also disrupts sleep, which in turn affects cognitive development.

Physical health and development are the most impacted and are most concerning. Device use is inherently sedentary in nature. In young children, it affects fine and gross motor development which are closely linked to cognitive growth. Rising obesity levels are an undeniable consequence.

Technology serves creativity well by offering vast resources and digital tools. Exposure to global art forms can empower a whole new generation of creators. Yet, with easy access to existing material, originality becomes harder to cultivate.

Similarly, the use of video in teaching, while popular for its clarity, can sometimes rob students of the chance to imagine and visualise for themselves. The skill of transferring textual or verbal information into a visual format lays a much stronger foundation to learning. I prefer to use videos later in the learning process, when students have already formed mental images. This strengthens conceptual understanding and consolidates learning.

In special education, EdTech has been transformative. Augmentative and alternative communication tools and assistive technologies have given a voice to the differently abled. Personalised learning is better served through technology, and accessibility tools have greatly enhanced participation. Public infrastructure, however, must continue to evolve to meet these needs and in this regard, Tamil Nadu’s efforts deserve recognition.

Also Read :- Bridging the Education Divide: How Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities Are Driving India’s Primary Education Growth

AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, have sparked concern among educators. A recent MIT study, found that ChatGPT users showed lower engagement, attention, and memory compared to non-users. Initially, many likened AI tools to calculators, just another aid. Increasingly, that view seems shortsighted.

The challenge before us, then, is not whether to use AI, but how to use it wisely. How do we harness its potential without diminishing our cognitive and emotional capacities? This is the question we must address collectively as educators.

What then is the future of education in a digitised world? I feel it lies in balance. We have reached a model where technology can genuinely personalise learning. Teachers can design differentiated tasks for diverse learners, and students can choose from a bouquet of options tailored to their interests and readiness levels. Assessments, too, can be differentiated. When used with purpose, technology enriches learning while shielding students from its negative effects.

As educators, we must constantly assess the impact of every innovation and adopt each one with pragmatism, empathy, and wisdom.

Let us continue to innovate, but never at the cost of our humanity. Let us ensure that every advancement in technology also brings us closer to the essence of what it means to learn, to grow, and to be fully human.

Views expressed by Gita Jaggannathan, Founder, APL Global School, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Swiggy partners with upGrad to enable higher education and skill development for delivery partners

Swiggy

Swiggy Ltd has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and lifelong learning organisations, to empower delivery executives with access to higher education and professional skill development. Through this initiative, Swiggy’s delivery partners will be able to pursue university-recognised degree programmes and professional certifications specially curated for India’s frontline workforce.

Many last-mile delivery professionals are unable to continue formal education due to financial limitations and personal responsibilities. The partnership aims to bridge this gap by offering reduced-cost academic courses supported by need-based scholarships. Additionally, delivery partners can access upGrad’s Career Udaan Pack, a specialised soft-skill module designed to enhance communication, digital proficiency, workplace etiquette, and overall confidence.

Saurav Goyal, Senior Vice President – Driver and Delivery Organisation at Swiggy, emphasised that delivery partners are central to the brand’s success and deserve avenues for career growth. He noted that combining higher education, emerging technology courses and essential soft-skill development will empower Swiggy’s 6.9 lakh delivery executives with sustainable, future-ready professional opportunities.

The initiative is powered by upGrad’s tech-enabled digital learning ecosystem and LMS platform, aligning with India’s broader mission to expand skill-based education for the frontline and gig workforce, strengthening their inclusion in the nation’s formal skilling landscape.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Anuj Vishwakarma, CEO – Higher Education at upGrad, highlighted that India’s economic potential can be fully realised only when every category of worker, beyond traditional white-collar roles, is equipped with quality education and job-relevant skills. He added that the partnership aims to unlock the untapped talent of delivery executives and accelerate their access to formal employment pathways contributing to a stronger and more future-ready workforce.

Also Read: Bridging the Education Divide: How Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities Are Driving India’s Primary Education Growth

Courses are offered in an online mode with durations ranging from 2 weeks to 3 years. Delivery partners can explore and enrol for programmes directly through the Swiggy Partner app or via the dedicated learning portal.

Bridging the Education Divide: How Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities Are Driving India’s Primary Education Growth

Pritam Kumar Agarwal

India’s education sector is undergoing a profound transformation, and at the heart of this change are the Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities that are reshaping the landscape of primary education. For decades, quality education was largely concentrated in metropolitan hubs, leaving smaller towns struggling with limited access, infrastructure challenges, and a lack of exposure. However, the narrative is rapidly changing. Today, these cities are not only catching up but also emerging as growth engines in primary education driving inclusivity, accessibility, and innovation.

A Shift Beyond Metros

India’s metros have long been the center of elite schools and progressive learning methodologies. Yet, with rising population density, escalating costs, and migration pressures, there has been a growing realization that sustainable education growth lies in empowering smaller towns. Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, home to nearly 70% of India’s population, have become focal points of this shift.

Parents in these cities are increasingly aspirational, recognising education as the most powerful tool for upward mobility. This has created strong demand for quality schools, affordable private institutions, and new-age digital learning models. Schools, policymakers, and edtech companies are now channeling investments and resources into these regions, resulting in remarkable improvements in learning outcomes.

Infrastructure and Access: Closing the Gap

One of the most visible transformations in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is the rise in modern school infrastructure. From smart classrooms and digital labs to activity-based learning spaces, smaller towns are no longer synonymous with outdated facilities. Affordable private schools are ensuring that even middle-income families can access structured and holistic learning environments.

Simultaneously, government-led initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have accelerated progress. Programs like Samagra Shiksha and increased digital content delivery have enabled schools in non-metro regions to integrate technology into the classroom. This has bridged gaps not just in access but also in the quality of education, leveling the playing field for children outside urban centers.

The Role of Technology

Perhaps the biggest catalyst for this transformation has been technology. Affordable internet connectivity and smartphone penetration have democratized access to digital learning platforms. Edtech companies that once focused primarily on metros are now tailoring their offerings for Tier 2 and 3 students offering bilingual content, low-cost subscriptions, and curriculum-linked tools.

Digital classrooms, online assessments, and AI-driven personalised learning are enabling schools in these regions to compete with their metropolitan counterparts. Moreover, hybrid models where traditional classrooms are supported by digital resources are ensuring that learning remains consistent and effective, even in remote areas.

Empowering Teachers and Communities

The growth of primary education in smaller towns is also fueled by the empowerment of teachers. Continuous teacher training programs, online workshops, and government-backed digital teaching modules are equipping educators with the skills needed to adopt modern pedagogies.

In addition, community participation is stronger in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions. Parents, local bodies, and educators work closely to ensure accountability and encourage children to pursue education as a priority. This collective ownership has strengthened trust in the education system, ensuring higher enrollment and retention rates in schools.

A Push Towards Inclusivity

Tier 2 and 3 cities are also playing a vital role in making education more inclusive. Many schools in these regions are adopting flexible fee structures and offering scholarships to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent children from accessing quality education.

Importantly, the presence of affordable institutions reduces the need for families to migrate to larger cities solely for their children’s education. This not only keeps family units together but also reduces pressure on metropolitan infrastructure.

Also Read: Beyond the Blueprint Reimagining Education for a Sustainable, Intelligent Future

Building Future-Ready Learners

The ultimate goal of expanding quality primary education is to prepare children for the future. Schools in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are increasingly emphasizing holistic development integrating STEM education, extra-curricular activities, and soft skills alongside traditional subjects. The exposure to new-age skills at a young age ensures that students from smaller towns can compete with their metropolitan peers in higher education and career opportunities.

The Road Ahead

The rise of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India’s primary education growth is more than just a trend, it is a structural shift that promises long-term impact. To sustain this momentum, stakeholders must focus on three key areas:

Continued investment in digital infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to learning.

Robust teacher training to strengthen delivery in line with modern methodologies.

Inclusive policies and partnerships between government, private sector, and communities to ensure that education remains both affordable and aspirational.

As India strives to become a knowledge-driven economy, the foundation must be laid in its schools. And increasingly, it is in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where this foundation is being strengthened. By bridging the education divide, these cities are not just empowering their children, they are reshaping the future of India.

Views expressed by Pritam Kumar Agarwal, Founder – Hello Kids Chain of Preschools & Riverstone Schools; Vice President – ECA (Early Childhood Association India), Karnataka

India’s higher education scales up for the NEP 2020 era

Higher Education

India’s higher education landscape is witnessing a profound transformation as institutions accelerate the shift toward learner-centric, technology-integrated and outcome-oriented academic models. The momentum aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to widen access and elevate academic quality across the nation.

Reaching the NEP 2020 target of a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035 will demand enrolment of 86.11 million students, reflecting a massive 85% increase from current numbers and requiring a steady 5.3% annual expansion in higher education capacity. These projections stem from the latest study, “Continuous Improvement Journey of Higher Education Institutions: Approaches and Practices Shaping the Future of Learning,” published by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Grant Thornton Bharat.

The report underscores that achieving this milestone will call for system-level innovation, widespread digital adoption and collaborative investment in infrastructure and faculty development.

The study stresses that while physical campuses will continue to play a significant role, traditional frameworks alone cannot support future enrollment demands. It advocates for a hybrid and diversified approach incorporating:

  • Digital universities
  • Virtual learning ecosystems
  • Credit-based online programmes
  • Anytime-anywhere flexible learning pathways

Such models are positioned to unlock access beyond geographical limitations and enable higher education to scale sustainably.

Insights in the report derive from focused deliberations with northern-region universities along with secondary data analysis.

Evolving workforce needs are prompting universities to rethink academic planning. With nearly 40% of core job skills set to change by 2030, employability is now emerging as a central principle of curriculum design.

Institutions are increasingly adopting:

  • Micro-credentials and modular course credits
  • Work-integrated and experiential learning models
  • AI-driven evaluation systems
  • Strategic industry collaborations

Also Read: NICSI donates 75 refurbished computers to boost digital learning in Baghpat schools

Together, these models aim to build job-ready graduates equipped with adaptable skills for a technology-driven economy.

Beyond the Blueprint Reimagining Education for a Sustainable, Intelligent Future

Dr. A. Soundarrajan

In a rapidly transforming world, education must go beyond imparting knowledge, it must prepare learners to thrive amid technological disruption. With Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data-driven innovation reshaping every sector, educational institutions are redefining their roles as enablers of innovation, ethics, and sustainability.

At the forefront of this movement stands Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, a premier institution that blends academic excellence with green initiatives and entrepreneurial thinking. Its future-ready ecosystem integrates advanced technologies, sustainability practices, and human-centred learning, empowering students to become responsible innovators and leaders.

Integrating AI and Emerging Technologies 

Recognising AI as a catalyst for innovation, the institution has seamlessly embedded advanced technologies across its curriculum and research. Specialisations in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Augmented and Virtual Reality, and Electric Vehicles ensure students gain both theoretical and practical expertise.

Centres of Excellence and high-tech laboratories enable interdisciplinary learning and real-world experimentation. Students engage in industry-linked projects, developing AI-driven solutions in healthcare, renewable energy, and mobility bridging the gap between academia and application.

Commitment to Sustainability and the SDGs

Education at SREC aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making sustainability a lived experience. The campus operates as a green laboratory, featuring solar power, waste management, and water recycling systems. Students lead green audits, environmental campaigns, and community projects that nurture environmental consciousness and civic responsibility.

Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Innovation forms the core of SREC’s identity. Faculty and students collaborate on projects supported by national and international agencies, focusing on renewable energy, AI automation, digital healthcare, and assistive technologies.

Entrepreneurship hubs and incubation centres guide start-ups from ideation to launch, with student ventures delivering impactful solutions in mobility, sustainability, and affordable healthcare. Global partnerships with Oracle, AWS, Microsoft, MongoDB, UiPath, Celonis, and AutoDesk enhance learning, certification, and employability.

Ethics and Human-Centred Education

While technology drives transformation, ethics defines its direction. SREC promotes ethical awareness through courses on responsible AI, data privacy, and bias reduction. Programmes in communication, leadership, and innovation cultivate emotional intelligence, empathy, and creativity, producing well-rounded professionals ready to lead with conscience.

Empowering Social Change

SREC extends learning beyond classrooms through outreach programmes for government schools, rural awareness drives, and volunteering initiatives. Such activities help students apply technology for empowerment, fostering compassion and a deep sense of social responsibility.

Also Read: Shaping the Future of Global Education

Adapting to an AI-Driven Future

Faculty development programmes on AI tools, data analytics, and blended learning ensure teaching remains adaptive and impactful. As AI transforms global education, SREC continues to evolve—merging human creativity with machine intelligence to democratise learning and drive social good.

Shaping Engineers for Tomorrow 

SREC alumni are making their mark globally across industries and research hubs in Europe, the USA, Singapore, and Australia. Their success stands as proof of an education model rooted in ethics, innovation, and sustainability.

In the age of intelligent systems, true progress lies not just in smarter machines but in wiser minds. By nurturing ethical, sustainable, and innovative engineers, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College continues to design the future—one responsible technologist at a time.

Dr. A. Soundarrajan, Principal, Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore

Shaping the Future of Global Education

Prof. S. K. Bhattacharyya

SNU Chennai in 2030 will be a global University, focused on innovation, research, academic excellence and creativity to develop socially conscious leaders capable of addressing future challenges, shared Prof. S. K. Bhattacharyya, Vice Chancellor, Shiv Nadar University, Chennai in an exclusive interaction with Kaanchi Chawla of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:

Shiv Nadar University, Chennai is emerging as one of the most forward-looking private universities in India. What is your guiding vision and how close do you think the university is to achieving that vision today?

The progress of Shiv Nadar University, Chennai (SNU Chennai), as one of India’s most forward-looking private universities, is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and our brilliant student community, all operating under the inspiring vision of the Shiv Nadar Foundation.

Our Guiding Vision: Creating Global Knowledge Leaders:

Our guiding vision is to establish SNU Chennai as a globally recognised research university committed to excellence primarily in three core areas:

  • Transformative Multidisciplinary Education: We aim to develop and educate the path-shapers of tomorrow – graduates capable of responsible and ethical leadership. This is achieved through a flexible, multi-disciplinary curriculum that encourages students to dissolve traditional barriers between fields, be it engineering, sciences, economics, law, or commerce, and equips them with the critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience needed for future challenges. Our programs are designed to be industry-ready and globally relevant, focusing on niche, in-demand areas like Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Cyber Security, Internet of Things, Economics (Data Science) and Commerce (Professional Accounting).
  • Frontier Research and Innovation: We are dedicated to supporting scholarly and creative endeavours that contribute to the creation of new knowledge and directly address the most pressing problems of the country. This commitment is underpinned by a research-driven pedagogy, excellent facilities, and an environment that fosters deep-dive research and entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Social Consciousness and Betterment: Our goal is to expand the scope of human understanding and use our knowledge to contribute to the betterment of the world. We strive to instill a strong sense of social responsibility and inclusiveness in our community, upholding the principle that education must serve society.

Where does SNUC stand today on key metrics: total enrollment, female:male ratio, percentage of students on scholarships, student–faculty ratio, and international student share? Can you share the year-on-year growth in applications, offers, and yields for the last three admission cycles, and what’s driving conversion?

Till the academic year 2025-26, the total student strength of the University is around 2000, out of which approximately 48% are female students. In some of the programs, the female student percentage is as high as 52%. The University has provision for different categories of faculty members such as distinguished visiting faculty, visiting faculty, Adjunct Faculty apart from the regular full time faculty members. The University maintains a ratio of 1:20 as faculty / student. The Shiv Nadar Foundation believes in the idea that no meritorious student be deprived of the education because of financial constraint. Accordingly, Shiv Nadar University Chennai has attractive Scholarship schemes namely Merit Scholarship, Merit-cum-Means Scholarship, Sports Scholarship and Walk-in-Walk-out Scholarships. Since the inception of the University from the Academic year 2021-22, we have seen a surge in applications, increasing by 20-25% every year.

How do you define a “21st-century university” in the Indian context and what unique elements make SNU Chennai fit that definition?

Defining a 21st-Century University in the Indian Context:

In the Indian context, a 21st-century university is not merely an institution that offers technological courses; it is one that fundamentally re-engineers its structure and pedagogy to produce creators and problem-solvers, not just employees.

SNU Chennai was conceptualised and launched specifically to embody this 21st-century ideal. The following unique elements illustrate how we fit this definition:

  1. Radically Multidisciplinary Curriculum

We have a foundational commitment to breaking disciplinary silos. Our structure mandates that every student, regardless of their major, must engage in a Common Core Curriculum (CCC) and flexible electives from different groups and a concept called Micro-specialisation in areas away from Major disciplines.

A B.Tech. student in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science can pursue a Micro-specialisation in Economics, or a B.Com. students can take micro-specialisations in AI and Data Science. This prepares a generation that can solve complex, inter-related problems like the Economics of Climate Change or the Ethics of AI.

  1. Undergraduate Research Ecosystem 

We foster a love for research from the very start, which is rare in a young Indian private university.

  • Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Program: This dedicated initiative allows undergraduate students to work directly with faculty members on cutting-edge projects, often leading to publications and conference presentations. This hands-on experience transforms them from passive learners into active contributors of knowledge.
  • Cutting-Edge Research Areas: Our focus is on contemporary, high-impact areas like Cognition and Behaviour, Data and Computation, Environment, and Energy.

Also Read : Purpose in Action, Innovation at Heart

  1. Industry-Focused Programs in Niche Areas

Our programs are designed in anticipation of future industry needs, ensuring immediate relevance and high graduate placement potential.

  • We have Future-Ready Programs such as B.Tech. in AI & Data Science, B.Tech. in Computer Science with IoT and B.Tech, in Computer Science with Cyber Security.
  • The B.Com. (Professional Accounting) program is specifically integrated with the Chartered Accountancy curriculum, providing a unique path for simultaneous degree and professional qualification.
  1.  By integrating a research-driven academic model, a flexible multidisciplinary structure, and a strong focus on social impact, SNU Chennai is operating not as an inheritor of the 20th-century model, but as a deliberate pioneer of the 21st-century educational paradigm in India. 

Tetr College of Business secures $18 million in maiden funding round

Tetr College of Business

Tetr College of Business, a global business school, has raised approximately Rs 154 crore (around $17.5–18 million) in its first institutional funding round. The investment was co‑led by Owl Ventures and Bertelsmann India Investments.

The parent company, Pmmue Eduservices Private Limited, issued 3,130 Series A compulsory‑convertible preference shares and 20 equity shares at about Rs 4.89 lakh each to raise the total amount. Owl Ventures contributed roughly Rs 88 crore, while Bertelsmann India Investments invested around Rs 66 crore. Following this round, Tetr’s post‑money valuation is estimated at approximately Rs 644 crore.

Founded in 2024 by Pratham Mittal, Tetr College of Business operates a venture-based education model. Undergraduate students build real ventures across multiple countries, including the USA, Italy, Singapore, Brazil, UAE, India, and Ghana.

Also Read: NICSI donates 75 refurbished computers to boost digital learning in Baghpat schools

The fresh capital will support several initiatives: establishing three new international campuses in the US, Europe, and Dubai; expanding operations across ten countries spanning North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa; and broadening academic offerings in management and entrepreneurship.

Although still in a pre‑revenue stage in FY24, Tetr reported a net loss of around Rs 70 lakh, mainly due to marketing and staffing expenses. The funding round is expected to accelerate its global expansion and reinforce its position as a venture-driven business education platform.

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