Home Blog Page 22

Nagaland University launches first interdisciplinary MA in language & culture to preserve Naga heritage

Nagaland University

Nagaland University has introduced a pioneering Master of Arts (MA) in Language and Culture, marking its first interdisciplinary postgraduate programme. Designed to safeguard and promote the rich linguistic and cultural legacy of the Naga communities, the course integrates diverse academic perspectives to encourage a more holistic and inclusive approach to education.

Offered by the Centre for Naga Tribal Language Studies, the two-year, four-semester programme is set to commence on August 5, with an initial intake of 20 students. Unlike conventional programmes confined to a single discipline, this course allows students to engage with multiple areas of study, fostering cross-disciplinary insight into language, literature, history, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Graduates of the programme will be eligible to appear for the UGC NET in three key areas—Linguistics, Folk Literature, and Tribal and Regional Languages—opening doors to a broad range of academic and professional opportunities. Career pathways include teaching, research, digital archiving, policy analysis, language planning, and roles in the development and consultancy sectors.

Speaking on the initiative, Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, said,

“This programme is a landmark initiative—our first interdisciplinary master’s degree—dedicated to preserving and promoting the Naga people’s heritage. It demonstrates our commitment to academic innovation, inclusivity, and indigenous knowledge.”

Also Read: IIM Raipur launches 12-month advanced certificate programme

Nagaland University, established under the Nagaland University Act 1989 and operational since September 6, 1994, is the 13th Central University in India. With jurisdiction across the state, the university continues to lead educational development in the Northeast through such forward-thinking programmes.

IIM Raipur launches 12-month advanced certificate programme

IIM Raipur

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur has introduced a 12-month Advanced Certificate Programme in General Management, aimed at empowering early to mid-career professionals with the cross-functional and digital leadership skills needed in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.

Offered in collaboration with edtech platform Emeritus, the fully online course begins on September 30, 2025, and is tailored for working professionals, including managers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and functional heads seeking enterprise-level leadership roles.

This strategic programme covers core business disciplines such as strategy, marketing, finance, operations, and HR, while also integrating emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GenAI), analytics, digital transformation, and cloud computing. Participants will benefit from a mix of live faculty-led sessions, recorded modules, six industry masterclasses, and an optional campus immersion for networking and peer learning.

Designed to develop data-driven, innovation-focused decision-makers, the programme addresses the growing need for professionals who can lead transformation across departments and industries.

Eligibility and Certification
Graduates (10+2+3) from UGC/AICTE/DEC/AIU-recognised universities and equivalent international bodies are eligible to apply. Upon successful completion and meeting evaluation criteria, participants will receive a certificate from IIM Raipur and gain alumni status, unlocking access to career services such as resume-building, interview prep, and IIMJobs Pro membership.

Priced at ₹1,45,000 + GST, this programme aligns with current leadership trends, especially in light of the EY CEO Outlook Pulse Survey 2025, which found that over 88% of Indian CEOs prioritize upskilling to stay competitive.

Also Read: Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 enters Guinness World Records

IIM Raipur, ranked 14th in the NIRF 2024 Management category and a member of the AACSB Business Education Alliance, continues to reshape executive education through future-forward, digitally enabled learning.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 enters Guinness World Records

Pariksha pe Charcha

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, the government’s flagship dialogue between students and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has etched its name in the Guinness World Records for achieving the highest number of registrations on a civic engagement platform within a month. With 3.53 crore verified entries on the MyGov platform, the 8th edition of this student-centric initiative has set a global benchmark in public participation and digital outreach.

Launched in 2018, PPC is an annual outreach where the Prime Minister engages directly with students, parents, and teachers to encourage stress-free exam preparation. Over the years, it has grown into one of India’s largest platforms for student engagement, aligning closely with the goals of NEP 2020, which promotes holistic and inclusive learning.

Celebrating the recognition, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed pride on social media platform X, sharing the moment with Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Electronics, IT & I&B, and Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics and IT. He acknowledged the overwhelming response, highlighting over 21 crore cumulative viewership across television and digital channels for PPC 2025.

The official Guinness World Record certificate was presented in a special ceremony in New Delhi, attended by key Union Ministers and top officials from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Electronics & IT. Rishi Nath, official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, validated the record.

Also Read: IIT Jammu, CSIR-IIIM & startups forge Alliance to boost innovation, entrepreneurship in J&K

Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that this mass participation reflects growing trust in digital governance and youth-focused initiatives, while Jitin Prasada credited the seamless technological infrastructure of MyGov for enabling such large-scale civic engagement.

The Ministry underlined PPC’s role in fostering emotional well-being, academic mindfulness, and exam confidence among millions of students nationwide.

IIT Jammu, CSIR-IIIM & startups forge Alliance to boost innovation, entrepreneurship in J&K

IIT Jammu

In a strategic move to promote innovation, technology-led entrepreneurship, and regional development, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) and three emerging startups. The agreement was signed on Sunday in Jammu, signaling a major push towards translational research and commercialization of lab-to-market innovations.

The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director of IIT Jammu, and Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, in the presence of senior faculty, researchers, and officials from both institutions.

The collaboration also brings on board three dynamic startups — Biogreen Projects (represented by Songbaran Chatterjee), Evlogia Eco Care (led by Manigandan Kumarappan), and Crop Domain (represented by Mahadeva Swamy). Their participation strengthens the alliance’s focus on sustainable technologies, eco-friendly products, and agri-biotech innovations.

According to the official statement, the partnership will harness CSIR-IIIM’s research strengths in natural products and drug discovery while leveraging IIT Jammu’s engineering and innovation capabilities. Together, they aim to co-develop scalable, market-ready technologies that address real-world challenges.

Supporting this initiative, IIT Jammu’s Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre (I3C) and CSIR-IIIM’s Technology Business Incubator (TBI) will provide critical incubation support — including mentoring, prototyping infrastructure, investor networking, and training programs — to help these startups grow and succeed.

The MoU envisions the seamless transition of scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable solutions in sectors such as healthcare, sustainable materials, and agricultural biotechnology. In addition, a series of industry-focused workshops, hands-on training sessions, and knowledge-sharing events will be organized to nurture local talent and create employment opportunities in the region.

Also Read: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches IIT Bombay’s AI-Powered TARA app

“This tripartite partnership is a milestone in our journey to link advanced research with societal benefit,” said Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur. “By combining the scientific depth of CSIR-IIIM, the technological prowess of IIT Jammu, and the agility of startups, we aim to deliver impactful innovations with national and global relevance.”

Senior officials emphasized that this collaboration is poised to transform Jammu into a thriving hub for scientific innovation and entrepreneurial excellence, fueling India’s vision for an innovation-driven economy.

IIT Bombay launches AI-Driven TARA App

IIT Bombay

In a significant stride toward enhancing foundational literacy in India, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, officially launched IIT Bombay’s innovative reading fluency assessment tool – TARA (Teacher’s Assistant for Reading Assessment), at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025 held in New Delhi.

Developed by Prof. Preeti Rao from the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Bombay, and her research team, TARA is a cutting-edge mobile application designed to evaluate Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) in children using voice-based artificial intelligence. The app measures reading attributes such as word decoding accuracy, reading pace, and expressive intonation, aligning with the foundational learning goals of the NIPUN Bharat Mission.

TARA utilizes patented audio signal processing technology and is powered by an AI engine trained on expert-annotated recordings of children reading texts at various skill levels. This ensures consistent, objective evaluation based on standardized rubrics, giving teachers actionable insights into individual student performance.

The project has been supported both financially and technically by the Tata Centre for Technology and Design (TCTD) at IIT Bombay and the Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship (2020–2025).

Adding further momentum to this initiative, IIT Bombay and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to scale the deployment of this digital ORF assessment platform across Indian schools. The MoU was signed by Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, and Mr. Aman Sharma, Secretary, NCERT.

Also Read: Banaras Hindu University welcomes Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi as the new Vice Chancellor

As part of the implementation, year-long assessments will be conducted using level-appropriate reading passages in both English and regional Indian languages. The system will offer a real-time dashboard to monitor reading proficiency trends across schools, grades, and regions. At the student level, a personalized report card will detail performance metrics like accuracy, words correct per minute (WCPM), pace, and expression. Moreover, the feedback will be mapped to curricular learning outcomes, enabling educators to address learning gaps effectively and adapt instruction accordingly.

This strategic collaboration between academia and policy aims to usher in a data-driven approach to literacy evaluation, empowering teachers and improving educational outcomes at scale.

Banaras Hindu University welcomes Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi as the new Vice Chancellor

Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi

After a gap of over seven months since the departure of Prof Sudhir Kumar Jain on January 7, 2025, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has welcomed a new Vice-Chancellor. Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, a distinguished academician from IIT Kanpur, has been officially appointed as the 29th Vice Chancellor of BHU.

The appointment was confirmed through a communication from the Union Ministry of Education addressed to the BHU Registrar. As per the official letter, President Droupadi Murmu, in her capacity as the Visitor of BHU, has approved Prof. Ajit’s appointment for a three-year term starting from the date he assumes office, or until he turns 70, whichever comes earlier.

Prof. Ajit Chaturvedi holds BTech, MTech, and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, completed in 1986, 1988, and 1995, respectively. His academic journey began at the Department of Electronics Engineering, IIT-BHU (then IT-BHU), where he taught from 1994 to 1996. He subsequently joined IIT Roorkee and later moved to IIT Kanpur in 1999.

Over the years, Prof. Ajit has held several key leadership roles. At IIT Kanpur, he served as Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, Dean of Research & Development, and Deputy Director. In 2012, he was elevated to the prestigious HAG Professor rank and was honored with the Sanjay and Rachna Pradhan Chair Professorship in 2015.

In 2017, he became the Director of IIT Roorkee, a role he served in until October 2022. His leadership portfolio also includes tenure as Director of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla (2017–2018) and Director of IIT Mandi (2020–2022). Following these assignments, he returned to his alma mater, IIT Kanpur.

An expert in communication theory and wireless communications, Prof Chaturvedi has made significant contributions to India’s telecom sector. He led the BSNL-IITK Telecom Centre of Excellence, which played a critical role in policy and technological advancements in telecommunications.

Also Read: EdTech startup Arivihan secures $4.17 million

His accolades include the INSA Teachers Award, IIT Kanpur’s Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Tan Chin Tuan Fellowship from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. He is also a founding member of the Telecom Standards Development Society of India (TSDSI) and served on the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) spectrum allocation committee in 2008.

With his extensive academic background, administrative expertise, and forward-thinking vision, Prof Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi is poised to usher in a new era for Banaras Hindu University, aligning it with global standards in education and research.

 

EdTech startup Arivihan secures $4.17 million

Arivihan

Indore-based edtech startup Arivihan has secured $4.17 million in a recent funding round led by Dutch investment giant Prosus, with participation from Silicon Valley-based Accel and GSF Investors.

The newly raised capital will support Arivihan’s plans to expand into three additional Indian states, accelerate AI research and development, enhance regional language support, and strengthen offline distribution and marketing strategies.

Targeting school students from Tier II, Tier III, and rural regions, Arivihan offers a fully automated, personalised learning platform that helps learners prepare for State Board exams, CBSE, and NEET, at just ₹300 per month.

Launched with a focus on Class 12 State Board students in Madhya Pradesh, the platform later expanded to support NEET aspirants. Encouraged by the positive response, Arivihan has already launched in Rajasthan and is now moving into Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.

Unlike general-purpose language models, Arivihan uses a custom-trained open-source AI model, fine-tuned with millions of syllabus-specific data points. The platform delivers highly contextual responses in Hindi and Hinglish, tailored to the student’s curriculum and level of understanding.

Also Read: Galgotias University inks MoU with UAE–India CEPA Council

With a goal to acquire 80,000 to 100,000 new subscribers this year, Arivihan is positioning itself as a pioneering AI-enabled education platform for regional learners. It had earlier raised $750,000 through Accel’s Atoms seed-stage program.

Dhruv Gupta, investor at Prosus, commented, “Education is one of the most promising areas where AI can create lasting impact. Arivihan is innovating where it matters most—making quality education accessible to students in underserved regions.”

Galgotias University inks MoU with UAE–India CEPA Council

Galgotias University

Galgotias University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE–India CEPA Council, paving the way for high-potential student startups to enter global markets through the UAE–India Start-Up Series Roadshow.

This collaboration, spearheaded by the university’s innovation arm GIC RISE (Galgotias Incubation Centre for Research Innovation Startup & Entrepreneurs), marks a major milestone in promoting cross-border entrepreneurial growth. The agreement was formalized by Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, and Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE–India CEPA Council, during the seventh stop of the prestigious roadshow.

The partnership is aimed at providing selected startups from Galgotias with direct exposure to the UAE’s dynamic startup ecosystem. This includes access to investors, mentorship from global leaders, incubation in innovation hubs, and fast-track business licensing support across leading UAE free zones.

“Through this MoU, we are unlocking global opportunities for our student entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Dhruv Galgotia. “At GIC RISE, we are committed to creating a launchpad that connects local innovation to global impact.”

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi said, “The UAE–India Start-Up Series is building a robust pipeline between Indian innovation and the UAE’s expanding knowledge economy. Startups from Galgotias will benefit from tailored incubation support, investor connections, and strategic market access.”

Also Read: What if your next big break starts with a dice roll at an education event in 2025?

GIC RISE has been nurturing innovation through a wide range of programs including startup bootcamps, innovation fellowships, pitch competitions, and accelerator connects. The centre’s focus on hands-on mentoring, infrastructure, and ecosystem development makes it one of the leading university-based incubation models in India.

With this international tie-up, Galgotias University reinforces its role as a catalyst in shaping globally competitive, innovation-driven entrepreneurs.

What if your next big break starts with a dice roll at an education event in 2025?

WES Delhi 2025

Somewhere in Hyderabad, a university was bleeding talent.
In Gujarat, a newly minted private institute couldn’t crack its first industry MoU.
And in the outskirts of Bengaluru, a team of deans tried unsuccessfully for months to get a meeting with a national accreditation leader.

Sound familiar?

They all had one thing in common: they weren’t in the room.

Then came a whisper, a link, a lead.
A buzz about Asia and the Middle East’s most influential higher education gathering: The 33rd Elets World Education Summit.

They didn’t know it then, but that one move? It rewired their entire trajectory.

Roll the Dice – Which Player Are You in the Education Event 2025 Game?

The Visionary VC

You’re reimagining your institution with AI, XR, or blended industry programs. But you need frameworks, funding, or the right global partners to scale.

Your Next Move?
Meet Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe – the man behind India’s tectonic NAAC shake-up and Chairman of NETF, NAAC, and NBA.
He’s not just speaking – he’s strategising with insiders.

The Partnership Seeker

You’ve tried LinkedIn DMs, cold calls, and email chains. Nothing.
Now imagine shaking hands directly with:

  • Prof. (Dr.) T G Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE
  • Rishikesh Patankar, VP, NSDC
  • Delegates from Digital India, Bhashini, and MeitY Startup Hub
  • And Temjen Imna Along, Hon’ble Minister from Nagaland, is here as Guest of Honour

These aren’t just speakers. These are decision-makers. The ones who sign, seal, and fund.

The Global Connector

Want to expand across South Asia or the Middle East?
Guess who’s walking into the summit with bilateral intent?

  • Sri Lanka – Confirmed Country Partner
  • HE Mahishini Colonne, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India
  • India’s top scientific, digital, and skilling missions — all under one roof

This isn’t a keynote fest. This is a real-time collaboration lab. Where what’s said on stage becomes what’s drafted in a breakout. Where policies get clarified, campuses get invited, and ideas get funded.

If you’re still waiting for a call back from a bureaucrat or a Fortune 500 contact, maybe you’re playing the wrong game.

Also Read: What if the future of Indian higher education is being rewritten at this education summit in Delhi?

Join the Simulation Before It’s Sold Out

  • Only 2 days.
  • Only a few hundred seats.
  • Infinite plays — if you’re in the room.

This is the summit where:

  • Government regulators are supporting.
  • Country partnerships aren’t theoretical.
  • And access to people like Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe or Prof. T G Sitharam isn’t a fantasy — it’s a handshake away.

Ready to Play?

Your ticket to the 33rd Elets World Education Summit isn’t just entry. It’s your next career pivot.

Ask yourself:
Are you going to keep emailing?
Or are you going to sit at the table where next-gen decisions are being made?

Register today for the most influential and premier gathering of education leaders.

Get in Touch: http://bit.ly/4l1Jlsx

Be in the room where higher education changes course.

Top Australian Universities set to launch campuses in India under NEP push

Australian Universities

Marking a significant milestone on the fifth anniversary of India’s National Education Policy (NEP), three premier Australian universities have received the Letter of Intent to establish campuses in India, according to senior officials from the Ministry of Education. This move aligns with India’s vision of internationalising its higher education ecosystem and fostering global academic partnerships.

The three institutions granted approval are Western Sydney University (WSU), Victoria University (VU), and La Trobe University. Each is poised to bring its unique academic strengths and global expertise to the Indian education landscape.

Western Sydney University – Greater Noida

Founded in 1989, WSU is a prominent public research university in Australia, operating 13 campuses with over 49,000 students. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social impact, WSU will be establishing its India campus in Greater Noida.
The proposed courses include:

  • BA in Business Analytics
  • BA in Business Marketing
  • MBA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • MBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Victoria University – Noida

Established in 1916, Victoria University is among Australia’s few dual-sector universities offering both vocational and higher education programs. With a robust international presence in countries like China, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, VU is recognised for its applied research in sports science, IT, and business. Its Noida campus is expected to launch the following programs:

Undergraduate Courses:

  • Business
  • Data Science
  • Cyber Security

Postgraduate Courses:

  • MBA
  • Master’s in Information Technology

La Trobe University – Bengaluru

Founded in 1964, La Trobe University is celebrated for its cutting-edge research in biotechnology, smart city solutions, and molecular science. The university’s upcoming Bengaluru campus will focus on fields that align with India’s development priorities.
Planned offerings include:

  • Bachelor’s in Business
  • Bachelor’s in Computer Science
  • Bachelor’s in Public Health

This initiative follows the 2023 UGC guidelines, allowing Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) to operate independently in India, ensuring global quality standards while catering to domestic demand.

Also Read: IIIT Hyderabad builds AI Platform SARAL

With the introduction of these globally reputed universities, India is set to strengthen its standing as an emerging hub for international education in South Asia.

LATEST NEWS